Can I Trust in God's Word
The Bible tells us that "All Scripture," both Old and New
Testament, from Genesis to Revelation, was "given by inspiration of
God" (II Timothy 3:16). The Greek word theopnuestos, translated
as "inspiration", literally means "God breathed". God
"breathed" truth into men's minds. The writer's in turn
expressed it in the words found in the Scriptures.
Just as Jesus "became flesh and dwelt among us" John 1:14, so
in order for us to understand truth, the Bible was given in the language
of humanity. The Bible writers testify that their messages come directly
from God. It is "the word of the Lord" that came to Jeremiah,
Ezekiel, Hosea, and others (Jeremiah 1:1, 2, 9; Ezekiel 1:3; Hosea1:1;
Joel1:1; Jonah1:1) As messengers of the Lord (Haggai 1:13; II Chronicle
36:16), God's prophets were commanded to speak in His name, saying
"Thus says the Lord" (Ezekiel 2:4; cf. Isaiah 7:7). His words
constitute their divine credentials and authority.
The New Testament recognized the role of the Holy Spirit in the
production of the Old Testament. Jesus said that David was inspired by the
Holy Spirit (Mark 12:36). Paul believed that the Holy Spirit spoke
"through Isaiah" (Acts 28:25). Peter revealed that the Holy
Spirit guided all the prophets, not just a few (I Peter 1:10, 11; II Peter
1:21).
Throughout His Ministry, Jesus stressed the authority of the
Scriptures. When tempted by Satan or battling His opponents, "It Is
Written" was His defense and offense (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10; Luke
20:17). "Man shall not live by bread alone," He said, "but
by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God" (Matthew 4:4).
When asked how one could enter into eternal life, He answered, "What
is written in the law? What is your reading of it?" (Luke 10:26).
So God, in the person of the Holy Spirit has revealed Himself through
the Holy Scriptures. He wrote them, not with His hands, but it was written
by over forty authors in a 1500 year time span. And since God the Holy
Spirit inspired the writers, God, then is its author.
God graciously calls us to become acquainted with Him by searching His
Word. In it we can find the rich blessing of the assurance of our
salvation. We can discover for ourselves that the Scriptures are
"profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness." Through them we "may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work" (II Timothy 3:16,17).
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