Inspire means "to influence, move, or guide by divine or supernatural inspiration" (Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary). In other words, saying that the Bible is God's word is the same as saying that the Bible is inspired by God. Just stating in the Bible that it is inspired by God does not make it so. Anyone can write a book and claim divine inspiration. The Bible does make that claim, but it also backs it up with truths that stand the test of time. No other book has been or could be written by 40 different writers in 3 different languages in several different countries over hundreds of years and yet be completely harmonious and without error or contradiction.
| 2 Timothy 3:16,17 |
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good
work. |
| 2 Peter 1:20,21 |
knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private
interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy
men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. |
| 1 Corinthians 14:37 |
If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that
the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:13 |
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the
word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men,
but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who
believe. |
| John 14:26; 16:13 |
[Jesus said to the apostles] "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will
teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to
you....However, when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all
truth; for He will not speak on His own authority, but whatever He hears He
will speak; and He will tell you things to come." |
| Mark 16:20 |
And they [the apostles] went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and
confirming the word through the accompanying signs. Amen. |
| Hebrews 2:3,4 |
How shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at the first began
to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed to us by those who heard [Him,] God also bearing witness both with signs and wonders, with various
miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? |
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