Though a number of opinions are often expressed concerning the inspiration of the Bible, not only do these views rarely take into consideration the clear teachings of the Bible itself but all too often even contradict the very Word they seek to uphold.  Having established the New Testament as a reliable historical document that is accurate, consistent and true in every way, what does it say concerning this all-important subject?

First, the Word of God is eternal.  In order to firmly establish the divinity of Christ in the mind of his readers, John began his gospel account by recounting the history of the pre-incarnate Word.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  The same was in the beginning with God” (1:1-2).  Just as God Himself is eternal (Romans 16:26) His Word has existed from eternity.  History itself supports this since God has spoken to “the fathers in the prophets” from “old time” and “hath at the end of these days spoken unto us in his Son” (Hebrews 1:1-2).  It is for this reason that God’s Word continues to stand firm today, even with the passage of time (Matthew 5:18) and remains a powerful testament to His providence.  “For, All flesh is as grass, And all the glory thereof as the flower of grass.  The grass withereth, and the flower falleth:  But the word of the Lord abideth for ever” (1 Peter 1:24-25).

Secondly, the Word of God is spiritual.  God is spirit (John 4:24) and therefore revealed Himself through His Spirit to those who are themselves spiritual.  “These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.  But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:13-14, NKJV).  We know then not merely what some man said about God, we know the very words of God as they exist in His own mind (2:16).  Those who reject the Word of God then do not prove its insufficiency for belief, salvation and godly living but only confirm the stubbornness of their own hearts (John 12:48; 20:30-31) and therefore their own lack of spirituality (1 Corinthians 14:37).

Finally, the Word of God is powerful.  “For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and quick to discern the thoughts and intents of the heart.  And there is no creature that is not manifest in his sight:  but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:12-13).  It is for this reason that we examine our own spirituality, way of thinking and motives to determine areas in which we need to improve our character (2 Corinthians 13:5; James 1:22-25).  After all if the Word is the foundation of our faith (Romans 10:17) should it not play an essential role in the growth of that faith (1 Peter 2:2; 2 Peter 3:18)?

The Word of God then is more than the religious ramblings of mere men (2 Peter 1:19-21); it is the means by which God has prepared us to be and live as His children making it personal and practical in every possible way.  For “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV; cf. 2 Peter 1:3).