The world says, “The Bible is…” Only fascinating stories Only fascinating stories A good book A good book Outdated! Outdated! A myth A myth Guidelines Guidelines Only history Only history Misinterpreted Misinterpreted Open to many interpretations Open to many interpretations Suggestions Suggestions A lie!! A lie!! Not to be taken literally Not to be taken literally Contradictory Contradictory Changed Changed One of many One of many Not inspired Not inspired Fables Fables Adaptable Adaptable Confusing Confusing Not the word of God Not the word of God Hard to understand Hard to understand Not relevant Not relevant The greatest hoax ever told The greatest hoax ever told Created by man Created by man Mind-numbing Mind-numbing Opium for the people Opium for the people Brain-washing Brain-washing Good for moral living Good for moral living

Summary of Various Skepticism Unbelievers who discard the Bible entirely Unbelievers who discard the Bible entirely “Religious” folks who redefine inspiration to “Religious” folks who redefine inspiration to – include other books besides the Bible, or – say writers were “creative geniuses, unusually talented,” or – say it’s inspired in “sense” (in thoughts/concepts) but not in “sentence” (the very words) [Dynamic Inspiration], – claim Bible becomes inspired when “encountered,” – suggest inspiration was accomplished only by mechanical dictation. “Highly educated scholars” who affirm that the Bible is inspired, but only certain parts “Highly educated scholars” who affirm that the Bible is inspired, but only certain parts – Dates, numbers, places, events not inspired – Only matters of doctrine, morals & faith are inspired, all others liable to mistakes by good, but fallible men – Must “demythologize” the Bible – Discrepancies—result of writer’s “slip of the mind”

THE TRUTH: The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of God “Verbal” = the very words (every word, not merely the thoughts) are God directed/permitted “Verbal” = the very words (every word, not merely the thoughts) are God directed/permitted “Plenary” = full, each & every part is inspired “Plenary” = full, each & every part is inspired

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 1.More than 3,800 times in Old Testament 2.Jesus endorsed verbal inspiration 3.Christ promised His apostles words 4.Writers were conscious of inspiration 5.Writers considered one another’s productions to be inspired

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 1.More than 3,800 times in Old Testament – “Thus saith the Lord” “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Write this for a memorial in the book…’” (Ex. 17:14). “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Write this for a memorial in the book…’” (Ex. 17:14). “And God spoke all these words, saying…” (Ex. 20:1). “And God spoke all these words, saying…” (Ex. 20:1). “…the LORD spoke to Moses” (100+ times in Ex, Lev, Num) “…the LORD spoke to Moses” (100+ times in Ex, Lev, Num) “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2). “The Spirit of the LORD spoke by me, And His word was on my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2). “I have put My words in your mouth” (Isa. 51:16). “I have put My words in your mouth” (Isa. 51:16).

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 1.More than 3,800 times in Old Testament – “Thus saith the Lord” “Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: ‘Behold, I have put My words in your mouth’…Therefore thus says the LORD God of hosts: ‘Because you speak this word, Behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire…’” (Jer. 1:9; 5:14). “Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my mouth, and the LORD said to me: ‘Behold, I have put My words in your mouth’…Therefore thus says the LORD God of hosts: ‘Because you speak this word, Behold, I will make My words in your mouth fire…’” (Jer. 1:9; 5:14). Jeremiah – “the word of the Lord” (more than 70 times) Jeremiah – “the word of the Lord” (more than 70 times) Ezekiel – “the word of the Lord” (more than 60 times) Ezekiel – “the word of the Lord” (more than 60 times) Hosea, Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi – all begin with “the word of the Lord” Hosea, Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi – all begin with “the word of the Lord” The Scriptures are exalted as the Word of God some 175 times in Psalm 119 alone! The Scriptures are exalted as the Word of God some 175 times in Psalm 119 alone!

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 2.Jesus endorsed verbal inspiration – Affirming the Divine origin of the Old Testament He affirmed that “one jot or one tittle” would not pass away from the law “till all is fulfilled” (Matt. 5:17-18). He affirmed that “one jot or one tittle” would not pass away from the law “till all is fulfilled” (Matt. 5:17-18). Frequently introduced O.T. quotations with, “It is written,” validating the truthfulness of the teaching. Frequently introduced O.T. quotations with, “It is written,” validating the truthfulness of the teaching. Made arguments based on the text of the O.T., wherein He stressed very precise grammatical points. Made arguments based on the text of the O.T., wherein He stressed very precise grammatical points. – Matthew 22:32 - depends on present tense, “I am the God…” – Matthew 22:41 - emphasis on a single word, “Lord”

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 3.Christ promised words to His apostles – The words of the gospel would be given them “But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (Matt. 10:19-20). “But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (Matt. 10:19-20). “Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer” (Luke 21:14). “Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer” (Luke 21:14). That has to involve their very words! That has to involve their very words!

What does the Bible say? “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 Timothy 3:16-17).