October 03, 2017

God’s Divinely Inspired Word

2 Timothy 3:14-17

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped. . . .

—  2 Timothy 3:16-17

The Bible is exceptional and unique because it is God’s own project from beginning to end. This is the foundational teaching of the Reformation, for it is through Scripture alone that God reveals his salvation plan.

The difference between the Bible and other collections of wisdom across the ages and around the world is that those collections are inspired by human wisdom. The Bible, says the apostle Paul, is divinely inspired. The term that Paul uses to describe this inspiration can be simply and profoundly referred to as “God-breathed.”

How the Bible is God-breathed is truly a mystery. God the Holy Spirit has spoken universal truth throughout history in all kinds of circumstances. Despite a vast array of personalities with all of their individual gifts, quirks, strengths, and shortcomings, the Holy Spirit has spoken in and through the many writers of the Bible to his people in the past as well as today.

Because the words of the Bible are “God-breathed,” or inspired, they are wholly trustworthy, giving us all we need for faith and for living a life that pleases God.

Are you steeped in God’s Word? If not, let it become the bedrock of your daily life, nourishing, challenging, and leading you in pleasing God and loving your neighbor.

Thank you, Lord, for your inspired Word. As I read it each day, guide me to the truths that will equip me with all I need to live faithfully for you. Amen.

About the author — Kurt Selles

Kurt Selles is the director of ReFrame Ministries and serves as the Executive Editor of Today. He is a graduate of Calvin College and Seminary, and received his PhD from Vanderbilt University. Before coming to ReFrame, he served 19 years in Taiwan and China with CRC World Missions. Kurt later taught missions at Beeson Divinity School, where he also acted as the director of the school’s Global Center. Kurt and his wife, Vicki, reside in Grand Rapids and have three adult children.

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