Correspondence: Bible Inspired and Apocrypha Not

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 6
Question 93: What proof have we that the Bible is the inspired Word of God, and by what authority do we know that the Apocrypha is not inspired? M. G.
Answer: The Bible claims in both Old and New Testament to be the Word of God (Isa. 1:2, 102Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the Lord hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me. (Isaiah 1:2)
10Hear the word of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom; give ear unto the law of our God, ye people of Gomorrah. (Isaiah 1:10), etc.; 2 Tim. 3:15-1715And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 16All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:15‑17); 2 Peter 1:2121For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21)). To unbelief there is no proof, but to faith it proves itself to be God’s Word by what it works in the soul. Applied by the, Spirit it makes us feel our need, and presents Christ to us, meeting the need and satisfying our affections. Everything in it circles around Him. The Scriptures have one mind, that is, to honor Him. It is this that proves it to faith to be the Word of God. It declares Christ to be the Son of God. It is woven together as one mind He gives it authority in the soul. John 5:39,46-4739Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. (John 5:39)
46For had ye believed Moses, ye would have believed me: for he wrote of me. 47But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:46‑47).
Those who have examined the Apocrypha say that it lacks the above qualities and is thus proven to be an imitation, the writings of uninspired men.