"Every scripture is divinely inspired [God-breathed], and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be complete, fully fitted to every good work." 2 Tim. 3:16, 1716All 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 3:16‑17) JND.
As Jehovah magnified His Word above all His name, so did our Lord take His stand on the written Word, the Scriptures, as the most authoritative of all testimonies. All Scripture—every part of it—is God-inspired for permanence, and the true end of controversy for those that believe. But those who do not believe must learn their sin and folly in the judgment.
The question is in no way whether the writers knew or did not know what they wrote, but whether they were inspired of God to write it. "Every scripture" is God-breathed. This alone makes it God's Word, not its known truth or usefulness, but His inspiring it, and this we have in every scripture.
Some writers may be elevated and others simple, some may be pathetic and others severe, but all are God-inspired. The plain evidence is that they are part of the Scriptures. In the New Testament we have differences with as wide a range as the Epistle of James from those of Paul, and the Gospel of Mark from that of John. But they are as equally inspired, as their writings are part of the Scriptures. Inspiration of God is a fact, and does not admit of varying degrees.
It is quite within the power of the Holy Spirit in giving God's Word to adopt the style of each individual writer. But no effort on a writer's part could make his words to be God's. Even before an adversary, the Lord told the twelve to have no anxiety how or what to speak, for in the hour of need it should be given. "For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you." Matt. 10:2020For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you. (Matthew 10:20).
How much more was that divine energy needed and given, when it was not their exoneration in question, but the communication of God's mind and will for His own and forever! Indeed, it is no more than a certain fact, for every scripture is God-inspired.
Speculation into the "how" of inspiration is a prying into what is not revealed and therefore unwise and unbecoming. We are not told how God inspired the writers of the Scriptures. It is probable that none could know except those who were so energized. Theories "mechanical" or "dynamical" are out of place and explain nothing. As 1 Cor. 2 maintains the principle, the necessity, and the fact of Spirit-taught words, so 2 Tim. 3:1616All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: (2 Timothy 3:16) speaks, not of the revelation before the mind only, but of "Scripture" and declares it as inspired of God. This is the all-important truth conveyed.
It is God Himself in Scripture that removes all doubt about Scripture and every part of it. One can conceive no other communication more distinct or conclusive. The language is as plain as its aim is spiritually momentous, and its intimation is of the utmost practical interest and value.
Young Christian