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Monthly Question Page
Q. We say the Bible is inspired. What exactly does the word inspired or inspiration mean?
A. The English word is derived from two Latin words, in spiro, meaning to “to breathe into.” That is why we sometimes say the Bible is “God breathed.” It’s the action of the Holy Spirit on a living messenger by which he is enabled to receive, utter, or record the divine message. Scripture is the result of that sacred influence, recorded in writing and preserved to us. “Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21). It was not their own opinions, or how they saw things, but exactly what God told them to write. “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God” (2 Timothy 3:16).
To understand this divine message, even though the words are very simple to comprehend, requires divine enlightenment. The study of the Bible must be by spiritual means. We must approach it by looking to the Lord to guide by His Spirit. “The Spirit of truth … will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13). “The inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding” (Job 32:8).
More next month.
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