2. 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”

3. Where will this lead? Where will… Where will… – “the thoughts are inspired but not the words” lead? – “it becomes inspired when encountered” lead? – “only part of the Bible is inspired” lead? – “Bible writers slipped and made some mistakes” lead? – “the Bible only has God’s thoughts and not His words” lead? – “the Bible is open to a wide range of interpretations” lead? – “the Bible cannot be approached as THE WORDS of God” lead? – “the Bible is a fallible book written by fallible men” lead? – “there are obvious and real contradictions in the Bible” lead? – “the Bible is NOT the verbally inspired Word of God” lead? – “to think every word is from God is a naïve assumption” lead?

4. Where will this lead? It will lead millions of souls to make the same damnable affirmation as the avid atheist, Dan Barker, did in his February 12, 2009, debate with Kyle Butt (1:54:59-1:56:19). It will lead millions of souls to make the same damnable affirmation as the avid atheist, Dan Barker, did in his February 12, 2009, debate with Kyle Butt (1:54:59-1:56:19). Play

5. Where will this lead? It will lead millions of souls to make the same damnable affirmation as the avid atheist, Dan Barker, did in his February 12, 2009, debate with Kyle Butt (1:54:59-1:56:19). It will lead millions of souls to make the same damnable affirmation as the avid atheist, Dan Barker, did in his February 12, 2009, debate with Kyle Butt (1:54:59-1:56:19). It is but a small step: It is but a small step: – From “some of the Bible is from God” To “none of the Bible is from God” – From “there are mistakes in some parts of the Bible” To “there are mistakes in all parts of the Bible” – From “not every single word in the Bible is from God” To “not any single word in the Bible is from God” – From “the thoughts/concepts in the Bible are inspired” To “nothing in the Bible is inspired”

6. 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

7. THE TRUTH: The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of God “The original documents of the Bible were written by men, who, though permitted the exercise of their own personalities and literary talents, yet wrote under the control and guidance of the Spirit of God, the result being in every word of the original documents a perfect and errorless recording of the exact message which God desired to give to man.” - Frank E. Gaebelein

8. THE TRUTH: The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of God Inspiration is “that inexplicable power which the Divine Spirit put forth of old on the authors of holy Scripture, in order to their guidance even in the employment of the words they used, and to preserve them alike from all error and from all omission.” - L. Glaussen, Theopneustia—The Plenary Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures

9. THE TRUTH: The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of God 1.Unexplained power 2.of the Holy Spirit 3.exerted on the writers 4.in order to guide 5.and to preserve - from error - and omission - L. Glaussen, Theopneustia—The Plenary Inspiration of the Holy Scriptures

10. THE TRUTH: The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of God “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 Tim. 3:16-17). – ALL – SCRIPTURE (Gk, graphe) = denotes writing (i.e., sacred writings) – Writing is composed of words, thus we have an emphatic declaration of verbal inspiration! – INSPIRATION = “God-breathed”

11. 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

12. 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).

13. 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!

14. 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”

15. 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!

16. Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 3.Christ promised words to His apostles – The words of the gospel would be given them “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:19, NASB). “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:19, NASB). “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matt. 18:18, NASB). “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matt. 18:18, NASB). “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:25-26). “These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:25-26).

17. Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 4.Writers were conscious of inspiration – Fully aware they were recording the words of God “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:19-21). “And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:19-21). “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you…” (1 Cor. 11:23). Had to be in the form of words “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you…” (1 Cor. 11:23). Had to be in the form of words “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord…” (1 Thess. 4:15). “For this we say to you by the word of the Lord…” (1 Thess. 4:15).

18. Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 4.Writers were conscious of inspiration – Fully aware they were recording the words of God “…when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). “…when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13). “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). “If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37). When Philip preached in Samaria, those people to whom he spoke had heard “the word of God” (Acts 8:14). When Philip preached in Samaria, those people to whom he spoke had heard “the word of God” (Acts 8:14).

19. Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 4.Writers were conscious of inspiration – Fully aware they were recording the words of God “For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:12). “For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:12). “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words” (1 Cor. 2:11-13, NASB). The mind of God was revealed in inspired words recorded by Holy Spirit led men. “For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words” (1 Cor. 2:11-13, NASB). The mind of God was revealed in inspired words recorded by Holy Spirit led men.

20. Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout Scripture 5.Writers considered one another’s productions to be inspired of God – Considered OT & NT equally inspired Scripture “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God!” “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God!” “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages’” (1 Tim. 5:18; combined Deut. 25:4 & Luke 10:7 and classified both as “Scripture”). “For the Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages’” (1 Tim. 5:18; combined Deut. 25:4 & Luke 10:7 and classified both as “Scripture”). “…as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:15-16). “…as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:15-16).

21. 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).