1--Inspiration of the Bible

"Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For 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 1:20, 21

Note: When we read this text we might think that we need more proof those who wrote Scriptural prophecy were not moved by anything but their own imagination, or worse. Yet, I believe you will find they were most certainly moved by God’s Spirit. As we shall see, when we study the prophecies later, God had to truly be behind them In the meantime, the only way we can begin to see if the Bible is true is to study it with an open mind. We cannot learn any subject very well if we enter the study of it with a closed mind. If the Bible is God’s message to mankind, as many for centuries have believed, we ought to give God a chance to reveal Himself in it.

"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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." – 2 Timothy 3:16, 17

Note: One Scriptural proof of the inspiration of the Bible is what it has done in the life of many people who really follow it. This text they have taken to heart and indeed have found it profitable for their daily lives. It helps them to be better people. The positive virtues – such as kindness, patience, self-control – begin to appear in individuals who use to be just the opposite. There is ample proof the Bible has changed men’s lives for the better.

"Thy word [is] a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." – Psalm 119:105

Note: Wouldn’t it be wonderful to always know we were going in the right direction? Life can be perplexing at times. Every human has times of despair, perplexity, doubt, trouble, suffering of various kinds. Some become so desperate , because they do not see any way out. Some even commit suicide or become mentally imbalanced or turn to drugs or alcohol Others try to escape their troubles in other ways. But if God becomes their personal friend, and His word becomes their book, they always have a lighted path. Their faith in a loving God helps them to walk that path. They trust and depend on Him for their future.

"Every word of God [is] pure: he [is] a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar." – Proverbs 30:5, 6

Note: With God as our shield and defender, we need not fear anything. Yet, to have this trust we need to read and understand His words to us. If we add to His words by our own private interpretation, instead of letting the Bible interpret itself, we are in danger of falling into error. We humans can be deceived. Later in our studies we will find out why any of us can be deceived, if we don’t carefully and prayerfully let God control our lives.

"To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, [it is] because [there is] no light in them." – Isaiah 8:20

Note: If any human tells us something is true that we know from God’s written word is not true, we cannot accept it no matter who the person is. If we are not sure, we need to check it out for ourselves. Perhaps starting by asking for proof texts. Often, one or two texts on a subject are not enough. God can and will help us, if we ask Him and we search the Scriptures.

"Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth." – John 17:17

Note: As we spoke of earlier, one of the greatest proofs the Bible is inspired is the changes seen in men’s lives. You can find this out as you get to know individuals who the Lord is in the process of sanctifying. This doesn’t mean they are already perfect, yet some of them have made some tremendous changes in their lives. These changes have been a blessing to those around them.

"For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received [it] not [as] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe." – 1 Thessalonians 2:13

Note: Faith is needed. Yet, God will give us ample proof, as we learn to trust Him. When you are convicted that something you read in His word is true, don’t resist accepting it as truth, even though it might go against your human desires or feelings. We can’t go by desires or feelings. Later, we will understand this better. If you receive the word of God in your heart and mind it will effectively work in your life.

"For the word of God [is] quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and [is] a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." – Hebrews 4:12

Note: We talked of conviction in the last comment. This text gives a little more light on how the Spirit of God convicts us through the reading of the Bible. This text lets us know how deep and penetrating the truths in God’s word can go. Our hearts and minds are strongly affected by it. That’s why lives can be changed so dramatically by real study and prayer.

CONCLUSION:
If the Bible is so inspired it can change lives for the better, isn’t it worth spending ample time studying it?