Divine Inspiration

Most Excellent Theophilus,¹

            I am writing to you in order to discuss how the inspiration of the scriptures has come about. This is going to touch on a difficult and possibly dividing subject. It will, by necessity, contain some content concerning free-will and Calvinism. This is an important subject which needs to be discussed openly, and one which I hope to write to discuss with you at a later date. For now, however, I urge grace and charity in all things. In Ephesians 4:1-3 Paul admonishes the church in Ephesus, and now the modern church also, saying “I…urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”² You see Paul knew that there would be disagreement within the church, Paul even disagreed with Peter (Cephas)³. Therefore, calling for a spirit of unity, just as Christ had done⁴, he urges the church to treat each other with love, humility, and gentleness even in our disagreement. Also, I am eager to hear your thoughts regarding this matter. Now, I will discuss different theories of inspiration with consideration towards multiple views of free-will and Calvinism.

            First, I find it prudent to review 2 Peter 1:19-21⁵. In my previous letter I focused mainly upon verses 19 and 20; now, however, I want to train our focus on verse 21. Here Peter highlights and centralizes the role of the Holy Spirit in the inspiration and writing of the Scriptures. He makes clear that the authors of Scripture were “carried along by the Holy Spirit.”⁵ This seems very clear at first blush, yet given the context of the entire Bible, we find it could take on several different meanings.

            Now, first we will discuss what is called Divine Dictation. This is a way in which the human authors could produce an inspired text. It entails that all of scripture was dictated to the authors and they simply wrote it down. Thus, on this view, all of Scripture is inspired in virtue of it being directly spoken by God. Thus, the authors were indeed carried along by the Holy Spirit by simply writing down those words he gave to them.

            This view of Divine Dictation has fallen out of favor in the modern church, and with good reason. When we look through the text of the Scriptures, we find that it seems the authors did have an influence on what was written down. Take for example 2 Timothy 4:19-22.⁶ Here Paul sends greetings from those he is with and informs us of some of the life events that are taking place. It would seem then that this was the writing of Paul and not a Divine Dictation. It would seem perfectly acceptable for Paul to not include the greetings from someone or to include more greetings. Either way, the letter is still doctrinally the same. Furthermore, in Pslam 139:22⁷ the author expresses hatred for his fellow man. Certainly this is not God expressing hatred; that would be contrary to his character, his very nature. Therefore, it seems that the Divine Dictation of the scripture falls short in producing the inspired texts that we find in Scripture.

            How then can we say that the inspired scriptures came about? Well, for those who are Calvinist it seems there is no problem at all.  God simply decreed that those authors would write an inspired text and they simply had no choice in the matter. They are carried along by the Holy Spirit and his absolute decree; thus, inspired texts are produced. But, for those who do not find Calvinism compelling, how are you to consider the Scriptures?

            This is somewhat more difficult. First, we need to consider the nature of God himself. God, being an omnipotent creator with free-will, has a perfect understanding of the free-will with which he has endowed his creatures. In fact, he understands our free-will so well that he knows what each of his creatures would do in any circumstances. This is called “middle-knowledge,” and is something that I will write more to you about in a future letter.

            Now, consider that if God knows what each of us will do under any circumstances then he knew exactly what each of the authors of Scripture would write in each of the circumstances he placed them is. God knew that Paul would write his letters, and God knew exactly what would be in each letter in every circumstance. Now this is an important point and is worth rephrasing and repeating for the sake of clarity. God knew the decisions that Paul would make in any circumstances. Therefore, if Paul had been placed in modern New York, God knows what he would or would not have freely chosen to write. Thus, God, through his middle knowledge, was able to engineer the circumstances in which an author wrote. Thus, Scripture is the free product of the author, but also the Word of God. It reflects the culture and personality of the author and yet is “God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”⁸

            I hope that you find this letter helpful O Theophilus.⁹ Again, I hope that you will approach this with grace and humility as we attempt to discern the truth. I hope to have a more in depth discussion of God’s omnipotence and middle-knowledge with you soon. However, for now if you have questions regarding this then please feel free to write to me. I will conclude my series of letters on the Scriptures soon. I am anxious to hear from you about what areas of Christianity you wish for me to address next. As always I wish that you will always keep the faith and direct the glory and honor to God.

In Christ,

1.      Luke 1:3 - it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, (NIV)

2.      Ephesians 4:1-6 - I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,  with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—  one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all. (ESV)

3.      Galatians 2:11-21 – I encourage you to look this passage up. However, because of the length I have not included the passage here as I normally do.

4.      John 17:22-24 - I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one— I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. (NIV)

5.      2 Peter 1:19-21 - We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

6.      2 Timothy 4:19-22 – Again I encourage you to look up and read this passage. However, I will again not be including it here.

7.      Psalm 139:22 - I have nothing but hatred for them; I count them my enemies. (NIV)

8.      2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, (NIV)

9.      Acts 1:1 - In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, (ESV)

Holy Scriptures

Most Excellent Theophilus,¹

            I finally am able to begin writing to you concerning the Scriptures. I find it most appropriate to begin by examining what the scriptures have to say about themselves. However, as has become the custom, I shall try to express the reason for which you should care. First, the Scriptures, namely those books contained within the Holy Bible, are the foundational text of Christianity. Therefore, since the Scriptures are regarded by the church to be the only text which is inspired by God, it seems appropriate and in-fact of the utmost importance, to understand what is meant by “inspired,” and for what reason the scriptures are to be considered so. This, however, is not the only facets of scripture which I will endeavor to cover. But, this hopefully will give some idea of the importance of the subsequent topics. Now, with this in mind, let us continue to consider some of what the Scriptures have to say of themselves.

            First, let us look then to 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”² This, from the apostle Paul, shows the high opinion which Paul held the Scriptures. Now, it is important to note that Paul would be referring to the Hebrew Scriptures which make up the Old Testament (and possibly the gospels depending upon when you regard them as becoming Scripture). However, it is also important to look to the particular wording. “All Scripture” seems to indicate that Paul knew there would be more texts accepted as Scripture and thus was referring to these also.

            Furthermore, Paul’s own writings were beginning to be considered scriptures by the early church and other apostles. In 2 Peter 3:16³, the apostle Peter makes it clear that letters of Paul are considered Holy Scripture, among the Hebrew Scriptures as well. This serves to strengthen the point that Paul was referring to the inspiration of all scriptures, even those that would be added after his writing. This is an important point which should not be overlooked.

            Lastly, the passage in 2 Timothy shows something most incredible. Paul makes the assertion that it is the scriptures which are “God-breathed.” Now, at first glance this may seem rather trivial. However, upon closer inspection this is quite extraordinary. This is an incredible assertion showing that inspiration is a property of the scripture and not the authors. This is quite an important point to understand. The texts are the word of God, not those authors. Thus, only the books that are Scriptures are inspired, not everything the authors of Scripture wrote or said.

            Now, let us look to what else the apostle Peter had to say about the Scriptures. 2 Peter 1:19-21⁴ has a great deal to say about the scriptures. First, verse 21 makes the assertion that the Scriptures were “carried along by the Holy Spirt.” Thus the inspiration of the Scriptures was influenced by the Holy Spirit. But, furthermore, it is important to show that he Scriptures have an objective meaning. Look to verse 20, where it is said that “no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation.” Thus, the prophecy and whole of Scripture have an objective meaning that is available to be discerned and discovered.

            O Theophilus⁵, this is certainly not everything which Scripture has to say about itself, however, these cover the major themes which I desired to discuss with you for now. Hopefully you still have questions and concerns about the Scriptures, as I have intentionally left some areas open to facilitate further discussion. Soon I will write to you concerning how it is that human authors could produce an inspired text. Now, lastly I find it important to note that my use of the word inspiration is not synonymous with inerrancy. Perhaps in some future letter I will write to you about inerrancy, but this is a topic not discussed in this letter. As always, I hope this letter finds you well and I hope to hear from you with any questions or comments that you may have.

In Christ,

1.      Luke 1:3 - it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, (NIV)

2.      2 Timothy 3:16 - All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. (NIV)

3.      2 Peter 3:16 - He writes the same way in all his letters, speaking in them of these matters. His letters contain some things that are hard to understand, which ignorant and unstable people distort, as they do the other Scriptures, to their own destruction. (NIV)

4.      2 Peter 1:19-21 - We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. (NIV)

5.      Acts 1:1 - In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, (ESV)

Sea of Voices

Most Excellent Theophilus,¹

­­­­­­_­­            Although I said this letter would concern the scriptures, and that discussion still will come. I have realized though, that it may be more appropriate to write to you concerning why you should even be interested in what I have to say. It may seem to you that my task, although noble, is a pointless endeavor which is not likely to edify the church. You may be right, however, still I find myself burdened with continuing this endeavor, even if it be in vain. Therefore, I shall try to make clear why you should make a careful consideration before labeling my letters useless or my work irrelevant. First, we shall take a look to the Holy Scriptures, and what they have to say regarding the Christian.

            Let us look then to the writings of the Apostle Peter, “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”² I find this passage to be incredibly convicting to myself, and increasingly relevant in the technology and science-based culture in which the world finds itself. Peter, even in the times just after Christ, knew that Christianity would have to provide the best answers to difficult questions in order to be deemed worthy of consideration. This is true of all systems of thought, but more so for those which claim to be exclusively true, like Christianity. Therefore, Peter admonishes followers of Christ to always be prepared to give the reason for their hope. In the culture within which we live today, it is becoming increasingly important to do this. These letters will address some of the most pressing questions which Christianity faces, how they have been answered in the past, and why they are relevant today. Furthermore, these letters will provide evidence for the positive claims which Christianity makes. With the purpose of equipping you, O Theophilus³, that you might fulfill this Scriptural command.

            Now, let us look to the Apostle Paul. First to Colossians 3:2 “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.”⁴ This admonishment from Paul is echoed in Romans 8:5-6 “… those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.”⁵ These Scriptural commands follow closely with that which Peter instructs us. Use your mind for the kingdom of God. Use your mind to its fullest ability in order that you might find “life and peace.”⁵

            To finish our discussion of Paul we look to the story of the Areopagus. The Areopagus was a forum, in ancient Athens, where ideas and philosophy could be openly discussed and considered. I encourage you to go read this story, which you will find starting in Acts 17:22. It was at this place that Paul gave a defense of Christianity to the “Men of Athens.”⁶ Paul acted boldly and won many of the Athenian intellectuals and philosophers to Christ on that day. Providing to them a philosophical defense of the faith, while also remaining culturally relevant, even citing popular Greek poems and literature. Therefore, we should strive, as Paul did, to “demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God” ⁷

            Lastly, we shall look to the instruction of our Lord himself regarding this subject. Christ, instructs Christians to “love the Lord your God …with all your mind,”⁸ This command from our Lord does not just necessitate that we acknowledge his existence or even that of his Lordship. Rather, it encompasses those things and much more. It is an admonishment, a plea even, for his followers to think about God, to study the scriptures, and to understand what we believe. For how can we be his follower if we know nothing of his teachings?

            You might ask what purpose this could possibly have for the average Christian. Clearly this has a place within Christendom, among intellectuals, pastors, and theologians. But, what purpose could this possibly serve for me? This is an intriguing question with a profoundly deep answer. You will increasingly find that you are confident in your faith, and, therefore, better able to share it with others. However, this is just the surface and outward change that will occur. You will also find that the more that you learn and discover about God the more you will want to learn and discover about him. It is in this process of discovering God that you can truly come to know God. You will begin to appreciate, “how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ,”⁹ the complexity, glory, and awesomeness of God. This is the purpose of these commands for you, this is the purpose of these commands for all Christians, this is the purpose of life, “is to glorify God, and to enjoy him forever.”¹⁰        

I hope to write to you again soon Friend of God. Perhaps I will begin our discussion on the scriptures if I do not find something more troubling and burdensome. Keep the faith and always direct the glory towards our Lord.

In Christ,

           

1.      Luke 1:3 - it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, (ESV)

2.      1 Peter 3:15 -   But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect (NIV)

3.      Acts 1:1 - In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach, (ESV)

4.      Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (NIV)

5.      Romans 8:5-6 - 5Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. (NIV)

6.      Acts 17:22 – So Paul, standing in the midst of the Areopagus, said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. (ESV)

7.      2 Corinthians 10:5 - We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. (NIV)

8.      Luke 10:27 - And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind, and your neighbor as yourself.”

9.      Ephesians 3:18 - may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, (NIV)

10.  Westminster Shorter Catechism, Question, and Answer #1

Most Excellent Theophilus

Most Excellent Theophilus,⁷

            I find it appropriate to begin writing to you, in order that you might become more informed. I find the lack of knowledge for the things of Christ, currently present within the church, concerning and alarming. It is this issue that I wish to begin to address through these letters. I feel an incredible sense of urgency in this matter, for “but about that day or hour no one knows”¹ on which Christ will return. He will return triumphantly and “unexpectedly as a thief”² to reclaim His church. Therefore, I find myself with the burden of helping to inform you of those things which Christ has commanded. To help to deepen your faith with knowledge of God, and to help to equip you so that you might be able to more accurately and confidently share these things with those who do not believe, that they might also get ready for the return of our Lord.

            Christ admonishes His followers saying, “If you love me, keep my commands.”³ It is for this reason that I will write to you concerning the things of Christ. So that, in your love for Him, and better knowing and understanding the things which He commands, you may be able to better keep His commands.

            The Apostle Paul commands that as followers of Christ we “[s]et [our] minds on things above, not on earthly things.”⁴ Thus, all Christians are to be “theologians,” and to and apply our mind toward God, His deity, His holiness, His perfection.

            Lastly, the Apostle Peter, commands us to “[a]lways be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”⁵ And Christ, who calls us to “be [His] witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."⁶ And therefore I will write in order that I might equip you to confidently and accurately share the Gospel of Christ with those who do not believe.

I hope, O Theophilus⁸, that you find these letters helpful, provoking, and insightful. I desire for these letters to help provide answers to your questions and ease your anxieties concerning the faith, the church, and our Lord. I strive for these to be thought provoking and to encourage critical thinking about the things of Christ. And, lastly, I hope that you will find these insightful towards your anxieties and questions.

            I will soon begin writing to you concerning the scriptures. I continue to pray for you daily Theophilus, Friend of God.

In Christ,

1. Matthew 24:36 - But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. (NIV)

2. Revelation 16:15 - Look, I will come as unexpectedly as a thief! Blessed are all who are watching for me, who keep their clothing ready so they will not have to walk around naked and ashamed. (NLT)

3. John 14:15 - If you love me, keep my commands. (NIV)

4. Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. (NIV)

5. 1 Peter 3:15 - But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect

6. Acts 1:8 - But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (NIV)

7. Luke 1:3 - With this in mind, since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, (NIV)

8. Acts 1:1- In the first book, O Theophilus, I have dealt with all that Jesus began to do and teach (ESV)