Summary of Various SkepticismSummary of Various Skepticism

• UnbelieversUnbelievers who discard the Bible entirely who discard the Bible entirely• ““ReligiousReligious” folks who redefine inspiration to” folks who redefine inspiration to

– include other books besides the Bible, or include other books besides the Bible, or – say writers were “creative geniuses, unusually talented,” or say writers were “creative geniuses, unusually talented,” or – say it’s inspired in “sense” (in thoughts/concepts) but not in say it’s inspired in “sense” (in thoughts/concepts) but not in

“sentence” (the very words) [Dynamic Inspiration],“sentence” (the very words) [Dynamic Inspiration],– claim Bible claim Bible becomesbecomes inspired when “encountered,” inspired when “encountered,”– suggest inspiration was accomplished only by mechanical dictation.suggest inspiration was accomplished only by mechanical dictation.

• ““Highly educated scholarsHighly educated scholars” who affirm that the Bible is ” who affirm that the Bible is inspired, but only certain partsinspired, but only certain parts– Dates, numbers, places, events not inspiredDates, numbers, places, events not inspired– Only matters of doctrine, morals & faith are inspired, all others Only matters of doctrine, morals & faith are inspired, all others

liable to mistakes by good, but fallible menliable to mistakes by good, but fallible men– Must “demythologize” the BibleMust “demythologize” the Bible– Discrepancies—result of writer’s “slip of the mind”Discrepancies—result of writer’s “slip of the mind”

Where will this lead?Where will this lead?

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

Where will this lead?Where will this lead?• It will lead millions of souls to make the same damnable It will lead millions of souls to make the same damnable

affirmation as the avid atheist, Dan Barker, did in his February 12, affirmation as the avid atheist, Dan Barker, did in his February 12, 2009, debate with Kyle Butt (1:54:59-1:56:19).2009, debate with Kyle Butt (1:54:59-1:56:19).

Where will this lead?Where will this lead?• It will lead millions of souls to make the same damnable It will lead millions of souls to make the same damnable

affirmation as the avid atheist, Dan Barker, did in his February 12, affirmation as the avid atheist, Dan Barker, did in his February 12, 2009, debate with Kyle Butt (1:54:59-1:56:19).2009, debate with Kyle Butt (1:54:59-1:56:19).

• It is but a small step:It is but a small step:– From “From “somesome of the Bible is from God” of the Bible is from God”

To “To “nonenone of the Bible is from God” of the Bible is from God”– From “there are mistakes in From “there are mistakes in somesome parts of the Bible” parts of the Bible”

To “there are mistakes in To “there are mistakes in allall parts of the Bible” parts of the Bible”– From “From “not everynot every single word in the Bible is from God” single word in the Bible is from God”

To “To “not anynot any single word in the Bible is from God” single word in the Bible is from God”– From “From “the thoughtsthe thoughts/concepts in the Bible are inspired”/concepts in the Bible are inspired”

To “To “nothingnothing in the Bible is inspired” in the Bible is inspired”

THE TRUTHTHE TRUTH::The Bible is the result of the The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of Godverbal, plenary inspiration of God• ““Verbal” = the Verbal” = the very wordsvery words ( (every wordevery word, not , not

merely the thoughts) are God directed/permittedmerely the thoughts) are God directed/permitted• ““Plenary” = Plenary” = fullfull, each & , each & every partevery part is inspired is inspired

THE TRUTHTHE TRUTH::The Bible is the result of the The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of Godverbal, plenary inspiration of God

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

THE TRUTHTHE TRUTH::The Bible is the result of the The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of Godverbal, plenary inspiration of God

Inspiration is “that inexplicable power Inspiration is “that inexplicable power which the Divine Spirit put forth of old on which the Divine Spirit put forth of old on the authors of holy Scripture, in order to the authors of holy Scripture, in order to their guidance even in the employment of their guidance even in the employment of the words they used, and to preserve them the words they used, and to preserve them alike from all error and from all omission.”alike from all error and from all omission.”

- L. Glaussen, - L. Glaussen, Theopneustia—The Plenary Theopneustia—The Plenary Inspiration of the Holy ScripturesInspiration of the Holy Scriptures

THE TRUTHTHE TRUTH::The Bible is the result of the The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of Godverbal, plenary inspiration of God

1.1. Unexplained powerUnexplained power2.2. of the Holy Spiritof the Holy Spirit3.3. exerted on the writersexerted on the writers4.4. in order to guidein order to guide5.5. and to preserveand to preserve

- from error- from error- and omission- and omission

- L. Glaussen, - L. Glaussen, Theopneustia—The Plenary Theopneustia—The Plenary Inspiration of the Holy ScripturesInspiration of the Holy Scriptures

THE TRUTHTHE TRUTH::The Bible is the result of the The Bible is the result of the verbal, plenary inspiration of Godverbal, plenary inspiration of God

““All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).– ALLALL– SCRIPTURE (Gk, SCRIPTURE (Gk, graphe) graphe) = denotes = denotes writingwriting (i.e., sacred (i.e., sacred

writings) – Writing is composed of words, thus we have an writings) – Writing is composed of words, thus we have an emphatic declaration of verbal inspiration!emphatic declaration of verbal inspiration!

– INSPIRATION INSPIRATION = “God-breathed”= “God-breathed”

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture1.1. More than 3,800 times in Old TestamentMore than 3,800 times in Old Testament2.2. Jesus endorsed verbal inspirationJesus endorsed verbal inspiration3.3. Christ promised His apostles wordsChrist promised His apostles words4.4. Writers were conscious of inspirationWriters were conscious of inspiration5.5. Writers considered one another’s productions Writers considered one another’s productions

to be inspiredto be inspired

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture1.1. More than 3,800 times in Old TestamentMore than 3,800 times in Old Testament– ““Thus saith the Lord”Thus saith the Lord”• ““Then Then the LORD saidthe LORD said to Moses, ‘ to Moses, ‘Write thisWrite this for a memorial for a memorial

in the book…’” (Ex. 17:14).in the book…’” (Ex. 17:14).• ““And God And God spoke all these wordsspoke all these words, , sayingsaying…” (Ex. 20:1).…” (Ex. 20:1).• “…“…the LORD spokethe LORD spoke to Moses” (100+ times in Ex, Lev, Num) to Moses” (100+ times in Ex, Lev, Num)• ““The Spirit of the LORD The Spirit of the LORD spoke by mespoke by me, And , And His wordHis word was was

on on my tonguemy tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2).” (2 Sam. 23:2).• ““I have put I have put My words in your mouthMy words in your mouth” (Isa. 51:16).” (Isa. 51:16).

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture1.1. More than 3,800 times in Old TestamentMore than 3,800 times in Old Testament– ““Thus saith the Lord”Thus saith the Lord”• ““Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched Then the LORD put forth His hand and touched my my

mouthmouth, and the LORD , and the LORD saidsaid to me: ‘Behold, I have put to me: ‘Behold, I have put My My words in your mouthwords in your mouth’…Therefore thus ’…Therefore thus says the LORDsays the LORD God God of hosts: ‘Because you speak this word, Behold, of hosts: ‘Because you speak this word, Behold, I will I will make My words in your mouthmake My words in your mouth fire…’” (Jer. 1:9; 5:14). 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, Hosea, Joel, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Zephaniah, Haggai,

Zechariah, Malachi – all begin with “the word of the Lord”Zechariah, Malachi – all begin with “the word of the Lord”• The Scriptures are exalted as the Word of God some 175 The Scriptures are exalted as the Word of God some 175

times in Psalm 119 alone!times in Psalm 119 alone!

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture2.2. Jesus endorsed verbal inspirationJesus endorsed verbal inspiration– Affirming the Divine origin of the Old Testament Affirming the Divine origin of the Old Testament • He affirmed that “one jot or one tittle” would not pass He affirmed that “one jot or one tittle” would not pass

away from the law “till all is fulfilled” (Matt. 5:17-18).away from the law “till all is fulfilled” (Matt. 5:17-18).• Frequently introduced O.T. quotations with, “It is Frequently introduced O.T. quotations with, “It is

written,” validating the truthfulness of the teaching.written,” validating the truthfulness of the teaching.• Made arguments based on the text of the O.T., wherein Made arguments based on the text of the O.T., wherein

He stressed very precise grammatical points.He stressed very precise grammatical points.– Matthew 22:32 - depends on present tense, “I am the God…”Matthew 22:32 - depends on present tense, “I am the God…”– Matthew 22:41 - emphasis on a single word, “Lord”Matthew 22:41 - emphasis on a single word, “Lord”

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture3.3. Christ promised words to His apostlesChrist promised words to His apostles– The words of the gospel would be given themThe words of the gospel would be given them• ““But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how

or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in 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 that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you” (Matt. 10:19-20).(Matt. 10:19-20).

• ““Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you will answer” (Luke 21:14).beforehand on what you will answer” (Luke 21:14).

• That has to involve their very words!That has to involve their very words!

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture3.3. Christ promised words to His apostlesChrist promised words to His apostles– The words of the gospel would be given themThe words of the gospel would be given them• ““I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and

whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:19, NASB).loosed in heaven” (Matt. 16:19, NASB).

• ““Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matt. 18:18, NASB).shall have been loosed in heaven” (Matt. 18:18, NASB).

• ““These things I have spoken to you while being present These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the with you. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you” (John 14:25-26).you” (John 14:25-26).

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture4.4. Writers were conscious of inspirationWriters were conscious of inspiration– Fully aware they were recording the words of GodFully aware they were recording the words of God• ““And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which

you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, 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 until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:19-21).moved by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:19-21).

• ““For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you…” (1 Cor. 11:23). Had to be in the form of wordsto 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 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord…” (1 Thess. 4:15).Thess. 4:15).

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture4.4. Writers were conscious of inspirationWriters were conscious of inspiration– Fully aware they were recording the words of GodFully aware they were recording the words of God• “…“…when you received the word of God which you heard when you received the word of God which you heard

from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13).works in you who believe” (1 Thess. 2:13).

• ““If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let If anyone thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are him acknowledge that the things which I write to you are the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37).the commandments of the Lord” (1 Cor. 14:37).

• When Philip preached in Samaria, those people to whom When Philip preached in Samaria, those people to whom he spoke had heard “the word of God” (Acts 8:14).he spoke had heard “the word of God” (Acts 8:14).

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture4.4. Writers were conscious of inspirationWriters were conscious of inspiration– Fully aware they were recording the words of GodFully aware they were recording the words of God• ““For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but

it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:12).it came through the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Gal. 1:12).• ““For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except

the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts 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 of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words” (1 Cor. 2:11-13, NASB). The mind of God was words” (1 Cor. 2:11-13, NASB). The mind of God was revealed in inspired words recorded by Holy Spirit led men.revealed in inspired words recorded by Holy Spirit led men.

Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Verbal Inspiration Is Claimed Throughout ScriptureThroughout Scripture5.5. Writers considered one another’s productions Writers considered one another’s productions

to be inspired of Godto be inspired of God– Considered OT & NT equally inspired Considered OT & NT equally inspired ScriptureScripture• ““All ScriptureAll Scripture is given by inspiration of God!” is given by inspiration of God!”• ““For For the Scripturethe Scripture says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while says, ‘You shall not muzzle an ox while

it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his it treads out the grain,’ and, ‘The laborer is worthy of his wages’” (1 Tim. 5:18; combined Deut. 25:4 & Luke 10:7 wages’” (1 Tim. 5:18; combined Deut. 25:4 & Luke 10:7 and classified both as “Scripture”).and classified both as “Scripture”).

• “…“…as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which untaught and some things hard to understand, which untaught and unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do unstable people twist to their own destruction, as they do also also the rest of the Scripturesthe rest of the Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:15-16).” (2 Peter 3:15-16).

What does the Bible say?What does the Bible say?

““All Scripture is given by inspiration of All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).