Are the books of the Bible equally inspired?

BibleAsk Team

The Books of the Bible Equally Inspired

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16).

The Lord does not give permission to people to set aside the books that they may think divinely inspired and the books they assume to be man-made. God ordained that the Bible is man’s textbook of salvation. All that needs to be said regarding man’s duty and relationship to God has been given in the Scriptures.

Some people regard the books of the old Testament as outdated but Jesus Himself demonstrated His confidence and belief in them saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4).

And Jesus Himself quoted Scripture when meeting the temptations of Satan, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God”; “It is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve” (Matthew 4:7, 10). And when preaching to the world, He added, “Thy word is truth” (John 17:17) and “The scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).

Although the Bible was written by 40 writers over a 1,500-year period, it is in perfect harmony because it was all inspired by the same Spirit. “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 1:21). The Holy Spirit is the real author of the Bible.

The principles in all the books of the Bible help the Christian grow up to the “perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ” (Ephesians 4:13). And only those who choose God will allow the Scriptures to perform their fourfold function as set forth in 2 Timothy 3:16.

Finally, the changed lives of those that accept Jesus and obey the scriptures constitute the most convincing proof to the inspiration of all the books of the Bible. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away behold, all things are become new”  (2 Corinthians 5:17).

Check out our Bible Answers page for more information on a variety of topics.

In His service,
BibleAsk Team

More Answers: