Bible Question:
There seem to be three main answers to this question. The first would be that the Bible is not really inspired at all. It is merely mankind's attempt to chronicle his experiences with God. The Bible is just an ancient book, which has some good ideas in it which we can learn from. The majority of the world seems to believe this, however, very few people on this forum. The second perspective is that the Bible was originally inspired as each author wrote it. In other words, Moses was inspired by God as he wrote large parts of the Torah. David was inspired by God when he wrote most of the Psalms. Matthew was inspired by God when he wrote his gospel, and Paul was inspired by God when he wrote his letter to the Romans. Therefore due to this inspiration, the Bible was inerrant in its original Hebrew (OT) and Greek (NT). However, since that time, men who were uninspired by God have copied, translated, or even paraphrased the Bible, so that there are now some mistakes. This can only be fixed by going back to studying the Bible in its original language, and in context of its original culture. This view seems to be held by the majority of our forum members. The third perspective is that the Bible is God's written message to all people throughout all time. As such God has inspired the people at each step in the process of bringing it to the masses. In this perspective, not only are the original manuscripts inspired, but also the copies, and also the translations. Therefore, when a person reads the NASB today in English, it is equally inspired as the original letter to the Phillipians was when it was read by the church there for the first time. This is the view that I believe. What does everybody think? |
Bible Answer: Dear Sir, I would tend to agree with you that the third perspective is closer to the truth. My reasoning actually goes a step further. The Holy Spirit continues to inspire the hearer (reader) to follow God's will. This would be His divine will for all men, with His church as the result, as well as each individual part, with their participation in His church. The Word of God is alive and active today, in the hearts of those who believe, and it is the unction of the Holy Spirit that causes the Word to be effective. "For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart." Hebrews 4:12 NASB Therefore, these so-called 'mistakes,' 'discrepencies' and even myriad translations (yes, even Ray's! :-)are of no (bad) consequence to the hearer of God's holy Word. Even if you become a scholar of the original languages of the Bible, if you do not have faith your study is for naught. Inspiration continues! Thank You, Lord! In Jesus' name, charis |