TODAY'S DEVOTION ON THE BIBLE
As we’ve seen over the past few days the Bible is divided into two Testaments, 66 books, and, thanks to its translators, numerous chapters and verses. In addition to its divisions, the Bible was written over a period of time spanning more than fifteen centuries and from various places stretching all the way from Babylon to Rome. It was also written by more than forty different authors from various stations in life. For instance, the Bible was written by kings, priests, shepherds, farmers, fishermen, and slaves. There is even a physician and a publican (tax collector) numbered among the penmen of the Scripture.
In addition to all of the above, the Bible was also written in many different styles of writing. It contains narrative, law, songs, proverbs, poetry, prophecy, and letters. Yet, in spite of all of this diversity among its writers and writing styles, the Bible is still a complete, harmonious and logical book without contradictions or errors. It is as though it was written by a single author, which, of course, is what the Bible claims to be the case.
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, the Apostle Paul declares: “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.” The Greek word Paul uses here for “inspiration” means “God breathed.” All Scripture, according to the Apostle Paul, is God-breathed; that is, divinely inspired by God.
The Apostle Peter adds in 2 Peter 1:20-21, “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.” According to Peter, the writers of sacred writ were but scribes. The true author was the Holy Spirit, who dictated to them what to write. Therefore, the Bible is not the words or opinions of men, but the Word and oracles of God.
The Bible’s miraculous continuity serves as indisputable evidence that it is what it claims to be, the divinely inspired Word of God. There is simply no other explanation for its miraculous continuity in the face of its manifold diversity among writers and writing styles than its divine inspiration.
Don Walton
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