Inspiration | AdventAI

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Aug 5, 1886

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 12, No. 30.

Inspiration.

THEOLOGIANS have, first and last, written a great many essays and treatises on the subject of inspiration. And yet, as a matter of fact, there are no statements on this subject clearer and simpler than those which the Bible itself supplies. We prefer these statements to any others. "God," says Paul, "who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son." Here is inspiration on its divine side. God does the speaking through agencies of his own selection; and, if so, then man's province is to do the hearing and the believing.

"Holy men of God," says Peter, "spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost." Here is inspiration on its human side. "Holy men of God" did the speaking, but they were moved by the Holy Ghost in what they said. "Which things we also speak," says Paul, "not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth." These three passages contain an inspired statement of inspiration. They connect the authority of God with the truth of the things spoken. The Bible, as a record, by this authority, becomes the word of God. We receive it and believe it because God is the author.

Reason never acts more reasonably than when it believes God. His word is always good for all that it affirms. There is no sounder nor safer position for human thought than to receive this word. We must do so in order to feel its force, or get from it the comforts which it is suited to impart. He who cavils with this word is engaged in very poor business for his own comfort. He will not, while in this position, be sanctified or saved by it.—Independent.