Result of Inspiration
By Timothy Glover
Peter affirms that “holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit” (1 Peter 1:21). God spoke to the fathers by the prophets in times past but in these “last days,” he speaks to us through his son. (Heb. 1:1) Jesus commissioned his apostles and gave them also the Holy Spirit (John 14-16) to guide them into all truth. Paul wrote in Eph. 3, “I wrote... whereby when you read, you may understand my know-ledge in the mystery of Christ.” The scriptures claim that we have this written so that we might “know the freely given things of God” (1 Cor. 2:12).
Consequently, the Bible declares that we must not have any other doctrine or teaching. The Jews "worshiped God in vain" because they taught the commandments of men (Mat. 15:9). Paul wrote, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8). John wrote, “Whosoever goes onward and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son” (2 Jn.9) If, as 2 Tim. 3:16 teaches, the scriptures are the breath of God (2 Tim. 3:16), we must practice no other creed but follow his will.
Further, because of its claim, we should make it our aim to know the scriptures that can make us wise unto salvation (2 Tim. 3:15). In Acts 17, Paul had come to Berea and noted that they “were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so” (Acts 17:11). The attitude of heart must be like Cornelius’ who said, “We are all pre-sent to hear God’s word” (Acts 10).
Again, as a result of inspiration, we should “handle aright” the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15). Involved in this handling of inspired truth is the necessity of being a “workman.” The word of God is not to be viewed as mere literature to be studied but as a guide for our work on earth. When our lifestyle is in harmony with the will of God, there is no cause to be ashamed for we stand approved before God.
In addition, if the claims of scripture are true, we need to obey it because it has the power to save us (Heb. 4:12, Rom. 1:16). Notice: the gospel is God’s power to save. Yet, when it is preached, Jesus said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved” (Mk. 16:16). Thus, we are told when the gospel saves.
Finally, we read that this book will judge us (Rev. 20:12,15). Jesus promised that the words he had spoken, “the same shall judge you in the last day.” Paul writes that Jesus will come in vengeance on those who “know not God and obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus (2Thess. 1:7-8).They will be punished with everlasting destruction (v. 9). Do not delay. If you understand your response to the inspired will of God, find someone who can help you in your obedience.
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