Category: biblical inspiration

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 10

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Shelby G. Floyd

According to Paul, the reason all miraculous, spiritual gifts were to fail, cease and vanish away is because they were in part, or incomplete. God did not reveal his revelation all at one time, but progressively over a period of 60-70 years. During that period of time, the revelation was in part. “For we know in part, and we prophesy in part” (1 Corinthians 13: 9). You will notice that Paul used the present tense in describing that which was in part. Continue reading “BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 10” →

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 9

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Shelby G. Floyd

THE PERFECT WORD

When Jesus Christ sent the apostles out into all the world to preach the gospel to every creature, he attended their ministry with signs and wonders and miracles (Hebrews 2: 3-4). These miracles were designed to confirm the word (Mark 16:17-20).

Not only were the apostles able to perform all of these wonders, but by the laying on of their hands they were also able to impart spiritual gifts to members of the New Testament church. For example, Peter and John, two apostles, were sent down to Samaria to impart spiritual gifts to those who had been baptized for the forgiveness of their sins. Philip, who preceded the apostles to Samaria, was able to work miracles himself; but not being an apostle, be was not able to impart them to others, this being reserved for the apostles (Acts 8: 12-19). Continue reading “BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 9” →

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 8

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Shelby G. Floyd

“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” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

ALL HOLY SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED
All Holy Scripture is the product of the inspiration of God. God has breathed into the scriptures infallibility. The Holy Spirit exercised divine power over the minds of the authors of the Holy Scriptures, even in the words which they used, preserving them from any error (1 Corinthians 2:10-13). This being true, it is expected that any statement, upon whatever subject the Bible might touch, would be true. The Bible is not a textbook upon science; it is rather a textbook on redemption from sin. However, when the Bible alludes to natural science, it is expected that the authors spoke the truth. Continue reading “BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 8” →

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 7

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Shelby G. Floyd

CHRIST AND THE BOOK OF MALICHI

Jesus Christ endorsed the authority and inspiration of Malachi the prophet, by quoting Malachi 3:1, and applying it to John the Baptist:

24 When the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft garments? Indeed those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written:
‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.’
28 For I say to you, among those born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.”
(Luke 7: 24-28 NKJV).

Notice that our Lord quoted Malachi 3:1, and applied it to John the Baptist. Obviously, Jesus accepted Malachi as an inspired writer or he would not have said, “It is written.” The phrase “it is written” is equivalent to saying, “The word of God says.” Therefore, our Lord received Malachi’s writing as the inspired word of God and Malachi as the author of the book which bears his name. Continue reading “BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 7” →

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 6

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Shelby G. Floyd

CHRIST AND THE BOOK OF DANIEL

The book of Daniel is another book which has been the object of much criticism by modernist and liberal writers, but our Lord received the book of Daniel as the inspired word of God, and Daniel as its author.

THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION
While Christ was discussing the impending destruction of Jerusalem, he made reference to the book of Daniel, giving credit to Daniel the prophet, as the writer:

When you see ‘the abomination that causes desolation’ standing where it does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains (Mark 13:14).

According to Christ, the abomination of desolation was something that his disciples could see with their eyes. The abomination of desolation was something spoken of by Daniel the prophet. Obviously, the destruction of Jerusalem by the Roman general Vespasian and his son Titus, fulfills the abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel.

DANIEL’S PROPHECY
The reference which Christ makes to Daniel, the prophet, is found in Daniel 9:26-27, which reads:

And after the sixty-two weeks
Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself;
And the people of the prince who is to come
Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary.
The end of it shall be with a flood,

And till the end of the war desolations are determined.
Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week;
But in the middle of the week
He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering.
And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate,
Even until the consummation, which is determined,
Is poured out on the desolate.

From what has been said, we can draw the following conclusions: (1) Daniel was a prophet of God, inspired by God. (2) Daniel, as an inspired prophet, made reference to the destruction of Jerusalem, speaking under the figure of the abomination of desolation. (3) Daniel’s prophecy was literally fulfilled about A. D. 70, when Vespasian, Titus, and the Roman Army, completely destroyed the city of Jerusalem, including the temple of Herod with all of its holy places. (4) Christ received the book of Daniel as the inspired word of God, written by an inspired prophet of God. We must also receive the book of Daniel as an inspired book of God.

Copyright © 2011 2017 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved

Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 5

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Shelby G. Floyd

CHRIST AND THE BOOK OF JONAH

Another book which the higher critics and modernists have made light of and passed off as a fairy tale is the book of Jonah. But Christ does not share the view of the higher critics in regards to the book of Jonah.

JONAH SWALLOWED BY A GREAT FISH

The scribes and the Pharisees were some of the worst critics of our Lord. They wouldn’t believe what he said without some miraculous sign. In answer to their request for a miraculous sign, Jesus said:

“A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a sign! But none will be given it except the sign of the prophet Jonah. For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the belly of a huge fish, so the Son of Man will be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth” (Matthew 12: 39-40, NIV).

JONAH IN THE FISH THREE DAYS AND NIGHTS

Notice in this quotation that our Lord referred to Jonah as “the prophet Jonah” (Matt. 12: 39). He also compared his death and burial in the heart of the earth for three days and three nights upon the fact that Jonas had been three days and three nights in the whale’s belly. This record is found in Jonah 1:17, but the modernists tell us that the book of Jonah is just a fairy tale, and that it is not a real historical event. Obviously, our Lord did not share their view, but he believed that Jonah was a prophet of God and that what is recorded of him actually took place as a real historical event.

JONAH WAS A GREAT SERVANT AND PROPHET

Not only did Christ refer to Jonah as a prophet, but also in the Old Testament historical books he is referred to as a servant,

“…according to the word of the LORD God of Israel, which He had spoken through His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath Hepher” (2 Kings 14: 25 NKJV).

A prophet is one who speaks forth the will of God and sometimes in doing this foretells future events. A prophet was one sent out from God and in whom God put his words. Therefore Jesus Christ accepted the prophet Jonah and the book which bears his name as the inspired word of God.

Copyright © 2011 2017 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved

Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 4

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Shelby G. Floyd

CHRIST AND THE BOOK OF ISAIAH

Previously, we have abundantly proved that Jesus Christ endorsed the inspiration of the book of Genesis, and the rest of the books written by Moses, often called the Pentateuch. It will be our purpose in this article and others to follow to point out that Christ also endorsed the inspiration of the prophetical books, the poetical books of David and Solomon, and the historical books of the Old Testament.

Modern critics have denied that Isaiah wrote the book which bears his name. Isaiah spoke about Christ, the Messiah, perhaps more than any other Old Testament prophet. Therefore, we can see why the devil and his henchmen spend so much time trying to deny the authenticity and verbal inspiration of the book of Isaiah. But let us notice the attitude of Christ toward this book. Continue reading “BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 4” →

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 3

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Shelby G. Floyd

CHRIST AND THE PENTATEUCH

 

CHRIST CLAIMED THE PENTATEUCH IS INSPIRED

Not only did Jesus sanction the authority and inspiration of Moses concerning Genesis, the first book of the Bible, but also the other four books of the Pentateuch which generally are received as the books of Moses. Jesus affirmed the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch and claimed that Moses even wrote concerning him.

THE PENTATEUCH TESTIFIES OF THE DEITY OF CHRIST

The Old Testament books testify concerning the deity of Christ. Jesus presented this area of testi¬mony to his critics as recorded in John chapter five:

“You diligently study the Scriptures because you think that by them you possess eternal life. These are the Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” “…But do not think I will accuse you before the Father. Your accuser is Moses, on whom your hopes are set. If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?” (John 5:39-40, 45-47.)

CHRIST IS THE PROPHET LIKE MOSES

Observe that Jesus stated that Moses wrote concerning him when he said God would raise up a prophet like unto him:

Deuteronomy 18: 15-19
“The LORD your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own brothers. You must listen to him. For this is what you asked of the LORD your God at Horeb on the day of the assembly when you said, “Let us not hear the voice of the LORD our God nor see this great fire anymore, or we will die.” The LORD said to me: “What they say is good. I will raise up for them a prophet like you from among their brothers; I will put my words in his mouth, and he will tell them everything I command him. If anyone does not listen to my words that the prophet speaks in my name, I myself will call him to account.”

This is what Moses wrote concerning Christ, and it is taken from the book of Deuteronomy, the fourth book of the Pentateuch. But Jesus said if you believe not his writings how shall you believe my words? Therefore Jesus believed that Moses was the author of the first five books of the Old Testament. He endorsed and sanctioned the inspiration of the writings of Moses. Also Peter and the apostles accepted the inspiration of Deuteronomy when they applied this same text to Christ. (Acts 3:22-24.)

Concerning this argument of Christ, one writer has made the following fine statement,

“Here is no ad hominem argument. He meets His Jewish persecutors with a head on declaration that their Bible is true, though they have misconstrued it. He declares the Pentateuch to have been written by Moses and to be prophetic of Himself. Strangely, these two points are denied by the entire group of higher critics of our day. That the Old Testament was supernaturally written and made predictions about Jesus Christ is not accepted by modem scholarship. With a thoroughly naturalistic bias they rule out direct Messianic prediction.” 1

From this we can draw the obvious conclusion that Jesus endorsed all five books of Moses, and he based his argument upon the very fact that Moses’ writings were inspired and authoritative and that they had made predictions concerning him.

CHRIST DEFEATED THE DEVIL WITH THE BOOK OF DEUTERONOMY

We would do well to hold the same attitude and reverence for the writings of Moses and other inspired prophets of olden times. But perhaps the best example of the attitude of Jesus toward the writings of Moses is found in the fourth chapter of Matthew, where we have the record of the great battle between Jesus Christ and the devil himself.

After Jesus had been baptized, and had received the commendation of his heavenly father, he was rushed into the suffering of temptation. After he had fasted for forty days and forty nights, the devil came to him and tempted him. In each case our Lord quoted from the book of Deuteronomy, and in so doing vanquished the onslaughts of Satan.

First, Satan suggested that Jesus should turn stones into bread in order to satisfy his hunger, but Jesus replied, “It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4: 4.) This is a quotation from Deuteronomy 8: 3.

Secondly, the devil took him upon the pinnacle of the temple and suggested that he cast himself down since God had given his angels charge concerning him, and that they would bear him up any time lest he would dash his foot against a stone. Jesus replied, “It is written again, Thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God.” (Matthew 4: 7.) This is a quotation of Deuteronomy 6: 16.

In the third place, when the devil took Christ up into an exceedingly high mountain, and offered him all the kingdoms of the world if he would only fall down and worship him, Jesus replied: “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.” (Matt. 4: 10.) This is a quotation from Deut. 6: 13.

Did Jesus respect the book of Deuteronomy? Did our Lord think that there was any power in the word of God as recorded in that book? Most obviously he did. There was such power and force in his arguments that the devil left him at least for a little time.

Let all who respect God, Christ and the Holy Spirit, accept the verbal inspiration and divine revelation of the Pentateuch—the five books of Moses.

Copyright © 2009 2017 Shelby G. Floyd, All Rights Reserved

1 R. Laird Harris, Inspiration and Canonicity of the Bible, p. 58.

Shelby G. Floyd
Heartland Church of Christ
1693 West Main Street
Greenwood, Indiana 46142

BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 2

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Shelby G. Floyd

CHRIST AND GENESIS

Contrary to the views of modernists, and liberals, who believe the Bible to be simply the uninspired opinions and words of men, Jesus held the words of the Bible to be the word of God, and therefore full of divine authority and power. The attitude of Christ toward the word of God is well expressed in his discourse concerning the destruction of Jerusalem:

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away”(Matthew 24: 35).

This simply points out the fact that all of God’s creation will ultimately pass away and be no more, but God’s word will live and abide forever. Continue reading “BIBLICAL INSPIRATION NO. 2” →