I believe the Bible is God’s Word and is inspired. All people do not use the phrase God’s Word in the same way. I believe the Bible is God unfolding His great, grand story of who He is and His relationship to His creation, humanity. Although I believe it is inspired, many people have different ideas of what the term inspired really means. There are at least two views of this issue.
First, verbal inspiration is the view that, “God dictated each and every word of Scripture to each individual author, and they wrote every word faithfully and recorded exactly what was received.” Second, conceptual inspiration is the view that, “God communicated a message to an individual through a dream, vision, mental impression or some other means and left the author free to choose the form in which the message would be conveyed.”
When we read the biblical text, it is possible for different readers to get different interpretations of the text. The text is written with the perspective or worldview of the author. Also, the reader brings his or her own worldview to the table. The text can have at least two interpretations: an original meaning and a contemporary significance. As the reader is influenced by the circumstance of his or her reality, he or she will interpret the text to address a particular need. This does not change the original meaning, but the application of the text to real life events might differ. For example, those from a background of poverty might apply or interpret a particular text differently than those who are wealthy. I do not think one interpretation is better than another as long as the original meaning of the text is not lost.
The authors of the Bible used various literary forms in their writings. I do not think this in any way affects the truth of the text. These literary forms help readers see several things as they read Scripture. First, these forms allow us to see the personal side of the God we serve. All of the other world religions describe an impersonal, critical god. Their followers do not believe it possible to have a relationship with this god. Biblical literary forms give us a glimpse of the personal nature of God and His desire to have a relationship with us. Also, the literary forms the authors chose communicate in a style the audience could grasp. The audience would be familiar with the language and references used by the authors. For example, Jesus spoke in parables to the people He taught. They understood the format and subject matter of those narratives. This does not affect or change the truth of the text. These forms aid in the application of text without compromising the truth of the message. It is up to us to know the particular literary form used as we interpret the text, and we must help our listeners apply the truth of God’s Word to their daily lives.
As I have thought about this question, I would say authority lies in the source of the text. The text itself has no power unless it comes from an ultimate truth giver. In other literature, the text only has power if it comes from a source that has knowledge and authority based on the author’s subject of study. For instance, a doctor who writes a book about cancer writes a text based on his or her knowledge and exposure to the subject. This is what gives authority to the author to write the text. The author has no personal ability to give meaning to the text apart from the source of knowledge. It is the same with Scripture. As the writers experienced a personal, intimate relationship with God, they gained the knowledge and experience to pen the text they were given to write. The writers of the Bible hold no authority over text apart from the source, who is God.
We need to take the truth of Scripture and adapt the way we deliver it to the culture in which we find ourselves. In doing so, the interpretation or its contemporary significance may differ. From my perspective as an author, I would like to think I am the final source of meaning. I was the one who birthed the writing; and if it had not been for me, it would not have existed. I tend to think that what I write comes from within me. On the other hand, it is exciting to see that something I wrote may transcend me. Though I may be gone, it will be left behind. In this way, the text would be the final source of meaning. If I put my pride aside, I would have to say the text is the final source, although it may not agree with my ego.
The text is the final source of the meaning because as readers, we cannot ascertain the author’s intellectual or conscious origin of the text. The text communicates consciously or unconsciously. By looking at the text as the final source, it merely speaks for itself, taking into consideration the historical, cultural, generic, grammatical, ideological and geographical background for successful interpretation of the text.
Word studies also play a crucial role in helping us understand the text of the Bible. A word in the original language may mean something totally different today than it did when it was written. Also, there are some words in Hebrew and Greek that do not translate into the English language. So, it is important for us look at the meaning of the words that were used in order to help us interpret the text.
Word studies should be a part of any good exegesis. We must look at the way the author arranged the words within the text, as well as the meaning. We must ask ourselves: Why was this word chosen? If we do a word study correctly, we can gain more insight into the text and the writing style of the author. This will allow us to begin to clarify our understanding of the passage we are studying.
For example, the word seas used in Psalm 93 refers to the very power of nature itself. Seas seem to have a mind of their own. They ebb and flow, break and crash. They can bring life to a dry area or cause destruction with massive waves. David no doubt had heard the stories of God saving the people of Israel from Pharaoh as they traveled through the Red Sea. In light of the great power the sea holds, David knew God created them and has dominion over them. The seas are witness to God’s majesty and power.
The word Pentecost in Acts 2 has profound meaning that is often overlooked. Pentecost originated after the Exodus when it was variously called the Feast of First Fruits, the Feast of Weeks or the Feast of Harvest (Lev. 23:15-21; Deut. 16:9-12). It was observed 50 days after the ceremonial cutting of the first grain offering after the Passover, hence the origin of the Greek word Pentecost, which means “50th.” By no coincidence, the New Testament Pentecost, as we read in the opening verses of Acts 2, occurred 50 days after the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the “first of the first fruits.”
In James 4, we see the word friendship used in relation to a human’s relationship to the world. James wants us to know friendship with the world is equal to hostility toward God. God is a jealous God. He is passionate about His relationship with us. If anything gets in the way of that relationship, it creates a riff between God and us.
Approaching our study of Scripture with diligence and care illuminates the fact the Bible is one complete book. The books of the Bible are interconnected. The books are not separate writings, but they are a part of the comprehensive story of God and His relationship to humanity. Dig deep and enjoy the journey of discovery!
For more information about PowerHouse Youth Ministry or Randy Brown click here.
