“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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” When this was written, Paul was referring to what we call the Old Testament, which was considered sacred by the Jews and had been recognized as inspired by God, or “God-breathed.” The New Testament was also recognized as inspired and officially canonized—added to the collection of sacred texts—early in church history.
The inspiration of Scripture does not mean the Bible was dictated by an angel while a person transcribed it, as other religions believe concerning their sacred texts. It also doesn’t mean the Holy Spirit completely took control of the human author while the text was written. Rather, it is another example of incarnation in Christianity. As Christ was fully human and fully divine, the Bible is also fully human in that it was written by actual people for the purpose of recording historical events, teaching, prophecy, instruction, worship, and letters to churches and individuals. But it is also fully divine, as God was active in sovereignly orchestrating the words of the writings to communicate truth.
Everything needed to be complete, thoroughly equipped for everything God has called us to do is readily available in Scripture. How incredible is this? If any of us ever feel unprepared, ill-equipped, or not ready or able to do what is good, we simply need to turn to God’s word. Do we live our lives with the awareness of the treasure we have available in God’s word? Do we demonstrate our reliance upon this gift by daily reading and regularly studying Scripture? Are we willing to dig deeper to uncover more from God’s word, and in doing so become more equipped?
With the tools which the internet and smartphones provide, we have more information about the Bible and greater and easier access to God’s word than any previous generation. When I became a pastor, I had to use large books, Strong’s concordance, Bible dictionaries, commentaries, etc., to dig into the Bible. But now I can do all that in a fraction of the time anywhere with my phone. This generation with such unlimited access to God’s word and Bible helps should be the most equipped and most Christlike of any. But is it? Is the church of the 21st century—with all our technology and tools—more holy, more fruitful, more spiritually productive than previous generations?
Let’s each choose now to use the tools and the technology God has given us in our day to excel—to be shining lights in a dark generation, to be the best translation of God’s word—when His truths are translated into our lives, so that the world can see Jesus in us.