Marie’s daily verse: 

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). 

DAILY DEVOTION, April 5, 2024

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

What sets the Bible apart? Paul’s words in this verse shed light on the unique origin of Scripture. The Bible is a human creation and a product of divine inspiration. Paul’s choice of words is intriguing-he says, “All Scripture is God-breathed.” This doesn’t imply that God dictated the words to the human authors. Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Paul, and Peter – all penned Scripture in their styles. The wonder lies in God infusing His essence into the final product, making Scripture the Word of God. The Bible, therefore, has a dual authorship, both divine and human.

God’s breath (Spirit) was active when the Bible was written, so the end product is infallible, inerrant, the very Word of God. If any human error crept in, Paul was mistaken about the Bible being inspired by God. God does not inspire error! If we say the Bible is a mixture of divine truth and human error, who determines what is true and what is false?

I believe God was actively working in the authors’ lives so that they were writing God’s Word when they wrote their words. Paul does not say that some Scripture is inspired. He uses the word “all,” which means “all!”

As fallible humans, we are prone to errors and can easily misinterpret Scripture. This verse serves as a reminder to approach the Bible with caution and prayer. When we hold the Bible, we stand on sacred ground. Therefore, let us read humbly, acknowledging our limitations and seeking divine guidance.

Father, I thank You for giving us Your Word. I don’t want to depend on fallible humans to teach me about You, nor do I trust myself to understand You correctly. I praise You for giving us an inspired book we can trust to bring us the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I thank You for the Bible, which has led me to Jesus and salvation. In His holy name, I pray. Amen.