The Bible is the perfectly inspired Word of God.
It is perfect because it is written under the direct inspiration of God Himself. Every word in the Bible reflects God’s own thoughts. Though the words were penned by human hands, the original Author is God. Some may claim that while parts of the Bible are from God, most of it was written by men—but that is not true.
According to 2 Timothy 3:16, it says “All Scripture,” not just some parts. The word “all” encompasses the entire Bible, not merely a section or a portion.
In 2 Timothy 3:15, Scripture is referred to as holy. The term “holy” means set apart, sanctified, or consecrated. That is why the Bible, unlike all other books, is set apart and sanctified—it is the Holy Word of God. There is no other book in the world that is holy in the truest sense. People may consider their books sacred, but it is God Himself who has declared the Bible to be holy.
The term “holy scriptures” in 2 Timothy 3:15 is translated from the Greek word gramma, which means a carefully written and complete word. Indeed, the Word of God is thoroughly written with great depth and perfection, especially concerning the subject of salvation, which humanity desperately needs. God’s Word is not only perfect in itself, but it also leads the one who follows it toward spiritual maturity and completeness. As 2 Timothy 3:17 states, the Word equips the believer for every good work, making them complete and thoroughly prepared.
The perfection of God’s Word is also evident in this: the Bible is the only divine book that boldly and authoritatively proclaims salvation for all humanity through Jesus Christ. It warns, corrects, and guides believers to avoid every kind of error. Anyone who doubts the perfection of this Word will find their life incomplete. But proving its perfection is not difficult—its power and impact are evident and have been outlined above.
The Bible is God-Breathed
The word inspiration literally means “God-breathed.” This breath is from God Himself. Every word of the Bible is the breath—or inspiration—of God.
Some argue that not all of Scripture is divinely inspired. However, 2 Timothy 3:16–17 clearly declares that “All Scripture is inspired by God.”
The term “all” includes everything from Genesis 1:1 to Revelation 22:21.
What Did the Lord Jesus Christ Believe About Scripture?
The Lord Jesus Christ had the highest regard for Scripture.
Here are several examples:
a) In Matthew 5:17–18, Jesus Himself said He did not come to abolish the Law (Old Testament Scriptures) but to fulfill them.
b) He affirmed that the Law cannot be broken. When Jesus declared, “I and the Father are one,” the Jews accused Him of blasphemy, saying He, being a man, claimed to be God. In response, Jesus quoted the Mosaic Law to silence them (John 10:22–34). This shows Jesus’ deep trust in Scripture.
c) The books of the Old Testament were written to prepare for the coming of Christ (Luke 24:44).
d) The Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms—each section of the Old Testament—is affirmed by Jesus to be divinely inspired (Luke 24:44).
e) Jesus frequently quoted and interpreted Old Testament figures, events, and miracles in various New Testament contexts. Examples include:
- Creation – Mark 13:19
- Adam and Eve – Matthew 19:4–6, Mark 10:6–7
- Cain and Abel – Matthew 23:35, Luke 11:50–51
- Noah and the Flood – Matthew 24:37–39
- Abraham – John 8:39–40
- Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah – Luke 17:28–29
- Lot’s wife turned into a pillar of salt – Luke 17:32
- Moses and the burning bush – Mark 12:26
- Manna from heaven – John 6:31–32
- Jonah and the great fish – Matthew 12:39–41
Jesus Also Mentioned the Names of the Authors of the Old Testament
- The Books of the Law written by Moses – Luke 24:44; John 5:45–47
- The Book of Psalms written by David – Luke 20:42
- The Book of Daniel written by Daniel – Matthew 24:15
These references affirm that Jesus fully trusted in the truth and authority of the Scriptures. And not only Jesus, but His apostles also strongly upheld the authenticity of the Old Testament. The New Testament contains many verses where apostles interpret or refer to the Old Testament characters, events, and miracles.
If both Jesus Christ and His apostles believed the Bible was inspired by God, then we cannot claim to be wiser or greater than them to question or dismiss the Bible. If the Bible were merely a human creation, it would be full of contradictions. But since it is divinely inspired, approaching it with doubt is unjustified.
By Heman Rai