163. Spirit, Holy, In Inspiration (No. 2)

163. Spirit, Holy, In Inspiration (No. 2)

163 HOLY SPIRIT IN INSPIRATION (No. 2)

INTRODUCTION Need to clear out conception on inspiration and understanding of inspiration helps to understand the Bible.

I. FALSE THEORIES OF INSPIRATION 1. Mechanical theory.

(a) This makes the writers passive instruments of the Holy Spirit.

(b) They are only amanuenses of the Holy Spirit.

(c) They recorded the words and ideas of Holy Spirit.

2. Theory of natural inspiration.

(a) Consists in natural impulse or influence of the subject without divine aid.

(b) Bible inspired as Shakespeare is.

3. Theory of Noematical inspiration.

(a) Thoughts all suggested by Holy Spirit.

(b) Writer left to express thoughts in his own words.

II. HOW TO TEST A THEORY 1. If a proposed theory serves to explain all the facts and phenomena involved in the case, it should be accepted as true and valid.

2. lf it does not do this, it should then be rejected.

III. FALSE THEORIES TESTED 1. Mechanical theory fails to account for the human element in all books of the Bible; different styles of writers in the Bible.

2. Theory of natural inspiration fails to account for revelation of love, justice, mercy of God; fails to explain the mystery of redemption, and destiny of man.