Objections To The Doctrine Of Verbal Plenary Inspiration
OBJECTIONS TO THE DOCTRINE OF VERBAL PLENARY INSPIRATION
The teaching of the verbal plenary inspiration of the Scriptures has come under heavy attack in recent years. There are many who would deny that each and every word of the Bible is the Word of God and without error. There have been several lines of evidence to support such a view.
1. The Inadequacy of Language. This objection states that human language is inadequate to the task of expressing truth about transcendent realities. Eastern religions often stress the teaching that God is inexpressible. Some actually go so far as to maintain that language is unable to express literal truth about anything. Such a view is really an attempt to limit the power of God, for it states that God is unable to draw a straight line with a crooked stick.
2. Paul's Apparent Disclaimer of Inspiration. In his first epistle to the Corinthians, Paul makes some statements which, at first glance, seem to deny total inspiration. But to the married I give instructions, not I, but the Lord, that the wife should not leave her husband. (1 Corinthians 7:10).
It has been suggested that Paul is showing how he is giving the commands of God rather than his own personal commands, but that in 1 Corinthians 7:12 he leaves God's instructions and moves forward with instructions that are comprised only his own personal opinion. Notice the following phrases: But to the rest I say, not the Lord... (1 Corinthians 7:12).
Now concerning virgins I have no command of the Lord, but I give an opinion as one who by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy. (1 Corinthians 7:25).
These verses might be difficult until we realize that Paul is merely contrasting the commands which have already been given by the Lord Jesus while He was on earth with the new commands that Paul is now giving. Thus, he is not denying inspiration, but rather is simply quoting the words of Christ to prove his point. In 1 Corinthians 7:25 Paul gives his opinion, but this does not mean that it is not an inspired opinion — one which “by the mercy of the Lord is trustworthy.”
3. The Problem of Imprecise Quotations.
Anyone who has read through the Bible has quickly seen that it often quotes itself. The New Testament contains hundreds of quotations from the Old Testament. A close examination of the quotations will reveal that they are not always exact. There are often variants as a word or a whole phrase is changed.
Sometimes the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament) is quoted, even when that translation makes a notable departure from the Hebrew text. At other times, the author gives a rather free translation. Does this mean that each and every word of the original passage is not inspired? Not at all. These quotations are often deliberately general to bring out and better illustrate the truth that is being taught.
We can view them as a divinely inspired commentary on the text which is being quoted. Indeed, much of the Old Testament Scriptures are explained and amplified in the New Testament.
4. The Problem of Conflicting Reports.
There are a number of instances when two different writers in the Bible describe the same event. In such cases, there are sometimes major differences in the details between the two accounts. Here are just a few examples: The genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17 versus Luke 3:23-38). The calling of the disciples (Matthew 4:18-22 with Luke 5:1-11 and John 1:40-42). The setting of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1 and Luke 6:17). The cursing of the fig tree and the time of its actual withering (Matthew 21:18-20 versus Mark 11:12-13; Mark 11:20-21). The inscription that was placed over the cross of Jesus (Matthew 27:37; Mark 15:26; Luke 23:38 and John 19:19). The account of the events following Paul's conversion (Acts 9:1-31 and Galatians 1:13-17). The following general answers can be suggested to these problems: Not all of these passages are necessarily speaking of the same event. For example, it seems that Jesus called His disciples on at least two separate occasions.
Sometimes a chronological order of events is set aside and replaced with a topical order. For example, a writer of one of the gospel accounts might begin to detail the things that Jesus said during His ministry concerning a specific topic. Another writer might list those events in the order in which they took place.
Certain words and phrases are used interchangeably due to the fact that the quotations might have been made from different languages. This is seen in the case of the teaching of Jesus who probably preached in Hebrew or Aramaic while His sayings are recorded in Greek.
God has spoken. He has spoken in a way in which we can understand. He has preserved His message to us in the Scriptures. His message is true. It is complete and without error. We can believe it.