. . . knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. 2 Peter 1:20-21
Grace Community Church believes the Bible is God’s inspired, infallible rule of faith and practice. When we speak of the Bible as inspired, we are referring to the fact that God divinely influenced the human authors of the Scriptures in such a way that what they wrote was the very Word of God. In the context of the Scriptures, the word inspiration simply means “God-breathed.” Inspiration means the Bible truly is the Word of God and Holy, which makes the Bible set apart from all other books.
The intended fullness of inspiration can be understood from Paul’s writing to Timothy:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
2 Timothy 3:16-17
These verses tell us that God inspired all Scripture and that it is profitable to us. It is not just the parts of the Bible that deal with religious laws, traditions, and doctrines that are inspired, but each and every word from Genesis to Revelation. Because it is inspired by God, the Scriptures have authority in both faith and practice. Also, because the author is God, the Bible is sufficient for teaching man how to be in a right relationship with Him and others.
Jesus Himself confirmed the inspiration of the Scriptures when He said:
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.” Matthew 5:17-18
In these verses, Jesus is reinforcing the accuracy and reliability of the Scriptures down to the smallest detail and the slightest punctuation mark. Jesus is reminding us that we can trust God and His Word.
Because the Scriptures are the inspired Word of God, we can conclude that they are also inerrant. God is all-powerful, all-knowing, and completely perfect. Therefore, God’s Word, by its very nature will have the same characteristics. The same verses that establish the inspiration of the Scriptures also establish God’s truth and authority. Grace Community Church believes, without a doubt the Bible to be what it claims to be—the inerrant, authoritative, Word of God to all of humanity.
The Spirit-empowered study of God’s Word equips us for every good work, grows us to abide more deeply in Jesus, and sustains us through every season of life. We encourage you to grow with us in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!
If you have further questions concerning what studies are currently available at Grace, please email GraceChurch@gracehhi.org or call the church office at 843.681.6698