We are so quick today to quote scripture by saying Paul said, John recorded, Peter wrote and so on. Most people use the name of the biblical writer as the source and leave out who’s words they actually are. In a way, downplaying the fact that all scripture consists of God’s very own word.
It’s not really wrong to use a writer’s name when speaking about various passages of scripture. In fact, look around this site and you will find this done many times. But it is important that we never forget who’s a word it really is and we must be sure that we make that clear to others as well.
The Bible itself makes it clear that every word contained in its pages are the words of God Himself. Given to various people throughout history so they could be delivered to God’s people.
2 Timothy 3:16 (ESV)
16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,
2 Peter 1:20–21 (ESV)
20 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. 21 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.
We are not reading the Bible to try and gain understanding from other humans that lived thousands of years before us. As we know, human knowledge is limited and compares nothing to the knowledge of our Creator. Which is the very reason we are to spend time in the Bible to gain a greater knowledge and understanding that can only come from God who created everything.
Colossians 2:8 (ESV)
8 See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.
1 Corinthians 2:4–5 (ESV)
4 and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
Proverbs 2:6 (ESV)
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
Romans 11:33 (ESV)
33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!
So as you read scripture and share it with others make a point to remember and emphasize who’s word it really is. Never allow yourself to forget that the Bible is not just the collected works of mere humans like ourselves. But that every word and pen stroke truly was inspired by God above.
This is a very basic principle but it is something that we must be reminded of often. So that we never allow ourselves to undervalue any aspect of the scripture by crediting it to a human author. Just knowing that it is the word given to us by God should affect the way we respond to it.
Help us keep other believers from overlooking who’s word the Bible really is by sharing this article on social media. Every share helps us to reach more and more people that we may have not been able to otherwise. To share simply click one of the social icons on this page. Thanks for your support and God Bless!
Visit Justin’s personal website Here. Or see articles from other writers we feature Here. Also, be sure to stop by our prayer wall.