Faith & Reason Nexus

Definition:

• Plenary: Derived from a Latin word meaning “full” or “complete.” This concept signifies that the Scriptures are fully inspired in every part—there are no omissions or gaps in their divine inspiration. It affirms that every part of the Bible is God-breathed and fully authoritative, without contradictions or errors.
• Verbal: Refers to the very words of the Bible. This concept asserts that the words themselves, as originally written, are divinely chosen and directed by God. It emphasizes that God did not merely inspire ideas or concepts but the specific words used by the human authors.

Biblical Evidence of Inspiration

The concept of the Bible as the “Word of God” is pervasive in Scripture, affirming that the Scriptures themselves are divinely inspired, not merely reflective of human wisdom or tradition. Some key examples include:

• Exodus 17:14: “And Jehovah said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book.”
  • God commands Moses to write down His words for future generations, showing divine intent behind Scripture.
• 2 Samuel 23:2: “The Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and His Word was in my tongue.”
  • David acknowledges that the words he speaks are directly inspired by the Spirit of God.
• Jeremiah 1:9: “Then the Lord put forth His hand, and touched my mouth. And the Lord said unto me, Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth.”
  • God personally places His words into the mouth of the prophet Jeremiah, demonstrating divine control over the written word.
• Psalm 119: Over 175 verses in Psalm 119 exalt the Scriptures as the Word of God. For instance, Psalm 119:11 says, “Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.”
  • This psalm repeatedly reflects the central importance of God’s Word in guiding and shaping the believer’s life.
• Matthew 5:17-18: Jesus said, “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.”
  • Jesus affirms the permanence and reliability of the Scriptures, specifically even the smallest details, such as the “jot” (the smallest Hebrew letter) and the “tittle” (a small mark or projection used in Hebrew letters). This highlights that every part of the Word of God is divinely preserved and authoritative.

Conclusion:

Verbal plenary inspiration emphasizes that every word in Scripture is divinely chosen, fully inspired, and without error. The Bible’s claim to be the Word of God is consistent throughout, and Jesus Himself recognized its divine authority and permanence. The understanding of verbal plenary inspiration strengthens the believer’s trust in the Bible as the true, complete, and reliable Word of God.