When the Book of Acts opens, in Chapter 1, we find the eleven remaining apostles waiting in Jerusalem until they would receive power from Holy Spirit. They were gathered together in an upper room with about 120 of the disciples, including the mother and brethren of Jesus. In Acts 1:15-16, Peter said, “Men and brethren, this scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake before concerning Judas, which was guide to them that took Jesus.” He then goes on in verse 20, “For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.” Here he quoted two passages from the Book of Psalms – Psalm 69:25 and Psalm 109:8.

From Peter’s statement in Acts 1:16 we learn a very important lesson from the Bible on Inspiration.

Inspiration is the means by which God has communicated to man from the beginning until the time when “that which is perfect” has come (1 Cor. 13:10). That is, until the complete revealed Word of God has come. “Inspired of God” literally means “God-breathed.” God “breathed” the very words of the Scriptures. This is known as verbal, plenary inspiration – every single word of Scripture is God-breathed. God still speaks to us today – yet only through His Inspired Word.

Let us note three things from Peter’s statement in Acts 1:16:

First, note the Ultimate Source of the Scriptures. “...which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake...” We see that the God speaking through the Holy Spirit is the source of scripture. Just as Peter would later say, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” (2 Peter 1:21). “All scripture is given by inspiration of God...” (2 Timothy 3:16)

Second, note the Medium[1] Employed “...which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake...” (David was not only king of Israel – he was a prophet of God, the inspired author of many Psalms.) God has employed, throughout the ages, medium get His Message to mankind. “God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets...” (Hebrews 1:1) This teaches us that God “spake in times past ...by the prophets...” That is, “in the prophets themselves as the vessels of divine inspiration. God spake in them and from them.” [2] Notice 2 Samuel 23:2 “The Spirit of the LORD spake by me, and his word was in my tongue...” and 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....”

Third, note the Final Result of the process of Inspiration – Scripture. “This scripture must needs have been fulfilled, which the Holy Ghost by the mouth of David spake...” Scripture is the revealed Word of God in written form. The word “scripture” comes from the Greek word “graphein,” which means, “that which is written.” The Scriptures are the Words of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). May we all follow the example of the Noble Bereans who, “searched the scriptures daily...” (Acts 17:11) – and read God’s Word every day.

[1] Webster’s Dictionary, “The means or instrument by which any thing is accomplished, conveyed or carried on.”
[2] Vincent’s Word Studies

The Greatest “Valentine’s”

Wednesday, February 14th, is “Valentine’s Day.” It is a day in which we like to express our love for our “sweethearts.” On that day, we will give and receive Valentine’s cards, eat chocolate and quote love poetry to one another, “My love is like a red, red, rose that’s newly sprung in June...” We give gifts of roses, chocolate and Teddy bears to the ones we love the most and we receive their gifts of love in return. It truly is the most romantic day of the year.

Yet the “Valentine’s” that we give to one another pale in comparison to that greatest expression of love, given by the Creator Himself. That greatest of “Valentine’s” came in the form of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches us, “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” (James 1:17) It also teaches that Jesus was that perfect gift – given out of the motive of purest love. “In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him. Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” (1 John 4:9-10)

The gospel message is essentially a message of love. It is a message of the Creator’s love for His creation.

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

“In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him...” (1 John 4:9)

It is true that the gospel is a “love letter” to man from God. However, the gospel is NOT just a letter that proclaims the love of God and demands nothing in return – as some are teaching today. The gospel reveals God’s love toward us, yet it also demands that we love God in return.

The Bible clearly teaches that God loves all men and wants all to be saved. “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men...” (Titus 2:11); “...Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth...” (1 Timothy 2:4). However, the gospel of Christ also reveals that the “saved” are the ones who truly love God – those who truly love God are those who keep His commandments.

“If ye love me, keep my commandments...” (John 14:15)

“But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him....” (1 John 2:5)

“By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous...” (1 John 5:2-3)

All men are loved by their Creator. It was because of His great love that He sent us the Greatest of Gifts. If we, the created, truly want to demonstrate our love and appreciation toward Him for what He has done then all we must do is humbly obey His Word. If we do that, we will abide in the love of God. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love...” (John 15:10)