There has been some debate regarding whether God spoke directly to man, well he communicates in many ways. The Scriptures show that indeed God reveals Himself in words and deeds. Although man has limitations, God communicates information, revealing things that are necessary and indispensable for salvation and restoration. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, say the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts" (Isa 55:8,9; cf. Rom 11:33).
It is obvious that nature shows evidence of God as Creator, Designer and Sustainer. "The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). But due to sin, man is limited in his perception of the full understanding of God's creation and restoration.
God communicates to us by his inspired word, the Holy Spirit, in so many ways that it is hard to list them all, but some of them like prayer, are outlined for us in the Bible:
Here's what Jesus said about prayer: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matt. 6:5-8).
Everything we need to know about prayer is in these words of Jesus.
[SIZE=-1]Frank B. Holbrook, B.D., M.Th., Professor of Religion at Southern College[/SIZE]
....In Hebrews 1:1 we are told that "in many and various ways God spoke" by the prophets. The term, polumeros, derived as it is from the neuter noun, meros, meaning "share" or "portion" may be understood as meaning "in many portions" as well as "in many ways." The Scriptures did not come into being as one entire volume. Rather, it was revealed piece by piece through the ages as God saw that instruction was needed and could be received. Progressive revelation disclosing more clearly the divine plan from age to age is thus inherent in the manner in which the Scripture was given. The Spirit selected the time and the content for "no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."[32]
The Scriptures are not explicit as to the details of the process of inspiration, that is, just how the prophet was qualified by the Spirit to receive and to communicate the divine message. There is a union-a linking of the divine and human agencies for the effecting of the communication. Neither agency is ignored but the details are not defined.
Content of Inspiration. On this point there is an abundance of scriptural testimony. While at times in a public situation there may have been physical phenomena, communications by the Spirit were not a matter of emotion, frenzy, temporary madness, or mere feeling. Rather, there was a transfer of information on a rational level to the mind of the prophet.
The Holy Spirit did not always communicate to a prophet by means of vision or dream, although this was the common method.[33] Sometimes the Holy Spirit appears to have spoken to the inner senses transmitting oral instruction. Samuel is told "in his ear" about Saul's coming to see him. Again as Samuel reviews Jesse's sons he is told in his inner mind to reject the first lads presented and finally to arise and to anoint David.[34] Others like Zechariah were given messages by symbolic representations with appropriate explanations of the symbols.[35] Some are given visions of heaven in which setting instruction is conveyed in words and representations.[36]
Sometimes a writer was given a view of events transpiring just then at another location of which he was unaware.[37] At other times the Bible writers were carried forward in time and were shown events that would occur in the future. Prophecies of the future were thus predicted upon the divine foreknowledge. Sometimes the writers even participated in their visions-that is, they saw themselves performing certain functions in vision, which actions became part of the message itself.[38]
The prophets did not always understand what they were shown; at times they were greatly perplexed over the content of their revelations. Daniel and John illustrate this fact.[39] At times the inspired writers themselves searched the divinely revealed messages-their own and those of the other prophets-for piece by piece a mosaic picture was being constructed over the centuries revealing the person of the Messiah, His coming sufferings (First Advent) and the subsequent glory (Second Advent).[40] Sometimes the prophets shrank from speaking to the people what had been shown them, or they actually argue with God over the revelation.[41] Definite instructions are given to some to write out what has been shown them for future use by others.[42]
Some observations. From this brief review certain observations may be made in order to more clearly delimit the biblical concept of "inspiration." First, inspiration is not conceived to be a simple function of genius or ability such as might be attributed to a poet or a musician. Definite instruction is conveyed to the mind of the prophet concerning people, places, events, reproofs, encouragements, etc. Sometimes he understands; sometimes he does not. He is often led to search his own writings and the writings of others to find specific data. At times he will even argue with God over what has been revealed. "No prophecy ever came by the impulse of man." The prophet would be first to disclaim his genius as originating his message.
Secondly, inspiration is not regarded as the experience of regeneration or the new birth. A message conveyed by the Spirit to the mind does not convert the prophet, nor does it guarantee him salvation or prevent his sinning. Balaam uttered a divine communication under inspiration while he was living contrary to God's ways. David, who spoke by the Spirit, also committed gross crimes at one time in his life. The prophets were men of "like nature with ourselves"[43] so far as their standing in need of grace was concerned. Divine revelations did not transform their lives automatically, but they did increase their responsibility.
Thirdly, inspiration is not depicted as being simply illumination. It is one of the functions of the Holy Spirit to guide one into truth, to open the understanding to grasp truth; but it is truth which is first revealed by the Spirit by means of the prophetic agency. It is clear from Peter's statement that inspiration could occur without illumination, that is, without understanding on the prophet's part.
The prophets did not always understand their visions but searched for an understanding of their import. It must also be clear that simple enlightenment by the Holy Spirit which is promised to all seekers after truth could not account for the revelations of future events unknown to the prophet.[44] And it must follow that such simple illumination of the Holy Spirit which is promised to all who seek for truth would not make such a seeker equal in authority with a Bible writer. The truth-filled sermons which Barnabas and Paul preached may have sounded much alike. But there was this distinct difference which enhanced the authority of Paul's preaching above that of his colleague: Barnabas as a convert had been illuminated by the Spirit to apprehend the truths of the written Word of God, while Paul received the gospel by revelation. "I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."[45]
Fourthly, it may be observed that the prophets were instructed to commit their messages to writing, the purpose obviously being to provide an objective authoritative body of truth expressing God's will whereby one's experience could be tested. So Moses commanded the nation:
[32]. 2 Pet 1:21.
[33]. Num 12:6.
[34]. 1 Sam 9:15 (KJV). Literally, "Yahweh uncovered the ear of Samuel." 1 Sam 16:7.
[35]. Zechariah 4, etc.
[36]. 2 Cor 12:1-4; Rev 4:1-2, etc.
[37]. Ezekiel 8.
[38]. Revelation 10.
[39]. Dan 8:15, 27; 12:8; Rev 5:4.
[40]. 1 Pet 1:10-12.
[41]. Habakkuk; Jonah.
[42]. 1 Pet 1:12, implied; Deut 31:9, 19, 24-26; Isa 30:8; Jer 36:2; 29; Dan 12:4; Rev 1:11.
[43]. Jas 5:17.
[44]. Augustus H. Strong, Systematic Theology (3 vols. in one), 206.
[45]. Gal 1:12.
[46]. Deut 31:10-13.
[47]. Rom 7:7.
[48]. Matt 22:29.
[49]. Cited by Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, vol. 2, 423.
[50]. 1 Cor 14:32.
It is obvious that nature shows evidence of God as Creator, Designer and Sustainer. "The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork" (Psalm 19:1). But due to sin, man is limited in his perception of the full understanding of God's creation and restoration.
God communicates to us by his inspired word, the Holy Spirit, in so many ways that it is hard to list them all, but some of them like prayer, are outlined for us in the Bible:
Here's what Jesus said about prayer: "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him" (Matt. 6:5-8).
Everything we need to know about prayer is in these words of Jesus.
- Jesus says, "When you pray." He doesn't say, "If you pray." So Prayer is communicating on a regular basis in the Christian life.
- Jesus says, "Close the door." Prayer is private. It's between you and God, and nobody else.
- Jesus says, "Pray to your Father." Prayer isn't talking to the wall or to some mysterious "other being." Jesus came to show us that His Father is our Father. You may have such rotten relationships with your own parents that you can't identify with what I am saying. I am sorry for that. But God is the parent none of us ever had. Even if you can't speak to your own parents, prayer opens up a real relationship with God.
- Jesus says, "Don't babble; ask." Slogans, clichés, repetition, poems-prayer is not a campaign speech to win God's election. When a child wants a cookie, he or she says, "I want a cookie." "Ask your Father," Jesus says. "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened" (Matt. 7:7, 8). This is prayer-a direct, simple, honest conversation with the one who can do something about the problem.
[SIZE=-1]Frank B. Holbrook, B.D., M.Th., Professor of Religion at Southern College[/SIZE]
....In Hebrews 1:1 we are told that "in many and various ways God spoke" by the prophets. The term, polumeros, derived as it is from the neuter noun, meros, meaning "share" or "portion" may be understood as meaning "in many portions" as well as "in many ways." The Scriptures did not come into being as one entire volume. Rather, it was revealed piece by piece through the ages as God saw that instruction was needed and could be received. Progressive revelation disclosing more clearly the divine plan from age to age is thus inherent in the manner in which the Scripture was given. The Spirit selected the time and the content for "no prophecy ever came by the impulse of man, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God."[32]
The Scriptures are not explicit as to the details of the process of inspiration, that is, just how the prophet was qualified by the Spirit to receive and to communicate the divine message. There is a union-a linking of the divine and human agencies for the effecting of the communication. Neither agency is ignored but the details are not defined.
Content of Inspiration. On this point there is an abundance of scriptural testimony. While at times in a public situation there may have been physical phenomena, communications by the Spirit were not a matter of emotion, frenzy, temporary madness, or mere feeling. Rather, there was a transfer of information on a rational level to the mind of the prophet.
The Holy Spirit did not always communicate to a prophet by means of vision or dream, although this was the common method.[33] Sometimes the Holy Spirit appears to have spoken to the inner senses transmitting oral instruction. Samuel is told "in his ear" about Saul's coming to see him. Again as Samuel reviews Jesse's sons he is told in his inner mind to reject the first lads presented and finally to arise and to anoint David.[34] Others like Zechariah were given messages by symbolic representations with appropriate explanations of the symbols.[35] Some are given visions of heaven in which setting instruction is conveyed in words and representations.[36]
Sometimes a writer was given a view of events transpiring just then at another location of which he was unaware.[37] At other times the Bible writers were carried forward in time and were shown events that would occur in the future. Prophecies of the future were thus predicted upon the divine foreknowledge. Sometimes the writers even participated in their visions-that is, they saw themselves performing certain functions in vision, which actions became part of the message itself.[38]
The prophets did not always understand what they were shown; at times they were greatly perplexed over the content of their revelations. Daniel and John illustrate this fact.[39] At times the inspired writers themselves searched the divinely revealed messages-their own and those of the other prophets-for piece by piece a mosaic picture was being constructed over the centuries revealing the person of the Messiah, His coming sufferings (First Advent) and the subsequent glory (Second Advent).[40] Sometimes the prophets shrank from speaking to the people what had been shown them, or they actually argue with God over the revelation.[41] Definite instructions are given to some to write out what has been shown them for future use by others.[42]
Some observations. From this brief review certain observations may be made in order to more clearly delimit the biblical concept of "inspiration." First, inspiration is not conceived to be a simple function of genius or ability such as might be attributed to a poet or a musician. Definite instruction is conveyed to the mind of the prophet concerning people, places, events, reproofs, encouragements, etc. Sometimes he understands; sometimes he does not. He is often led to search his own writings and the writings of others to find specific data. At times he will even argue with God over what has been revealed. "No prophecy ever came by the impulse of man." The prophet would be first to disclaim his genius as originating his message.
Secondly, inspiration is not regarded as the experience of regeneration or the new birth. A message conveyed by the Spirit to the mind does not convert the prophet, nor does it guarantee him salvation or prevent his sinning. Balaam uttered a divine communication under inspiration while he was living contrary to God's ways. David, who spoke by the Spirit, also committed gross crimes at one time in his life. The prophets were men of "like nature with ourselves"[43] so far as their standing in need of grace was concerned. Divine revelations did not transform their lives automatically, but they did increase their responsibility.
Thirdly, inspiration is not depicted as being simply illumination. It is one of the functions of the Holy Spirit to guide one into truth, to open the understanding to grasp truth; but it is truth which is first revealed by the Spirit by means of the prophetic agency. It is clear from Peter's statement that inspiration could occur without illumination, that is, without understanding on the prophet's part.
The prophets did not always understand their visions but searched for an understanding of their import. It must also be clear that simple enlightenment by the Holy Spirit which is promised to all seekers after truth could not account for the revelations of future events unknown to the prophet.[44] And it must follow that such simple illumination of the Holy Spirit which is promised to all who seek for truth would not make such a seeker equal in authority with a Bible writer. The truth-filled sermons which Barnabas and Paul preached may have sounded much alike. But there was this distinct difference which enhanced the authority of Paul's preaching above that of his colleague: Barnabas as a convert had been illuminated by the Spirit to apprehend the truths of the written Word of God, while Paul received the gospel by revelation. "I did not receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it came through a revelation of Jesus Christ."[45]
Fourthly, it may be observed that the prophets were instructed to commit their messages to writing, the purpose obviously being to provide an objective authoritative body of truth expressing God's will whereby one's experience could be tested. So Moses commanded the nation:
At the end of every seven years, . . . when all Israel comes to appear before the Lord . . . you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing . . . that they may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, and be careful to do all the words of this law, and that their children, who have not known it, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God, as long as you live in the land. . . .[46]
The same assent to an objective body of truth is voiced by Paul: "What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet, if it had not been for the law, I should not have known sin. I should not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, 'You shall not covet.' "[47] Jesus asserted that the reason His questioners were missing the truth in their human speculations was because they were ignorant of the body of truth given in the Scriptures. "You are wrong, because you know neither the scriptures nor the power of God.".....[32]. 2 Pet 1:21.
[33]. Num 12:6.
[34]. 1 Sam 9:15 (KJV). Literally, "Yahweh uncovered the ear of Samuel." 1 Sam 16:7.
[35]. Zechariah 4, etc.
[36]. 2 Cor 12:1-4; Rev 4:1-2, etc.
[37]. Ezekiel 8.
[38]. Revelation 10.
[39]. Dan 8:15, 27; 12:8; Rev 5:4.
[40]. 1 Pet 1:10-12.
[41]. Habakkuk; Jonah.
[42]. 1 Pet 1:12, implied; Deut 31:9, 19, 24-26; Isa 30:8; Jer 36:2; 29; Dan 12:4; Rev 1:11.
[43]. Jas 5:17.
[44]. Augustus H. Strong, Systematic Theology (3 vols. in one), 206.
[45]. Gal 1:12.
[46]. Deut 31:10-13.
[47]. Rom 7:7.
[48]. Matt 22:29.
[49]. Cited by Philip Schaff, History of the Christian Church, vol. 2, 423.
[50]. 1 Cor 14:32.
