FAQs Mondays: What is Inspiration? Part 3

Last week, we looked at question 8-14, from the Baptist Scriptural Catechism (Lesson 1, Part V). You can read that post, "What is Inspiration? Part 2," here. Now we are going to finish out this section of the catechism.

Question seven is still our guide. It reads, "Can you mention some of these truths; and show that no one, uninspired, could have known and recorded them?".

Did many of perform miracles? Can you mention some of them?

Note: The "them" refers to biblical authors. Notice that the question is open ended. The student is to supply a list of names and miracles. For instance, Moses parted the Red Sea, and Paul raised a young man from the dead.

What is a miracle?

An effect, or event, contrary to the established constitution, or course of things; or a deviation from the know laws of nature.

Will you give an example of what would be a miracle?

Note: Again, we have an open ended question. The students are being prompted to study and recall the miracles recorded in Scripture.

Of what where the miracles proof?

The divine authority of one's mission and teachings.

Since, then, the prophets and the apostles wrought miracles, is it not equivalent to God's own testimony that their doctrines were divine origin?

It was.

Did not the writers of the Scripture often predict future events?

They did.

Have many of these events already come to pass?

They have.

Will you specify some of them?

Note: Yet another open ended question. Students are being encouraged to interact with this catechism.

Is not this another proof of their inspiration?

It is.

Do not the blessed effects of the Bible upon individuals and national character, prove it to be from heaven?

They do.

Is not the believer's own consciousness or internal conviction of its heavenly origin, a proof in point?

It is. Note: We should be careful with this question. Unbelievers may try to turn it around and suggest that their lack of conviction is proof that it is not of "heavenly origin." This question, more so than any of the others, focuses on a subjective proof.

This concludes our look at the inspiration of Scripture. More could be said, but this catechism is not a systematic theology. It is an introduction to the concepts and proofs that accompany the doctrine of inspiration. It was designed to give students a working knowledge of what is meant by "inspiration," and a structure from which to give the reasons for their beliefs. Next week, we'll begin looking at "The integrity or uncorruptedness of the Scriptures."