We recognize the Bible as having been divinely given unto mankind. The Apostle Paul wrote, that, “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, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The term “given by inspiration of God” is translated from the Greek word Theopneustos, which is a combination of two Greek words: Theos (which means God), and pneustos (which means breathed). It is the word of God given supernaturally by His Spirit unto man. Specific men of the period in which the Bible was written received the inspired Word. These men wrote that inspired Word as they were guided by the Holy Spirit.

The inspired Words of the Bible are the means of the Holy Spirit to communicate unto lost humanity what God would have them to do. In that the Spirit gave unto mankind the inspired Word, there is not any conflict between the Holy Spirit and His inspired Word. Instead, the Bible is the instrument of the Spirit in convicting us of sin, converting us, and directing us in doing the Will of the Heavenly Father. At Ephesians 6:17, the Apostle Paul points out that the Word of God is the sword of the Spirit. Just as a literal sword can penetrate into a man’s physical heart, the inspired Word can prick the spiritual heart of man. This is exactly what happened on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:36-41). As the Apostle Peter was summing up his sermon with the following words: “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” (verse 36). The immediate result and response: “Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (Verse 37). Take note that when the inspired Word penetrated into their spiritual heart they were convicted of their sins. Their immediate response was to inquire as to what they must do to obtain forgiveness. The Apostle Peter, having received the baptismal measure of the Holy Spirit, responded, “Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost” (Verse 38). After exhorting them with many other words, the scripture states, “Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls” (Verse 41). That passage did not say, “they received the Holy Spirit”! It plainly states, “…they that gladly received his word were baptized…” Without exception, every person who becomes a child of God does so by obeying the gospel of Christ (Romans 6:16-18). What about those who do not obey the gospel? They will be eternally lost (2 Thessalonians 1:7-9; 1 Peter 4:17-18). The Holy Spirit has NEVER miraculously come upon anyone for the purpose of converting them.

For every passage of scripture that speaks of the Holy Spirit being involved in aspects of our salvation there is a corresponding scripture that states that the inspired Word does the same thing. Rather than this being a contradiction, the inspired Word is the instrument used in converting a person. The following list of scripture reveal this truth.

The Spirit witnesses, Romans 8:16 --------------------------------------The inspired Word witnesses, John 5:39

The Spirit instructs, Nehemiah 9:30 --------------------------------The inspired Word instructs, 2 Timothy 3:16

The Spirit convicts, John 16:8 -----------------------------------------------The inspired Word convicts, Titus 1:9

The Spirit begets, 2 Corinthians 3:16 --------------------------------------The inspired Word begets, James 1:18

Born of the Spirit, John 3:5, 8 ---------------------------------------------Born of the inspired Word, 1 Peter 1:23

The Spirit saves, Titus 3:5 ----------------------------------------------------The inspired Word saves, James 1:21

The Spirit sanctifies, 1 Corinthians 6:11 -------------------------------The inspired Word sanctifies, John 17:17

The Spirit cleanses, 1 Corinthians 6:11 -----------------------------------The inspired Word cleanses, John 15:2

Indwelling of the Spirit, Romans 8:11 ------------------------Indwelling of the inspired Word, Colossians 3:16

The Spirit strengthens, Ephesians 3:16 ------------------------------The inspired Word strengthens, Acts 20:28

Power of the Spirit, Romans 15:13 -------------------------------------Power of the inspired Word, Hebrews 1:3