GRACE AMBASSADORS

Inspiration vs. Interpretation

This originally appeared as an email delivered on
Saturday, August 6th, 2022.

“If you disagree with me, then you disagree with what God says.”

If you hear this from a Bible teacher, their credibility should immediately be buried and eulogized, because it is dead. You should move on. They have lost the script. They are no longer engaging in Bible study.

There is a difference between inspiration and interpretation of the Bible. When these are confused, the result is always the creation of false authorities, popes, bad tradition, misinterpretation, and confusing the words of man with the words of God (which is also called blasphemy).

Inspiration describes the words written down as given by God. We say the Bible is the word of God because it is inspired by God.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” – 2 Tim 3:16

Interpretation is when the words are explained. Interpretation gives understanding. Interpretations are not inspired by God (unless it is the Bible doing the explaining). Interpretations are man-made. This is why God said the scripture is not of any private interpretation.

“…no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.” – 2 Peter 1:21

God gives inspiration. Man works out an interpretation.
God’s words can never be wrong. Man’s interpretations of those words have often been.
Questioning the word of God is to prepare to blaspheme.
Questioning the explanations of men is to prove all things.

Whenever you hear a teacher confuse their own words with the words of God, it is time to find an exit and go somewhere where the inspired word of God is the authority over man’s interpretation. One place that should always be true is in your own mind.

Teachers and preachers do not speak for God. The Bible alone holds that claim today.

Magnify His words,

Justin “not inspired” Johnson

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