Introducing Christian Doctrine Chapter 5: The Preservation of the Revelation: Inspiration

dynamic theory of inspiration

Emphasizes the combination of divine and human elements. The Spirit of God directs the writer to the thoughts he should have, allowing the writer to freely choose the words and expressions.

dictation theory of inspiration

God dictated the Bible to the writers, telling the authors precisely what to write.

intuition theory of inspiration

Inspiration is a natural endowment of a high degree of insight.

verbal inspiration

The Holy Spirit's influence on Scripture writers extends beyond the direction of thoughts to the selection of words used to convey the message.

inspiration

The supernatural influence of the Holy Spirit on the Scripture writers that rendered their writings an accurate record of revelation, ensuring that what they wrote was actually the Word of God.

illumination theory of inspiration

There is an influence of the Holy Spirit upon the authors of Scripture, but involving only a heightening of their normal powers.

dimension of magnification

While God directs the writer to use particular words (precision) to express the idea, the idea itself may be quite general or quite specific.