There are many Old Testament Scriptures that speak of inspiration and preservation, such as Isaiah 40:8, which says, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever" (see also Psalm 19:7-11; Psalm 119:89; and Isaiah 55:10-11).

The New Testament also contains passages that prove God’s work in preserving His Word to us.

The fact that the New Testament quotes Old Testament passages is evidence that the Scriptures were preserved up until Christ's time and afterward. Here are several examples of the Word of God verifying itself:

• In Matthew 5:17-18, Jesus tells us that Scripture is to be preserved:

  Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

• In John 10:31-38 Jesus Himself quotes Psalm 82:6 as proof of His own claims to divinity.
• In 1 Peter 1:22-25, Peter quotes Isaiah 40:8 and applies it to the Gospel, saying, "the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
• Micah 5:2 is quoted in Matthew 2:5-6, showing that this Old Testament prophetic book was still valid at the time of writing. The name “Bethlehem” was preserved through the centuries, in order to refer specifically to Christ.
• Paul says this in Galatians 3:16:

  Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ.

  His argument in this passage hinges entirely on the preservation of the singular form of the word “seed” 14 times in Genesis in order for it to refer not to many, but specifically to Christ. Note Galatians 3:29 links all individual Christians to Abraham’s “seed” (singular).
• In 2 Peter 3:15-16, Peter calls Paul’s writings Scripture:


  Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you...as they do also the other scriptures.
  

  In 1 Timothy 5:18, "For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward," Paul quotes Deuteronomy 25:4 and Luke 10:7 and calls both Scripture.

Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

Here we see that the Bible claims that its writers were not merely speaking of their own accord, but were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write what they did:

• 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that many of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
• Matthew 24:35 tells us God's word is eternal and Psalm 119:160 tells us that God's Word is true from the beginning. 
• Psalm 12:6-7 tells us that God has preserved His word through the centuries: "The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O Lord, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever."

The Purpose of Scripture

One of the purposes of God's word is to give us hope. "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope."

Another purpose of the Scriptures is to reveal Jesus as Saviour. "Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me" (John 5:39). The Scriptures were intended to teach us how to become saved and live eternally (2 Timothy 3:15). It is God's desire to give every human eternal life and save them from the results of sin.

The inspiration and preservation of Scripture fit into the loving character of God.

For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:3-4).

As we study Scripture, we must rightly divide the Word (2 Timothy 2:15) and ask for the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. That is what the Holy Spirit was sent to do (John 16:13). As we open our hearts to the Spirit's influence, God will guide us (2 Corinthians 2:13).

When we approach God's Word with an open mind, He will guide us. "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself" (John 7:17). We are assured repeatedly in the Bible that truth is contained in God's Word. In fact, in more than 3000 places the Bible declares itself inspired. It does not contradict itself. It is either inspired by God or a brilliant fraud. Certainly it is inconceivable that a Book so accurate through the centuries could be considered anything less than inspired by God. 

Read about how the early Church chose which books to include in Scripture

If you enjoyed this article, share it with a friend. To learn more, check out our media site—Amazing Discoveries™ TV—or visit our webstore.