“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever brought about by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” — 2 Peter 1:20–21 (BSB)
“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” — John 17:17 (BSB)
“Then the LORD reached out His hand, touched my mouth, and said to me: ‘Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.’” — Jeremiah 1:9 (BSB)
“And we continually thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God, which now works in you who believe.” — 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (BSB)
This inspiration is not mechanical dictation, but dynamic cooperation. God used the personalities, experiences, and historical contexts of human authors while superintending their words so that what they wrote was exactly what He intended. Peter affirms this when he writes that “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:21). The result is that Scripture is entirely trustworthy in all that it teaches, especially regarding salvation, doctrine, and Christian living.
Anglicans uphold this view in Article VI of the Thirty-Nine Articles, which says that Holy Scripture contains “all things necessary to salvation.” The Scriptures are therefore the Church’s final authority, above tradition, reason, or ecclesiastical decree. The Book of Common Prayer reflects this by centering public worship, daily prayer, and doctrine in the reading and preaching of the Bible. In confessing Scripture as inspired, we affirm it as the Word of God written, not merely a historical witness to divine activity but the living voice of God still speaking today.
The Rev. Dr. J.I. Packer, a leading conservative Anglican theologian, wrote: “The authority of Scripture rests on the fact that it is God’s own Word, given to guide His Church in all generations.” To say that Scripture is inspired means that we read it with reverence, trust, and a readiness to obey. The Bible is not only informative but transformative, sanctifying us through its truth as Jesus prayed in John 17:17: “Your word is truth.”
Knowing that Scripture is inspired gives us great confidence in its reliability and divine power. As Bishop J.C. Ryle wrote, “Give me the Bible! It is God’s book. It is God’s voice, not man’s. Not a word in it but has been written under the influence of the Holy Ghost.” In a world of confusion and uncertainty, the inspiration of Scripture grounds us in truth and leads us into deeper fellowship with God.
Irenaeus affirmed that the perfection and trustworthiness of Scripture stem from its divine origin.
St. Clement of Rome (1st century AD) said: “Take up the epistle of the blessed Paul… truly he wrote to you with inspiration, with true insight, to strengthen you in the faith.” — 1 Clement 47
Clement recognized apostolic writings as inspired and spiritually authoritative even in the early Church.
St. Athanasius (c. 296–373 AD) taught: “These are the fountains of salvation… In these alone is proclaimed the doctrine of godliness. Let no one add to them, nor take away from them.” — Festal Letter 39
Athanasius held the inspired Scriptures as sufficient, exclusive, and divinely authoritative.
St. Augustine of Hippo (354–430 AD) stated: “I believe most firmly that none of the authors of Holy Scripture has erred in anything.” — Letters, 82.1.3
Augustine clearly trusted the complete reliability of Scripture due to its divine inspiration.
St. Gregory the Great (c. 540–604 AD) preached: “Scripture is written by the Spirit of God, and therefore what it says is said by God Himself.” — Homilies on the Gospels, 2.17
Gregory confirmed that Scripture carries divine authority because its ultimate author is God.
An Anglican Catechism (Expanded) offers over 350+ Scripture-based answers to the core truths of the Christian faith. Each entry includes biblical texts, theological insight, and reflections from historic and contemporary Anglican voices. Rooted in the classical tradition, it is designed for teaching, discipleship, and spiritual formation.
An Ancient Worship Movement invites readers into the rich, historic worship of the early Church rediscovered through the Anglican tradition. This book calls believers into a deeper, Spirit-filled encounter with Christ through timeless practices.
St. Thomas Church
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St. Thomas Church is a Church planting movement in ancient tradition.
