Following this thread with a great deal of interest, therefore, let us keep to the intent of this thread as much as possible.

I am unaware of any teaching at all in Scripture regarding inspiration except the usual quotes such as "all Scripture comes from God," and "it is not of any private interpretation." This is not to say there isn't any.

But I would like to look at passages that deal with it.

And, even though the point of this thread is to discuss EGW, I think a discussion of inspiration generally is a necessary introduction.

As far as I am concerned, this thread is mainly between you and Green Cochoa, therefore, the direction you both wish to go with this thread is OK with me.

As far as that statement I quoted goes, will need to do further research regarding that.

I would find that quite helpful, Daryl. I am also looking into it.

I agree with your last sentence, but have questions about the first part. To me, what you are thinking should be the primary meaning is given explicitly in the following verse from the one which speaks of "private interpretation." In fact, Peter is using the logic that no scripture is to be understood by "private interpretation" on the basis of the fact that scripture was given by the Holy Spirit and not by men. In other words, we can't apply a private interpretation to that which is given us by God. (If we did, how would we know our interpretation was what God intended?)



A seeker can frequently arrive at a correct conclusion with God's help alone. But, frequently the help of another individual is either necessary or time-saving in one's journey to truth.

For example, I happen to know of a Buddhist monk who recently read God's Word in his own language but could not understand it. The translation may not be the best to start with. It is excruciatingly difficult to properly translate the Bible into some of the Asian languages. But the monk was interested in what the Bible taught. A friend of mine took some time away from his translation work to assist the monk in understanding the Bible. The monk said to him, "I understand it now, now that you have helped me. I just couldn't see those things until you showed them to me." (The things he was shown had much to do with the overall plan of redemption and the great controversy.)

If you have no background in it, you will have a difficult time of arriving at the truth. God can, and often does, step in and open our understanding. But God frequently allows us humans the privilege of instructing our neighbors. This has much to do with God's chosen methods in disseminating the truth. He has tasked us with evangelizing the world.


I'm glad that we have the inspiration of the Bible as common ground. I personally accept the entire Bible as inspired. I do not see that there are parts that are less inspired than others. You have mentioned the "begats" as being less useful to you. Perhaps they are not your interest. They have been very helpful to me. I have, by them, understood the times in which we are living. The genealogies are inspired just as much as other portions of scripture, but they may not be given us for the same purposes as texts like John 3:16. As Paul would have put it, the Bible gives us both "milk" and "meat." The Bible has something for child and scholar alike. But the milk and meat are not necessarily given in the same verse.

You still have not presented your reasons for not accepting Mrs. White. Are we ready for those, or are there still points we should cover relative to inspiration in general or to interpretation?

Blessings,

Green Cochoa.

So, here is a summary as I understand it of the above discussion: I think that 2 Peter 1:20-21 applies mainly to the manner in which Scripture was given, and you think it applies mainly to the manner in which we interpret Scripture. I feel that the Greek supports my view, and also the SDA Commentary. I'm sure you feel the same about your view.

The critical aspect here is that we differ. Mark this post, because we will need to reference it later.

Just a side-note. If I have not addressed an aspect of your posting it has not been intentional. Please bring it to my attention by asking about it or repost the question or comment.

Perhaps we are not so far apart after all.