The Divine Inspiration of the Bible

by Arthur W. Pink

A defense of the proposition that a divine revelation committed to human language was necessary explains the meaning of inspiration.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Audiobook, Religion, Christian Non Fiction

112 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1996

About the author

Arthur Walkington Pink was born in Nottingham, England on April 1, 1886 and became a Christian in his early 20s. Though born to Christian parents, prior to conversion he migrated into a Theosophical society (an occult gnostic group popular in England during that time), and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. His conversion came from his father's patient admonitions from Scripture. It was Proverbs 14:12, 'there is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death,' which particularly struck his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.

Desiring to grow in knowledge of the Bible, Pink migrated to the United States to study at Moody Bible Institute. In 1916 he married Vera E. Russell, from Kentucky. However, he left after just two months for Colorado, then California, then Britain. From 1925 to 1928 he served in Australia, including as pastor of two congregations from 1926 to 1928, when he returned to England, and to the United States the following year. He eventually pastored churches Colorado, California, Kentucky and South Carolina.

In 1922 he started a monthly magazine entitled Studies in Scriptures which circulated among English-speaking Christians worldwide, though only to a relatively small circulation list of around 1,000.

In 1934 Pink returned to England, and within a few years turned his Christian service to writing books and pamphlets. Pink died in Stornoway, Scotland on July 15, 1952. The cause of death was anemia.

After Pink's death, his works were republished by the Banner of Truth Trust and reached a much wider audience as a result. Biographer Iain Murray observes of Pink, "the widespread circulation of his writings after his death made him one of the most influential evangelical authors in the second half of the twentieth century." His writing sparked a revival of expository preaching and focused readers' hearts on biblical living.

Reviews

[Faye · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so good! This is the 2nd book that I've read from Pink so far. The first was "The Sovereignty of God" and it was SO SO good! Because of reading that book, my favorite author changed from Bunyan to Pink. Or at least they really rival each other in my heart. So I went searching for more Pink books. 😁 This was my second Pink book and it certainly didn't disappoint!! Wow! Not only did the contents of the book live up to the title, giving great evidence, but it went beyond.

The analogy that kept running through my mind was , "wow, I feel like this is a glimpse into what it might have been like "on the road to Emmaus" when Jesus "opened up the Scriptures" to His walking companions." Pink really opened up some Scripture in a way that I had never thought of, never been taught, never even imagined, but wow, it sure does make sense and now some Scripture that I didn't really understand why it was there, makes so much sense as to why it's there!!! All pointing to Christ!!!! All of it! Wow! Like the prodigal son, Cain and Abel, ... and so much more!

I've GOT to read more Pink!

[Ashley Bacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Published in 1917; needed in 2019. This was a quick, wonderful read that got me excited and produced some tears (chapter 6). One of my favorite reads this year!

[Kofi Opoku · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fantastic! Some of the best arguments I ever heard for the divine inspiration of Scripture. I like that he considered the Bible’s typological pattern as proof. Highly recommended.

[Benjamin Stahl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Although I do not believe the Bible is 100% infallible, being a document that was indeed divinely inspired but still written, translated and interpreted throughout centuries of the human hand and mind, I do agree with most of the larger points this author argues for. However, I personally found his particular arguments rather unimpressive. He basically just begs the question around multiple issues - how could God not have written this, since A results in B? etc. - to the point that no serious and well-equipped sceptic could really find the book convincing.

If, on the other hand, it is intended to prepare believers in the defence of their faith, said defenders would be running into battle with rather a brittle sword, likely to break at all but the softest resistance. I found this all a lot more perplexing when I was under the false impression it was written in the 1990's - Goodreads' original-publication info clearly isn't always right - but when I learned that it was actually written in the early 1900s, it made more sense.

[Dee Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audible.com 3 hours 17 min. Narrated by Ralph Cosham (A)

I've been reading too much about war and my spirit and mind needed time to refocus on things that truly matter in my life. "The Divine Inspiration of the Bible " by A.W. Pink and first published in 1917 when the world was caught up in "The War to End All Wars." Now in 2022 we watch as Russian armies have invaded Ukraine and view scenes of Ukrainian refugees struggling to board trains to take them away from bombing and possible death. Life is as uncertain today as it was 100 years ago.
My faith lies not in the strength of our country or its government. My faith is fixed on the words of the Bible, the inerrant Word of God Almighty. Whatever comes I know my hope is in my Savior Jesus Christ. "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away." Mark 13:31
This book is a comprehensive but concise list of reasons the Bible can be trusted as the divinely inspired word of God.

[A.R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Does a fantastic job of explaining why the Bible has to be divinely inspired, walking through the prophecies and arguments for it. Absolutely loved reading it.

[Thaddeus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm growing more and more appreciative of reading A.W. Pink - and this book is no exception!

When we deny that the Bible is the very word of God, we are left without any ultimate standard or authority on which to rest and our worldview falls apart. In this book, A.W. Pink brilliantly (and succinctly) opens up the Bible to show how its divine origin manifests itself in its self-authenticating content and message. The focus and force of this book is on the Scriptures themselves and their content and message rather than pointing to external evidence - such as the historical record, etc (although there is more than ample resources which do just that!).
Pink emphasizes the role of scripture's one unified message and story of redemption - pointing to, and ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ - as the center point to which all of scripture connects. Also of note, Pink points to the efficacious nature of the Bible in conversion, sanctification, consolation, instruction, wisdom, etc - as another of its divine qualities that bear witness to the Divine Author.

Far from a dry academic work - this is very readable and Pink's tone and passion clearly show through - convicting and inspiring the reader to take seriously the Bible's claims, but also to experience it for themselves. This book would be helpful to new believers, established believers who want to be reminded of the power of the Word (or perhaps who are going through a period of spiritual dryness), and even to non-believers as a powerful apologetic from Scripture itself. It's a short read - a little over 3 hours... so a great introductory and classic book by a gifted author. I highly recommend it.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

What really fascinated me was learning about Arthur Pink, reading a brief bio and then integrating what I knew about him with what he wrote. This book, originally published in 1917, is Calvinistic and Dispensational and a Fundamentalist in theology, although some might find those descriptions an oxymoron. Pink seemed to be a melancholy person, had a nervous breakdown at one point. He found it difficult to be a pastor probably because of his personality and his love for study. I was almost relieved when I read that at one point he decided God just wanted him to write and that he did. He might be one of the most prolific fundamentalist writers of the 20th century. He became a Christian as an adult, coming out of the Theosophical Society. ( main ideas: 1. To form a nucleus of the universal brotherhood of humanity without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste, or color.
2. To encourage the study of comparative religion, philosophy, and science.
3. To investigate the unexplained laws of nature and the powers latent in man.) He left England to study at Moody Bible Institute and of all things, his first pastorate was in Silverton CO. I have been there. Talk about a small town!What I appreciated is his high view of Scripture and the clarity of his message. I did not agree with everything he wrote but that is most likely due to my lack of knowledge and study. He was not very well known while alive. I wonder what he would think of how well received his books are at evangelical seminaries at this time.

[Carol Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

This title did not sound like anything that I needed to read. I already believe in the divine inspiration of the Bible! But I am very thankful that I did read it. He had so many insights that I had never considered before. This is the first book I have by A.W. Pink but it will definitely not be the last!

[Nasser Jahan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book ten stars, I would as I found myself unable to put it down. Perhaps this book is one of the most well-written, short books on the inspiration and the inerrancy of the Bible. If one doubts the Scriptures, this book will undoubtedly help resolve those doubts, boost the believer's confidence in the faith, and encourage one to take the Word and its teachings seriously.

[MrsAintheLibrarywiththeCoffee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful encouragement for any believer. Putting this on my list to read again!

[Keller (Charles Hack) Hackbusch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic little book. Well worth the read.

[Dave Packard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great apologetic on the arguments for the inspiration of the Bible. Pink took many of the arguments I had heard over the years and put them all into one easy to comprehend book that covers all the bases!

[Mr Jaden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just needs more historical data to strengthen the argument. One could argue on the authenticity of the bible, which could challenge some of his points. Especially with a lack of historical knowledge and pseudo facts. One could also argue that the Bible was tampered, even so you would need an understanding of biblical manuscripts, like the dead sea scrolls- however this book was written in the early 20th century so he couldn’t mentioned them.

Overall, this book has many strong arguments, and always arrives at logical conclusions .

[Bookman143 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of gold here. I especially liked his section on the OT types of our Lord.

[Jimmy]

A classic work by Arthur W. Pink. Short devotional read, summarizing the Evangelical view of the Divine Inspiration of the Bible. A good introduction to what the Bible says about itself as Scripture.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A.W. Pink's writing provides incredible insight into WHY so many people believe the Bible is the written Word of God. Definitely worth reading whether or not you believe in the absolute authority of scripture. Opens your mind to the many wonders of the Bible and it's great narrative.

[Heather Totten · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to this one on Audible, but had to purchase the book so I can slowly process all the riches that were read to me. Must read for sure!

[Bruce Cline · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️
The Divine Inspiration of the Bible, by Arthur Pink (2014, audiobook 3.25 hrs). Originally published in 1917, Pink’s book presents a fairly straightforward argument that God, having created man and the world in which he lives, MUST have written the Bible. Such guidance was needed by man, so certainly God must have created it, and he did it in such a perfect way that it is inconceivable anyone but him could have done it. That, in an admittedly superficial nutshell, is Reverend Pink’s defense of the Bible. I picked this up for a rebuttal of Ehrman’s research-laden arguments against Bible infallibility-inerrancy, but Pink’s argument is not a scholarly explanation susceptible to rigorous inquiry. Rather, it is a statement of belief based on faith. Apparently, ardent believers in inerrancy are his readers because almost to a person the book’s reviews are four or five stars. Simply (?) believing God wrote the Bible because, well, he must have, is sufficient for them. I will look elsewhere for a rebuttal of Ehrman’s intellectual arguments.

[Luke Schmeltzer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pink does great work in elaborating on the primary proofs and defenses on divine inspiration. In analysis, Pink goes through many reasons and arguments as to why we can be certain of the Word of God as it is. It is not an ignorance or idolatry of a book, but it is a defense of the Scriptures as the pure message of Almighty God to HIs people. I think that because Pink is Dispensational, he goes a little far in his interpretation of some stories, maybe reading out allegories where allegories are not plain. Also, I would not classify this as an entirely apologetic resource. I think that this is beneficial to assure a believer, but his arguments may not seem reasonable to a secularist. In whatever circumstance, it is a good, short read.

"It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the doctrine of the divine inspiration of Scripture."

[Bobby Bonser · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent, concise work about the Bible! I finished this book, emboldened and encouraged to pursue Christ through the Word more fervently. What a privilege that the God of the universe chose not to be distant from His creation buy chose to reveal Himself to us clearly through written words?! Pink outlines several arguments, some from an apologetic view, but most from Biblical exegesis about the surety of the divine nature of the Bible.

I was especially convicted and encouraged at the end where Pink exhorts us to cherish, study and value the Bible more than works written by other men or women. I often naturally read books about the Bible, but too often neglect the Bible itself. I am thankful for men like Pink who constantly direct us back to our only authority on earth, God and His word!

[Pilgrim Benham · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just as needed in 2021 as it was in the last century. We are moving away from the sufficiency of Scripture to search after novelty - to the destruction and pruning of the church.

This book - particularly chapter six on the Old Testament pictures of Christ - has set my heart ablaze for the Word of the Lord and the Lord of the Word. Read it and share it with others!

[Evan King · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Pink's words on this subject. I'll concede there were plenty of presuppositional defenses of the thesis, and this isn't really a book to convince a skeptic, but I thought it was pretty good nonetheless. There were also hints of dispensationalism that he later rejected (this is one of his earliest works). Not my favorite A.W. Pink book, but I would still recommend this book to other believers just as I would almost any of his other writings (with a few exceptions).

[Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome, short read. First published in 1917, this might be the best book that I've ever read on the divine inspiration of the Bible. Such great insight and understanding...and Mr. Pink conveys it all so well to the reader. The more books I read by Mr. Pink, the more I realize the gift this man had for interpreting the scriptures. Highly recommend...5-Stars!!

[David Vial · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book. If a new believer or even an unbeliever, has any doubt that the Bible is not the voice of God. This book is sufficient to change that or get you thinking.
This is a great book, not very apologetic in terms of trying to reason with an unbeliever as most tend to do when defending the Bible but as always, Pink let's Scripture defend itself.

A must read. Beautifully written.

[Allison Knotts · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The author used Scripture and logical argument to support his claim of the Scripture being inspired by God. Even though I went in believing in the Divine inspiration of the Bible, I came away with a fuller appreciation of the truth of the claim.

[Stan Sorensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author deals with inspiration in a unique way, noting its indestructibility through the ages and how it has affected people's lives and many other aspects. He gives many examples from Scripture throughout the book. A good book to read with Gaussen on Divine Inspiration.

[Phil · Rating 5 out of 5]

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must read it you have to Believers should read it

You should read it it's just another 1920 1930 ideas but he studies in such detail look for what he says to what they're saying now very interesting

[Justin · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Short and to the point. I liked it.