I recently had a question put to me, after using John 9:31 as a reference in a sermon, if we should use Scriptures that were
not spoken by inspired men.  The Scripture in question says: “Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man
be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth” (John 9:31).  The question is concerning the fact that it was
not Jesus, an apostle, a prophet, etc. who spoke these words originally.  It was a blind man whom Jesus healed that spoke
these words as he was defending our Lord (John 9:1-30).  

      First off, John 9:31 is penned by an inspired man by the name of John (I Corinthians 2:9-13; cf. John 16:13).  No
Scripture is recorded by the will of men, but by that of the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1:20-21).  Thus, regardless of who spoke the
words originally, they are words that the Spirit had recorded for our benefit and are profitable unto us (II Timothy 3:16-17).  
Thus, John 9:31 is an inspired passage, written by an inspired man, and approved of by God!

      Secondly, John 9:31 is supported by many other passages.  Notice: “The Lord is far from the wicked: but he heareth
the prayer of the righteous…  He that turneth away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be
abomination…  And when ye spread forth your hands, I will hide mine eyes from you: yea, when ye make many
prayers, I will not hear: your hands are full of blood.  Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings
from before mine eyes; cease to do evil…  Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save; neither his ear
heavy, that it cannot hear: But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his
face from you, that he will not hear…  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their
prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil” (Proverbs 15:29, Proverbs 28:9, Isaiah 1:15-16, Isaiah 59:
1-2, and I Peter 3:12).

      For a third point, if we discount true statements spoken by uninspired men, how is it we have songs, sermons, articles such
as this, etc. today?  Consider this point proven out a bit more.  When I preach a sermon or write an article (a term not found in
the Scriptures), I am bound to prove the things I am saying by using the Scriptures (Ephesians 5:10; cf. Matthew 4:4) and you
are bound to certify that these words are true (Acts 17:10-11).  We have approved examples of words spoken by uninspired
individuals being used in teaching by inspired men (cf. Acts 17:28 and Titus 1:12-13), because those things were truth.  Most
of the songs we sing were written by men.  Sadly, too many “brethren” are singing songs that contain error.  Yet, some songs,
though written by men, are truthful because the points contained therein can be scripturally proven out.  So, is it not severely
inconsistent to have an issue with John 9:31 while using uninspired, and often false, songs written by men in song worship
wherein there is teaching just as in a sermon (cf. Colossians 3:16)?  Some need to be more careful with their judgment, for
inconsistency is the crown jewel of hypocrisy (cf. Romans 2:1-3).  The point is, we must be sure everything said is truth.


      Throughout the Scriptures we have quotes by even the most vile offenders.  The demons often confessed that Jesus was
the Christ, the Son of God, etc. (Mark 3:11, Luke 4:34, Luke 4:41, and James 2:19).  Jesus is not the Son of God because the
devils said so, He is because we can prove out that truth through the Scriptures (Matthew 17:1-5 and Luke 3:21-22).  It is a
great tool of teaching to display that even the devils confessed Jesus, because this shows confession and even faith are not
sufficient to save without other works and the grace of our Lord (Ephesians 2:1-10 and James 2:10-26).  While the demons
are not inspired of God, they did speak forth truth and we can use those Scriptures in teaching (cf. II Timothy 3:16-17).

      Throughout the Scriptures we often find people of dishonest intentions making statements that are true as well.  For
example, we have this statement: “…Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither
carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men” (Matthew 22:16).  This is a true statement, but the
character of the one making it and the purpose behind the statement are wrong.  We know that Jesus teaches the way of God
in truth (John 5:30-39).  We know that Jesus is no respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35).  However, the one making the
statement, though a true statement, did not intend to bring forth such powerful truth (Matthew 22:15-16).  It is not wrong to use
this statement in teaching, for it is the truth.

      If I make a statement saying there is one God, is it wrong to use that statement because I am not an inspired man?  Can
you say that Brian Yeager confessed a truth in saying there is one God?  Sure you can.  Why?  It is the truth which can be
proven as such with usage of the Scriptures (I Corinthians 8:6, Ephesians 4:6, and I Timothy 2:5).

      We need to be careful in legislating where God has not.  All Scriptures, whether spoken by a blind man or a demon, are
profitable for teaching, reproof, instruction in righteousness, etc. (again; II Timothy 3:16-17).  It is each of our own individual
responsibilities to certify that things spoken and written are of the truth, even when accompanied by a Scripture reference
(again; Acts 17:10-11).  To deny any Scripture is to blatantly reject the words which our Father, Our Savior, and the Holy
Spirit worked together to put into our hands.  Regardless of who originally spoke John 9:31 or other passages, it was God who
gave them to us through His word.


      God does not hear sinners, the words of our Lord proved that.  The blind man John wrote of accurately defended the
truth.  This is a great example for us all.  We must accurately defend the word of our Lord as well.  It would be nice if we all
had the courage and conviction to speak forth the words that this blind man did in defense of our Lord.  One thing is for sure,
Jesus approved of his actions (John 9:35-38).
Volume VIII    ~    Issue XXXVII   ~   June 8th, 2008
Words of Truth Weekly - Online Edition
What must one do to be saved (Acts 2:37)?  Hear and believe the Gospel (Mark 16:15-16 & Romans 10:17), repent of their
sins (Acts 3:19), confess Christ (Acts 8:37), and be baptized (immersed) for the remission of your sins (Acts 2:38 and
Romans 6:1-6).  Upon your obedience to these requirements of the Lord He will add you to the church of Christ (Acts 2:41; 47
and I Corinthians 12:12-13; cf. Romans 16:16).  One must then remain faithful (Colossians 1:23 and Revelation 2:10).  There is
more to cover than is here.  Contact me today for a study: brianyeager@wordsoftruth.net
Edited by: Brian A. Yeager
What About John 9:31?
By: Brian A. Yeager
The Question Really Is: IS IT THE TRUTH OR NOT?
Conclusion