Meaning: The quote you provided is from Walter Martin, a Christian clergyman known for his work in the field of apologetics, which involves defending and explaining the Christian faith. In this quote, Martin is discussing the significance of the Bible as the Word of God.

The phrase "the Bible is called the Word of God" reflects a fundamental belief held by many Christians that the Bible is not just a historical or religious text, but rather the inspired and authoritative word of God. This belief is rooted in the idea that the Bible was written under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and is therefore a reliable source of divine truth.

Martin goes on to explain that the Bible is considered the Word of God because it serves as a comprehensive and accurate record of essential information. This includes insights into God's nature, the creation of the universe, spiritual forces at work in the world, and guidance for human relationships and behavior.

The phrase "an inspired, faithful, and infallible record" underscores the belief that the Bible is not merely a collection of human writings, but rather a divinely inspired text that accurately conveys God's message to humanity. The word "inspired" in this context refers to the belief that the authors of the Bible were guided by the Holy Spirit in their writing, ensuring that the content is both trustworthy and true.

When Martin mentions "what God determined essential for us to know," he is highlighting the belief that the Bible contains the information necessary for humans to understand God's plan for salvation, as well as moral and ethical guidance for living in accordance with God's will.

The quote also touches on the scope of the Bible's content, which encompasses a wide range of topics. It addresses not only theological concepts such as the nature of God and the human condition, but also provides insights into the natural world and the spiritual realms. Additionally, the Bible offers guidance on how to relate to others and navigate the complexities of human relationships.

Walter Martin's assertion about the Bible being the Word of God reflects a view held by many within the Christian faith. The belief in the divine inspiration and authority of the Bible has been a central tenet of Christianity for centuries, shaping the way that believers approach the text and understand its teachings.

In summary, Walter Martin's quote emphasizes the belief that the Bible is considered the Word of God because it is seen as an inspired, faithful, and infallible record of essential knowledge regarding God, the universe, spiritual realities, and human relationships. This perspective reflects the foundational role that the Bible holds in the Christian faith, serving as a guide for belief and practice for millions of adherents around the world.