16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16–17 (ESV)
What did the Apostle Paul mean when he wrote “All Scripture?” Scripture (γραφὴ; graphe) refers to writing or to a written document. Within the context of the Bible, Scripture refers to the sacred writings of God’s written revelation of Himself or His self-disclosure.
“Scripture is a biblical term that refers the written revelation of God—that is, the books of the Old and New Testaments. The word Scripture is an English translation of the Greek word graphē—which simply means “writings.” The New Testament sometimes applies the term to the entire canon, sometimes to the Old Testament canon, sometimes to a particular passage from the Old Testament, and sometimes to the body of writings from a particular inspired author,” explains Dr. Stephen Nichols.
The Westminster Confession of Faith summarizes the content of Holy Scripture when it states, “Under the name of Holy Scripture, or the Word of God written, are now contained all the books of the Old and New Testament.”
“The confession then proceeds to list the sixty-six books of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. Since the Reformation, Protestants have accepted these books—and only these books—as inspired revelation from God. Other ancient writings from the same period during which Scripture was written, such as the books of the Apocrypha, may have historical value, but they cannot be used to establish doctrine or settle theological matters,” continues Dr. Nichols.
God has revealed Himself to humankind. He has done so through creation (Psalm 8; 19:1-6) and through written revelation to man (Psalm 1; 19:7-14; 119). Therefore, the 66 books of the Bible given to us by the Holy Spirit constitute the verbal, plenary (inspired equally in all parts) Word of God (1 Cor. 2:7–14; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20–21).
The Scriptures are God’s objective and propositional revelation (1 Cor. 2:13; 1 Thess. 2:13), verbally inspired in every word (2 Tim. 3:16), absolutely inerrant in the original documents, infallible, and God-breathed. The most efficient way to understand what God’s Word says, means, and how it is to be applied is by the literal, grammatical-historical interpretation of Scripture. This methodology affirms the opening chapters of Genesis present creation in six literal days (Gen. 1:31; Ex. 31:17).
The Bible is the only infallible rule of faith and practice (Matt. 5:18; 24:35; John 10:35; 16:12–13; 17:17; 1 Cor. 2:13; 2 Tim. 3:15–17; Heb. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:20–21).
God spoke in His written word by a process known as dual authorship. The Holy Spirit so superintended the human authors that, through their individual personalities and different styles of writing, they composed and recorded God’s word to humankind (2 Peter 1:20–21) without error in the whole or in the part (Matt. 5:18; 2 Tim. 3:16). While there may be several applications of any given passage of Scripture, there is but one true interpretation.
“The meaning of Scripture is to be found as one diligently applies the literal, grammatical-historical method of interpretation under the enlightenment of the Holy Spirit (John 7:17; 16:12–15; 1 Cor. 2:7–15; 1 John 2:20). It is the responsibility of believers to ascertain carefully the true intent and meaning of Scripture, recognizing that proper application is binding on all generations. Yet the truth of Scripture stands in judgment of men; never do men stand in judgment of it,” explains Dr. John MacArthur.
Another pastor states, “Scripture is the foundation for all we believe and the fountain from which we daily drink. It was the heart of the sixteenth-century Reformation, and it holds the message of eternal life for ourselves, our children, and our neighbors. It is the sacred Word of God given to us by human authors through the superintendence of the Holy Spirit, and it is our only inerrant and infallible authority for all of faith and life. Nevertheless, many professing Christians give little attention to it. Though they constantly look for a special word from God, there it sits on their shelves, gathering dust. It is ignored by many people who sit in our churches, and it is under attack by many outside the church. It has been under attack ever since the fall, when the serpent asked, “Did God really say?” (Gen. 3:1).”
“The Reformation plank of sola Scriptura— ‘Scripture alone’—is actually constructed of the four key words describing Scripture. Because it is authoritative, necessary, clear, and sufficient, Scripture is our ultimate standard in matters of faith and practice. Consequently, Scripture must be preached, read, studied, and published abroad. The Reformation was built on the sure foundation of God’s Word,” concludes Dr. Nichols.
May the Lord’s truth and grace be found here. Have a blessed Lord’s Day.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 