BiblicalInsights.net

The wonder of God’s Word is the awe it inspires within us as we contemplate the various aspects of its nature.  In Psalm 119:161, the writer declares, “…my heart standeth in awe of thy word.”  One of the aspects of God’s Word that produces awe is its sufficiency.  The sufficiency of the Scriptures is comprehended in three concepts:  Scripture is complete, comprehensive and capable.
The Scriptures are Complete
Scripture is the “whole counsel of God.”  Acts 20:27.  Jude states, “Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3).  The reference to “the faith” is the one faith mentioned by Paul in Eph. 4:5.  It is the body of truth revealed by God through the means of inspiration (II Tim. 3:16).  The word “once” is from the Greek word hapax which means “once for all” and denotes an unrepeatable event.  The consequence of the force of this term is:  no latter day revelations.  However, some claim that God speaks to them today and makes revelations to them by His Spirit.  If this is so, Jude 3 is not true.  Others claim that the traditions of men are just as binding on them as the Law of God.  This also is false.  The Scriptures contain all of the sacred knowledge that equips men to know God and to know His Will for their lives (II Pet. 1:3).  In addition, consider the passages of Scripture that forbid adding to or taking away from the Word of God (Deut. 4:2, Rev. 22:18,19).  The Scriptures and the Scriptures alone make us wise unto salvation (II Tim. 3:15).
The Scriptures are Comprehensive
The Scriptures contain all of the divine words for every aspect of life.  In II Pet. 1:3-4, Peter writes that we have “…all things that pertain to life and godliness through the knowledge of him who hath called us to glory and virtue.”  Absolutely nothing has been omitted that is essential for us to know God, know how to be saved, and know how to live the Christian life and eventually receive the crown of life.  God’s Word should permeate the heart and mind of man in such a way that it impacts the whole of life by integrating faith in God in everything we do.  This is the Christian worldview.  God’s wisdom expressed in His word touches every aspect of life.  Do not compartmentalize the Scriptures.  Do not compartmentalize your faith.  The Scriptures must guide the politician, school teacher, scientist, mathematician, preacher, plumber, etc. etc.
The Scriptures are Capable
The Scriptures are able to accomplish the sacred purposes for which God sent them forth (Isa. 55:10,11).  God’s Word will not return unto Him void.  There is power in the Word of God.  The Word of God is the seed of the kingdom.  In this seed is the germ of spiritual and eternal life.  There is life-giving power in the Word of God (John 6:63, 68).  We are born again not of corruptible seed but of incorruptible, by the word of God which liveth and abideth forever (I Pet. 1:23).  There is power to save in God’s Word (Rom. 1:16).  God’s Word is sufficient to provide us with the knowledge of salvation.  There is life-changing power in God’s Word (Rom. 10:17, I John 5:4).  Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.  Faith overcomes the world.  Our lives are transformed as our minds and hearts are renewed through the Word of God (Rom. 12:1-2).  God’s Word facilitates the process of becoming all that God wants us to be!
The Scriptures are sufficient.  They provide us with all of the divine words needed for every aspect of life.