What Is Scripture Like? | The Doctrine of Scripture

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

-2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

Why Does It Matter?

If God has spoken, then we should seek to understand what he has said. Further, Scripture occasionally speaks about itself. In this doctrine, we will seek to understand what Scripture says about itself.

The doctrine of Scripture is typically thought of as a primary doctrine, especially among Evangelicals. However, some of the nuances of this doctrine may be considered secondary by some theologians.

What Is It?

It is incredible that God has spoken. Sometimes we may forget this due to how accessible and available the Scriptures are in our context. We have his very words documented in Scripture. In Scripture, God is revealing truth to you and me.

The doctrine of revelation is typically thought of in two ways: general revelation and special revelation. General revelation is how God reveals himself in nature (externally in the world and internally in human consciences). So, when you hear the phrase general revelation, think: God has revealed himself generally in the world. Special revelation is the phrase used to describe the words recorded in Scripture, which disclose the message of salvation. So, when you hear the phrase special revelation, think: God has revealed himself in a special, more specific way in Scripture.

When we think of the doctrine of Scripture, there are various aspects to consider.

#1 - Scripture is inspired.

Scripture is God-breathed. He moved upon human authors to record his words.

[2Ti 3:16-17 ESV] 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.

[2Pe 1:21 ESV] 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

#2 - Scripture is inerrant.

Scripture is completely accurate and truthful in the original writings.

[Tit 1:2 ESV] 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began

[Pro 30:5 ESV] 5 Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.

[Jhn 17:17 ESV] 17 Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.

#3 - Scripture is authoritative.

Since Scripture was inspired by God, it is the very words of God. Therefore, it should be obeyed.

[Jhn 14:21 ESV] 21 Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."

#4 - Scripture is clear.

Scripture has depth which no scholar can exhaustively comprehend. Yet remarkably, and simultaneously, Scripture is also so clear that a child can understand much of it.

On being clear enough for a child:

[Deu 6:6-7 ESV] 6 And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 7 You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.

[Psa 19:7 ESV] 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

On certain passages being difficult to understand:

[2Pe 3:15-16 ESV] 15 And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, 16 as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these matters. There are some things in them that are hard to understand, which the ignorant and unstable twist to their own destruction, as they do the other Scriptures.

#5 - Scripture is necessary.

General revelation can lead us to belief in God's existence (Rom. 1), but more revelation is necessary. Believing generally in God's existence does not lead a person into saving faith. To be clear, Scripture (or special revelation) is needed to understand that one can only be saved by faith in Jesus.

[Rom 10:13-14 ESV] 13 For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." 14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?

#6 - Scripture is sufficient.

God revealed exactly what we need. Scripture is complete and sufficient for saving faith, the church, theology, worship, salvation, good works, and living the Christian life (i.e., sanctification). (A common misunderstanding of this doctrine is claiming that Scripture is the only book we need for history, science, mental health/counseling, physical health, business, etc. However, Scripture never claims to be sufficient for these things. Instead, it is sufficient and complete for the purpose God intended it.)

[Psa 19:7 ESV] 7 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple;

Application

I hope that you have experienced a fresh gratefulness, appreciation, and excitement for Scripture, like me, by reflecting on these aspects of Scripture! Here are a few thoughts concerning application:

If Scripture is inspired by God, then this book should be held higher than every other. It is God's very words.
If Scripture is inerrant, then we can rely on it. It is trustworthy and accurate.
If Scripture is authoritative, then it corrects, trains, and evaluates us (not the other way around!).
If Scripture is clear, then we should read it! We can have confidence that we will understand it (even if not exhaustively). Indeed, we can even teach it to children and be confident that they can understand it.
If Scripture is necessary, then we should not be deceived into thinking that experiencing the world alone is enough to be saved and to grow spiritually. We must read God's words!
If Scripture is sufficient, then we can rest assured that the Bible alone is sufficient for us to grow in the Christian life. Yes, other books by teachers can be helpful at times, but one book is required and one book is necessary (the Bible!). Moreover, everything else should be evaluated by it!

One last thought: learning and obeying Scripture is part of the Great Commission which was given to us by Jesus!

And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV; emphasis mine)

Take up and read!

Where Can I Learn More?

Bibliography:

-ESV Study Bible. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2008.

-Grudem, Wayne. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine. 2nd ed. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2020.