“For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13, KJV).
Loved ones, the supernatural character of the Bible is best seen by considering four terms that describe the Bible alone: revelation, inspiration, infallibility, and authority.
1. “Revelation” pinpoints the origin of the Bible. It is a message to man from the mind of God. Peter declared, “20 …No prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:20-21).
This “moving” — literally, "being borne along" — is a term used to describe the wind filling the sails of ships and carrying them across the water. Men did not write their own message, but received a message from God. To reject the Scripture, therefore, is to reject the communication God gave to man (cf. John 12:48). Such phrases as "God spake” and “thus saith the Lord" are found more than 1,300 times in the Bible. This book is of divine origin.
2. “Inspiration” designates the means by which God revealed His will. The original word is "theopneustos," from "theos" (God) and "pneustos" (breathed), a "God-breathed" or inspired book (2 Timothy 3:16). In some way God gave His message — including the very words (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) — to men who faithfully recorded His instructions.
These men could proclaim, like David, "the Spirit of the Lord spake by me, and his word was in my tongue" (2 Samuel 23:2). This claim argues against the vague concept sometimes known as "thought inspiration" and supports the “plenary” or full inspiration of the Bible.
3. “Infallibility” denotes the faithfulness and accuracy of the Word of God. It holds no error — not of history, geography, science, or doctrine. An all-knowing and an all-powerful God would make no mistake in His revelation. The Bible, faithfully transmitted and translated, is an infallible book. Much of the tension in "conservative" denominations today centers on the question of the infallibility of the Bible.
4. “Authority” is found in Scripture. It is the very Word of God (John 17:17). Since it sprang from His mind and reveals His will, no man has the right to set it aside (cf. Matthew 7:21). Jesus claimed to have all power or “authority” in heaven and on earth (Matthew 28:18). His written words carry the same weight as His spoken words.
The Bible Is All-Sufficient
When it is asserted that the Bible is all-sufficient, what is meant is that the Bible contains everything needed to enable man to have forgiveness of sins, live righteously, and prepare for eternity. We are, therefore, thoroughly equipped for salvation every good work (2 Timothy 3:15-17). Nothing pertaining to our relationship with God is lacking.
The Bible is all-sufficient due to the authority by which it came – The Lord our God’s authority (Colossians 3:17). Therefore, additional revelation and religious doctrines brought forth from man’s imagination are not needed. Below are three (of many) examples of additional UNNEEDED man-made revelation:
1. Qur’an – The sacred writings accepted by Muslims as revelations made to Muhammad by Allah through the angel Gabriel.
2. Book of Mormon – Presented as divine revelation by Joseph Smith, Jr., the founder of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
3. Catechisms - Oral instruction of religious tradition and new doctrines often in the form of questions and answers.
Given the all-sufficiency of the Bible, any ''new revelations" must be superfluous, erroneous, or repetitious. One should be cautious of anybody who claims additional revelation of the Divine will beyond the Scriptures.
Jeremiah warned in behalf of God: “Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Hearken not unto the words of the prophets that prophesy unto you: they make you vain: they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord” (23:16).
Further, he wrote: “Behold, I am against them that prophesy false dreams, saith the Lord, and do tell them, and cause my people to err by their lies, and by their lightness; yet I sent them not, nor commanded them: therefore they shall not profit this people at all, saith the Lord” (23:32).
Today, many false teachers (Calvinist, Pentecostals, etc.), still claim that God speaks directly to them apart from the Scriptures. They embrace the idea of “progressive revelation,” but that doctrine cannot be sustained from the Bible. A number of questions need to be considered.
Why do new revelations often contradict the clear teaching of the Bible? Why do the new revelations of some contradict the new revelations of others? If the source of these "new" revelations were God, would the message not be consistent?
Why are new revelations needed? If we are “thoroughly equipped," what is lacking? If we possess "all things pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3), what else do we need? A faith not built upon the Bible is a faith that will not stand: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Romans 10:17).
The Bible is all-sufficient. When we speak for God, we must speak “as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). If we cannot find authority for a religious practice in the Bible, we had better reject it. Is your faith based on the all-sufficient Word or on the progressive revelations of men? The former will stand you in good stead with the Almighty; the latter will provide a weak foundation that will surely crumble (cf. Matthew 7:24-27).
The Bible Must Be Understood
Are you reading the Bible to understand? Seldom do we pick up and read something with the deliberate decision to "misunderstand" it. But so often, that is what happens.
The Bible is God's only means of guiding us home to heaven (Luke 16:29, 31). So, how important is it for you to correctly understand and rightly divide it? (cf. 2 Timothy 2:15). Consider the following "keys" to success. The New Testament teaches us through:
1. Direct Commands. In Matthew 28:20 Jesus' commands, written down in the New Testament through the inspired penmen (John 16:13) have to be obeyed if the circumstances in which He gave them apply today. He gives both general and specific commands. With either type of direct command also comes implication. Both are binding upon us.
2. Principle. First John 4:7 teaches all Christians to love each other. This is something that each of God's people must apply individually (John 13:34-35). The New Testament is crammed with principles that always involve action.
3. Examples. Examples are only relevant when associated with commands or principles taught elsewhere in the New Testament. Therefore, examples for the Christian to follow are actually actions commanded by God, but unrecorded [Much more can be said about this.]
Acts 20:7 teaches that Jesus wants us to have the Lord's Supper on Sunday, the first day of the week. He had commanded the observance (Luke 22:19-20) but left it to the inspired apostles to guide the church on when to do it.
4. Silence. Yes, the silence of the Scriptures also teaches us. This is often called the "principle of exclusion." When God gives us a positive command, He is stating what He wants. His silence, therefore, excludes additions and innovations by man (cf. Revelation 22:18-19). The Bible would be a huge book if God also had to list the things He did not want us to do in association with a particular command of His.
A good example of this is Noah. Of what was he commanded to build the ark (Genesis 6:14)? Answer: Gopher wood! Could he have obeyed God by building the ark out of pine, hickory, or oak? Our presence on the earth today tells us that he didn't attempt the ridiculous.
The subtle error of denominationalism is that man can "do anything in religion that God has not explicitly condemned." Hence, we have countless religious groups in this world, and more are on the way.
Are you using the "keys" God has placed within His Word? Are you like the accountant from Ethiopia and in need of a little help? (Acts 8:31). Are you reading to understand? Your eternal destiny depends upon the outcome.
Conclusion
The Bible is a unique, divine, and unified work, authored by roughly 40 individuals from diverse backgrounds over 1,500 years, yet maintaining a consistent message about Jesus without contradiction. It is inspired by God, holding supernatural power to transform lives, and serves as a reliable, historically accurate guide containing fulfilled prophecies and inerrant truth.
The God of Heaven and Earth is so good, and His love reaches all. Through the free gift of God’s grace by Jesus’ blood (Ephesians 2:8; Revelation 1:5) and your obedient faith (Romans 1:5; 10:17; 16:26), salvation is offered. If you have Bible questions or wish to comment on this post, please do so. Lord willing, a Bible answer will be provided for every Bible question.
The churches of Christ are neither Catholic, Protestant, nor Jew (Romans 16:16; Matthew 16:18-19). We are the loving suffering body of Christ (Ephesians 1:20-23; 4:4-6) – CHRISTIANS: “Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf” (1 Peter 4:16; cf. Acts 11:26; 26:28).
We love you with the love of the Lord (John 13:34-35). Samuel A. Matthews, preaching with the Liberty NW church of Christ, meeting in Portland, Oregon, USA.
