What Does the Bible Say About the Characteristics of Scripture?

by | Articles, The Word of God

What Does the Bible Say About the Characteristics of Scripture?

Introduction

The Bible, revered as the Word of God, embodies essential characteristics that affirm its divine origin and purpose. These characteristics—necessity, sufficiency, clarity, and authority—provide believers with a comprehensive understanding of Scripture’s role in guiding, teaching, and shaping lives according to God’s will.

Necessity of Scripture

The necessity of Scripture underscores its essential role in revealing God’s will, knowledge of salvation, and guiding believers in living a life pleasing to God.

  • Romans 10:14-17 (ESV): “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? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’ But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, ‘Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?’ So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

This passage highlights the indispensable nature of Scripture in the process of coming to faith. It outlines a sequence where hearing the Word of Christ is pivotal for belief. The necessity of Scripture is not merely for knowledge but as the vehicle through which faith is birthed and nurtured.

  • Hebrews 1:1-2 (ESV): “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.”

Here, the transition from God’s revelation through prophets to His ultimate revelation through Jesus Christ is emphasized. Scripture is necessary as it contains this revelation, serving as the record of God’s full and final communication to humanity through His Son. It underscores the Bible’s role in conveying the complete story of redemption.

  • 2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV): “and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.”

Timothy’s familiarity with the Scriptures from a young age is presented as instrumental in his wisdom concerning salvation. This verse underlines the necessity of Scripture for understanding God’s plan of salvation, emphasizing that knowledge of salvation is intricately linked to one’s engagement with the Bible.

  • Psalm 119:105 (ESV): “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

The psalmist uses the metaphor of light to describe the function of God’s Word in the life of a believer. In a world filled with darkness and uncertainty, Scripture provides direction and clarity. It is necessary for navigating life’s challenges and making decisions that align with God’s will.

  • Deuteronomy 8:3 (ESV): “And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna, which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”

This verse reminds us that spiritual nourishment is as essential as physical sustenance. The necessity of Scripture is likened to the necessity of daily bread, highlighting that true life—life that is full and meaningful—depends on adherence to God’s Word.

  • Matthew 4:4 (ESV): “But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”‘”

Echoing Deuteronomy 8:3, Jesus underscores the critical importance of spiritual sustenance provided through Scripture. In the face of temptation, Jesus points to the necessity of depending on God’s Word for strength and guidance, reinforcing the Bible’s essential role in the believer’s life.

  • Luke 24:27 (ESV): “And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Jesus’ use of Scripture to reveal His identity and mission to the disciples on the road to Emmaus underscores the Bible’s necessity for understanding Christ’s role in God’s redemptive plan. The Scriptures provide the context and clarity needed to comprehend the significance of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

  • John 20:31 (ESV): “but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

The Gospel of John explicitly states the purpose of Scripture: to lead readers to faith in Jesus Christ. The necessity of the Bible is encapsulated in its ability to bring individuals to a saving knowledge of Jesus, offering eternal life to those who believe.

Sufficiency of Scripture

The sufficiency of Scripture teaches us that the Bible contains all the words of God that we need to know for salvation, to live a life of faith, and to be equipped for every good work. This characteristic assures us that for all spiritual and moral guidance, Scripture is completely adequate.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): “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.”

This foundational passage declares that Scripture is God-breathed, meaning it originates from Him and carries His authority. It is comprehensive for teaching and correcting, ensuring believers are fully equipped for all aspects of life and godliness. This illustrates the Bible’s sufficiency in providing complete guidance for living a life that pleases God.

  • Psalm 19:7-9 (ESV): “The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.”

These verses celebrate the perfection and effectiveness of God’s Word. Its sufficiency is seen in its ability to revive the soul, impart wisdom, and bring joy. The psalmist’s words underscore the Bible’s comprehensive nature, fulfilling every spiritual need and guiding believers in truth and righteousness.

  • Psalm 119:1-6 (ESV): “Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.”

The psalmist links the blessing of a blameless life to adherence to God’s Word, illustrating its sufficiency in guiding moral and ethical conduct. The desire for steadfastness in following God’s statutes reflects the believer’s recognition of the Bible’s comprehensive authority and sufficiency in providing clear directives for holy living.

  • John 20:31 (ESV): “But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

John’s Gospel explicitly states the purpose of the biblical narrative: to lead its readers to faith and life in Jesus Christ. This verse highlights the sufficiency of Scripture in revealing the path to salvation, emphasizing that the Bible contains all necessary truths for coming to faith and living in the fullness of life offered through Christ.

  • Philippians 4:19 (ESV): “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”

While not directly about Scripture, this promise from Paul reflects the principle of God’s provision, which includes spiritual nourishment and guidance through His Word. It reassures believers that, just as God provides for their physical needs, He also fully equips them spiritually through the Scriptures.

  • Joshua 1:8 (ESV): “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”

Joshua is commanded to continually engage with Scripture, indicating its sufficiency as a guide for successful and righteous living. This verse underscores the importance of the Word in achieving God’s purposes, highlighting its role as the sole, sufficient guide for life.

  • Matthew 4:4 (ESV): “But he answered, ‘It is written, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”‘”

Jesus quotes Deuteronomy to emphasize that spiritual sustenance is as crucial as physical nourishment. This declaration affirms the sufficiency of God’s Word for life, teaching that true sustenance and fulfillment come from adherence to every word God speaks.

  • 2 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, by which he has granted to us his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.”

Peter assures believers that through the knowledge of God—revealed in Scripture—they are equipped for a life of godliness. This passage highlights the sufficiency of God’s Word to provide everything necessary for living in a way that reflects His nature and escapes worldly corruption.

Clarity of Scripture

The clarity of Scripture, or its perspicuity, affirms that the Bible is clear in its essential teachings and accessible to all believers seeking to understand God’s will.

  • Psalm 119:130 (ESV): “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple.”

This verse beautifully captures the essence of Scripture’s clarity. God’s Word illuminates the path for all, regardless of their background or education level. The Bible’s teachings on salvation and godly living are accessible, guiding believers to truth and wisdom.

  • Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): “And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. 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.”

The command to Israel to keep God’s words ever-present in daily life emphasizes the clarity and applicability of Scripture. It underscores the idea that God’s commands are understandable and relevant to every aspect of life.

  • Matthew 11:25 (ESV): “At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.'”

Jesus’ words highlight that the truths of the kingdom are not reserved for the intellectually elite but are revealed to those with childlike faith. This verse underscores the clarity of the Gospel, accessible to all who approach God with humility.

  • 2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (ESV): “And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. In their case, the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”

While some may not perceive the clarity of the Gospel, this is attributed to spiritual blindness rather than obscurity in the Scripture itself. The Bible’s message is clear, but understanding requires spiritual illumination.

Authority of Scripture

The authority of Scripture signifies that the Bible, as God’s Word, holds the final say in all matters of faith and practice. It demands belief and obedience, standing above all human wisdom.

  • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): “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.”

This passage not only speaks to the inspiration of Scripture but also to its authoritative role in shaping doctrine, correcting errors, and training in righteousness. As God-breathed, the Bible carries the weight of divine authority.

  • Matthew 5:18 (ESV): “For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.”

Jesus affirms the enduring authority of Scripture, emphasizing that its smallest details remain valid and binding. This statement underscores the permanence and reliability of God’s Word.

  • John 17:17 (ESV): “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”

In His prayer, Jesus declares the Word of God as the ultimate standard of truth, setting it apart from and above all human ideas and philosophies. This sanctifying truth carries authority to transform lives.

  • Acts 17:11 (ESV): “Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so.”

The Bereans’ approach to Scripture exemplifies its authority. They examined everything they were taught in light of the Scriptures, recognizing the Bible as the ultimate authority for testing teachings and claims.

Conclusion

The Bible stands as the complete, authoritative guide for faith and practice. Its necessity is foundational for understanding God’s revelation, its sufficiency ensures that it meets all spiritual needs, its clarity makes it accessible to all seekers, and its authority establishes it as the final word on all matters of life and godliness. In these characteristics, believers find the assurance that Scripture is not only relevant but also essential for navigating the complexities of life with wisdom, purpose, and joy. This is a great beginning place if you want to understand even more about what the Bible say about the Word of God.