Article 2 Scripture

2. We believe that God has spoken in the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, through the words of human authors. As the verbally inspired Word of God, the Bible is without error in the original writings, the complete revelation of His will for salvation, and the ultimate authority by which every realm of human knowledge and endeavor should be judged. Therefore, it is to be believed in all that it teaches, obeyed in all that it requires, and trusted in all that it promises.

Article 2 speaks about what Scripture is and provides a lens for us to see through. God desires a relationship with His children which includes communication, most often occuring through Scripture, or, God’s Word.

When we look at scripture we must view it as the very words of God for the benefit of those who have trusted solely in Jesus as their savior. affirms this fact: “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. ESV

The Scriptures tell the story of God’s plan for his people through different genre’s and should be understood within that context. The different genre’s are: history, law, prophecy, poetry, wisdom, and doctrine.

EFCA. Evangelical Convictions (Kindle Locations 1165-1167). Free Church Publications. Kindle Edition.

EFCA. Evangelical Convictions (Kindle Locations 1163-1165). Free Church Publications. Kindle Edition.

What is Scripture?

2 Timothy 3:16 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

Old Testament Scripture

Jesus attests to the Old Testament Scripture

New Testament Scripture

Peter refers to Paul’s writings as Scripture

2 Peter 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.

Other Evidence is useful but not finally convincing

Bible convinces itself… circular argument

B. Therefore, to Disbelieve or Disobey Any Word of Scripture Is

to Disbelieve or Disobey God

Therefore, all the words in Scripture are completely true and without error in any part.

4. Might some new fact ever contradict the Bible? Will any new scientific or historical fact ever be discovered that will contradict the Bible? Here we can say with confidence that this will never happen — it is in fact impossible

The inerrancy of Scripture means that Scripture in the original manuscripts does not affirm anything which is contrary to fact.

This definition does not mean that the Bible tells us every fact there is to know about any one subject, but it affirms that what it does say about any subject is true.

The Clarity,

Necessity, and

Sufficiency of the Bible

A. The Clarity of Scripture

1. The Bible frequently affirms its own clarity. The character of Scripture is said to be such that even the “simple” can understand it rightly and be made wise by it. “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple” (). Again we read, “The unfolding of your words gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple” ().

But in no case are we free to say that the teaching of the Bible on any subject is confusing or incapable of being understood correctly.

The Bible is necessary for maintaining spiritual life.

The Bible is necessary for certain knowledge of God’s will.

God has not revealed all things to us, but he has revealed enough for us to know his will: “The secret things belong to the Lord our God; but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law” ().

a. General revelation and special revelation

The heavens are telling the glory of God; and the firmament proclaims his handiwork” (). To look at the sky is to see evidence of the infinite power, wisdom, and even beauty of God; it is to observe a majestic witness to the glory of God

The knowledge of God’s existence, character, and moral law, which comes through creation to all humanity, is often called “general revelation” (because it comes to all people generally).

Special revelation necessary for salvation. However, it must be emphasized that Scripture nowhere indicates that people can know the gospel, or the way of salvation, through such general revelation.