“What is the doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture? What does it mean that the Bible is sufficient?”……The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture is a fundamental tenet of the Christian faith. To say the Scriptures are sufficient means that the Bible is all we need to equip us for a life of faith and service. It provides a clear demonstration of God's intention to restore the broken relationship between Himself and humanity through His son Jesus Christ, our Savior through the gift of faith, revealing their election and salvation as a result of His death and resurrection on the cross. No other writings are necessary for this good news to be understood, nor are any other writings required to equip us for a life of faith.…When discussing Scripture, Christians are referring to both Old and New Testaments. The Apostle Paul declared that the holy Scriptures "are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed (Inspired by God)

2 Timothy 3:15-17…15 You have been taught the holy Scriptures from childhood, and they have given you the wisdom to receive the salvation that comes by trusting in Christ Jesus.16 All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.17 God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

If Scripture is "God-breathed," then it is not man-breathed and, although it was penned by men, those "men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit" …2 Peter 1:21…21 or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God.

No man-made writing is sufficient to equip us for every good work; only the Word of God can do that. Furthermore, if the Scriptures are sufficient to thoroughly equip us, then nothing more is needed. …Colossians 2 is a perfect example of the dangers a church faces when the sufficiency of Scripture is challenged and merged with non-biblical writings, full of ungodly theology and concepts. Paul warned the church at Colosse:

Colossians 2:8

"See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ"… Jude says it even more specifically when he writes…Jude 1:3…"although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt I had to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints"

Notice the phrase "once and for all." This makes it clear that no other writings, no matter how godly the pastor, theologian or denominational church they may come from, are to be seen as equal to or completing the Word of God. The Bible contains all that is necessary for the believer to understand the character of God, the nature of man, and the doctrines of sin, heaven, hell, and salvation through Jesus Christ. Paul's words to the Galatians indicate the seriousness of delivering a message outside the Bible: …Galatians 1:8

8 Let God's curse fall on anyone, including us or even an angel from heaven, who preaches a different kind of Good News than the one we preached to you.

Perhaps the strongest verses on the issue of sufficiency of the Bible come from the book of Psalms.…In Ps.19David rejoices in God's Word, declaring it to be perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, enlightening, sure and altogether righteous. As such, being that the Bible is "perfect," no other writings are necessary because it is inspired by God and all we need for salvation, life in Christ, and the building of the Kingdom.…Psalm 19:7-14…7 The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul.The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.…8 The commandments of the Lord are right, bringing joy to the heart.The commands of the Lord are clear, giving insight for living.…9 Reverence for the Lord is pure,lasting forever.The laws of the Lord are true;…each one is fair.…10 They are more desirable than gold,even the finest gold.They are sweeter than honey,even honey dripping from the comb.…11 They are a warning to your servant,a great reward for those who obey them.12 How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart? Cleanse me from these hidden faults.…13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!Don't let them control me.Then I will be free of guiltand innocent of great sin.

14 May the words of my mouthand the meditation of my heartbe pleasing to you,O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.

The sufficiency of Scripture is under attack today and sadly, that attack comes far too often in our own churches. Management techniques, worldly methods of drawing crowds, entertainment, extra-biblical revelations, mysticism, and psychological counseling all declare that the Bible and its precepts are not adequate for the Christian life. But Jesus said,

John 10:27

"My sheep hear my voice and I know them and they follow me" . His voice is all we need to hear and the Scriptures are His voice, completely and utterly sufficient.

For more answers to Bible related questions : …John Nel tel.- 0824527155 or e mail – jmnelarch@gmail.com