The Necessity of Scripture
What would the world be like if we did not have the Bible? What if God had chosen not to give us His written Word?
If we did not have the Bible, God still would have given us a way to know Him. God has revealed certain things through general revelation.
General revelation is the knowledge God has given people apart from Scripture, usually through observing nature, the inner sense of God’s existence, and understanding of God’s moral requirements.
We can know that God exists through creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” Ps. 19:1 ESV
God has given every person this general revelation whether they acknowledge it or not.
Thankfully, God graciously gave us His word to know and learn.
I like the definition that Wayne Grudem gives in his Systematic Theology 2nd ed,
“The Necessity of Scripture means that the Bible is necessary for knowing the gospel, for maintaining spiritual life, and for knowing God’s will, but it is not necessary for knowing God exists or for knowing something about God’s character and moral law.” (2020)
Because of this, the Word of God is a necessity for believers. We need Scripture to know the gospel, to live a holy life, and to know God’s will.
The Bible tells us the gospel message. “Faith comes from hearing and hearing through the word of Christ” Romans 10:17. Saving faith in Christ comes from hearing the gospel message and proclaiming Christ in God’s Word.
Once we have surrendered our life to Christ, we should live for Him. Scripture tells us how to live and maintain a holy and spiritual life.
During His temptation in the wilderness, Jesus told the devil, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Matthew 4:4. Bible is to be a source of daily nourishment to believers. Scripture instructs us on how to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Lastly, we need Scripture to know God’s will.
The Bible provides us with clear statements about God’s will. “The secret things belong to the LORD our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever that we may do all the words of this law” Deut. 29:29.
Ps 1:1-2 says The “blessed “man is one who does not follow the will of wicked people, but delights “in the law of the LORD,” and meditates on God’s law “day and night”.
We are to love God. “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments. And his commandments are not burdensome.” 1 John 5:3.
“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” I Corinthians 10:13.
Just like you like we need God, we also need His Word. We need Him as we start our life surrendered to Christ and throughout our life, living for Him.
Bibliography
Grudem, W (2020) Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Biblical Doctrine 2nd Edition
