The Four Characteristics of Scripture

In the penultimate message, we looked at the different forms of the Word of God. These include: The Word of God as a Person in our Lord Jesus Christ; the Word of God as speech by God; God’s Word of personal address; God’s Word as speech through the lips of human beings and God’s Word in written form. We stated that God’s word in written form because of its several benefits over the other forms is the primary basis for the study of God’s Word.
Today, we will be looking at the four characteristics of Scripture. May I point out at this juncture that anytime we refer to Scripture we are talking about the Canon of the Bible. By this we imply the 66 books of the Bible (39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament). The major teachings of the Bible about itself can be seen in its four attributes:
i. The Authority of Scripture
ii. The Clarity of Scripture
iii. The Necessity of Scripture
iv. The Sufficiency of Scripture
i) The Authority of Scripture means that all the words of Scripture are
God’s in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey the word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God. Peter in 2 Pet 1:21 says that “for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God”. 2 Tim 3:16 says that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” The authority of Scripture unequivocally states God’s mind. It tells us that all the words in Scripture are completely true and without error in any part. God’s words in Scripture are the ultimate standard of truth (John 17:17). It is our final authority.

ii) The Clarity of Scripture implies that the Bible is written such that its teachings are can be understood by all who read with the desire to seek God, know His will and follow His will. When we read the Bible with the desire to know more of Him, He will reveal Himself to us (Deut 4:29). If a genuine concern about some issues arise in our lives, if we sincerely ask for God’s help as we go into Scripture, searching it will all sincerity and believing Him to reveal the truth, He will do to us as we desire (Mt 7:7).

iii) The Necessity of Scripture states that the Bible is necessary for maintaining spiritual life. In Deut 32:46-47, Moses describes it as our life. Apostle Peter in 1 Pet 2:23 encourages Christians to sincerely desire the Word of God. We need the Bible to know God’s will (Deut 29:29; Psalm 119:1, 9-11; Psalm 1:1; 1 John 5:3). If we are to have a certain knowledge of God’s will, then we must attain it through the study of Scripture.
iv) The Sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contains all the words of God that He intended His people to have at each stage of his redemption, all the words of God that we need for our salvation, for trusting Him perfectly and for obeying Him perfectly (2 Tim 3:15-16; James 1:18; 1 Pet 1:23).
The sufficiency of Scripture teaches us that:
a) We can find in the Bible all that God said in particular topics and we can find answer to all our questions
b) God does not expect us to believe anything about Himself or His redemptive work that is not in Scripture
c) No modern revelations from God are to be placed on a level equal to Scripture in authority
d) Nothing is required of us by God that is not commanded in Scripture either explicitly or by implication
e) In our doctrinal and ethical teaching we should emphasise what Scripture emphasises and be content with what God has told us in Scripture.
Brethren in conclusion let us eagerly and regularly grow in obedience to God by obeying His Word and find great freedom and peace in the Christian life.
God bless you.

insightful analysis. Good job!

1) The authority of the scripture? No one knows who wrote the book of Genesis. Who is God? God has many names (Yaweh, Jesus, the messiah, I am that I am etc). Who is the authority? The bible is with contradictions- incest is bad but Abraham married his half-sister

2) Clarity of the scripture? The bible has so many versions and tanslations (catholic bible, KJV, NAB NKJV, etc). There are so many christian interpretaions of the bible and that's why we have so many different churches and doctrines.

3) Necessity of the scripture? There are people who have lived a saintly and spiritual life without the bible eg Ghandi

4) Sufficiency of the scripture? Any lawyer will tell you that laws always need to be update. The bible is finite and the idea of God is infinite. The scripture is either obsolescent or flawed