Scripture claims that it is complete in provision for believers in respect to salvation and godliness. It contains all the principles for every aspect of life. 2Timothy 3:15 says, “and that from childhood you have known the sacred writing which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.” Paul tells Timothy that the Word of God has an inherent power to grant wisdom unto salvation. Wisdom is the correct application of knowledge in everyday life. So, the Word has the ability to impart wisdom. It assists and instructs us in our daily living. Furthermore it grants “wisdom that leads to salvation”, including everything salvation involves. Meaning, it applies to our past sense of salvation in being justified in the eyes of God and our present sense of salvation in sanctification. It gives all-encompassing wisdom. It is totally sufficient.
2 Peter 1:3-4 says, “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God an of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence. for by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers for the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.” Here Peter mentions the scope and application of the Word of God. It grants “everything pertaining to life and godliness.” Again, the Scripture is all-encompassing and applies to everything in life. God’s Word is applicable today for every situation! It shows us how to react godly in all situations. So, Scripture clearly claims itself complete and containing everything we need in life. It is totally sufficient.
The Word of God goes further than just claims. It also mentions the comprehensiveness of it sufficiency. It explains specifically how it is the perfect resource for living. Psalm 19:7-9, “the law of the LORD is perfect, restoring 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 judgements of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.” In these few verses alone it mentions ten ways Scripture is useful. It is perfect, meaning it is comprehensive and complete in usefulness in application to our lives. It is law, meaning it has supreme authority over our lives. It restores, meaning it revives and transforms the soul. It makes wise, meaning it imparts knowledge which applies to life. It is sure, meaning it is totally reliable and trustworthy. It is pure, meaning it is clear, lucid, and brings understanding, not confusion. It is right, meaning that its quality is genuine. It brings joy, meaning it imparts contentment and happiness when followed. It is true, meaning it is reliable. And lastly it endures forever, meaning it will never be unreliable or false. It shall always be the same in its trustworthiness and usefulness.
Lastly, Scripture also speaks specifically what it is totally sufficient for. 2 Timothy 3:16 shows the areas the Word’s sufficiency applies. Paul writes, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” First, the sufficiency of Scripture applies in teaching. The Word of God teaches, meaning it shows the true path clearly. It gives us a measurement or gauge of where we must be. It aligns us to God’s ways. Secondly, it reproves. This means it shows where we are wrong or have gone astray. It accurately evaluates us down to our very heart and causes conviction. Thirdly, it corrects. Scripture not only shows and convicts of our faults, but it also clearly shows how we may be restored to a right relationship with Him. It points us back to God and how we can walk rightly again. Lastly, it trains in righteousness. This means it teaches us principles in walking uprightly. The Word shows us how to react godly in everyday situations. So, it is totally sufficient in the believer’s life.
The Scriptures clearly speak of its own sufficiency for “everything pertaining to live and godliness.” It boldly claims its complete provision for our live to grant wisdom, transform and restore us. It shows the comprehensiveness of its sufficiency in it perfection, ability to restore, sureness, wisdom, rightness, purity and longevity. And lastly, it reveals the areas where Scripture is sufficient, in teaching, reproof correction, and training in righteousness. The Word of God is truly totally sufficient for the entire believer’s needs.
