Written By: Roderick L. Ross
The inspired, eternal word of God, the Holy Bible, is sufficient for all things the Christian needs to be pleasing unto God. “All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17). The revealed word of God completely (thoroughly) furnishes the man of God unto all — not some, but ALL — good works.
The Bible authorizes every good work that Christians are to do. “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue: whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust” (2 Peter 1:3-4).
Notice, ALL THINGS that pertain unto life and godliness are supplied by His divine power. Through these things (i.e., the words revealed) we are allowed to be partakers of the divine nature. Doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction are provided by the word of God.
The Holy Spirit provides all things within the inspired word. Through his [the Spirit’s] inspired word:
- Converts (1 Corinthians. 4:15; James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:23)
- Saves (John 17:17; Acts 11:14; 1 Corinthians 15:1-2; Psalm 19:7)
- Produces faith (Romans 10:17; John 20:30-31; Luke 1:3-4; 8:12)
- Sanctifies (John 17:17; Ephesians 5:26; 2 Thess 2:13)
- Cleanses (John 15:2; Ephesians. 5:26)
- Purifies (1 Peter 1:22)
- Quickens (Psalm 119:50; Ephesians 2:1,5; John 6:63)
- Enlightens (Psalm 19:8; 119:30)
- Gives Understanding (Job 32:8; Psalm 119:104,130; 2 Timothy 3:15)
- Leads (Psalm 73:24; 119:105)
- Comforts (1 Thess 3:2; 4:18; Romans 15:4)
- Produces Spiritual Growth (Acts 20:32; Col. 1:10,11; 2 Peter 3:18)
- Produces Fruit (Col. 1:5-10; Gal. 5:22,23; [Col. 1:5-10 is an inspired commentary on how the Spirit produces fruit of the Galatians 5:22-23; it is through the word of truth, the word of God])
- Strengthens (2 Timothy. 2:1-2; Rev. 12:11; read Romans 10:17 in relation to Hebrews 11)
- Regulates Our Lives (1 Timothy 3:14-15)
- Admonishes (1 Cor 4:14)
- Guards (2 Tim. 3:13-15)
- Stirs Up (2 Peter 1:12-13) and
- Exhorts (1 Peter 5:12). (Roger E. Dickson, Direct Operation of the Holy Spirit in Conversion and Sanctification, Contending for the Faith).
The word of God provides man with all these things. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes 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 for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” (Psalm 19:7-10).
This all-sufficient word is once for all delivered unto the saints (Jude 3, ASV). It did not need to be delivered twice, once was sufficient. There is nothing further that we need. No further revelation is necessary. No further revelation has come, the Bible is all-sufficient.
THE HOLY BIBLE IS INCOMPARABLE
Compare the Bible with any supposed revelation from God or a god found among men. There is no comparison! All of the sacred writings of the world wane in comparison with the glorious word of God. The beauty, the majesty, the unity, the accuracy, the truthfulness, the completeness of the Bible far surpass any of the pseudo-revelations.
The Bible stands alone in the literature of the entire world as THE REVELATION OF GOD.