Doctrine, Part 4: The Bible

The Holy Bible, which is made up of the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New Testament, is The Word of God (1 Thessalonians 2:13) written by men who were prompted to do so by the Holy Spirit (2 Peter 1:20-21).

It is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, so that the man of God will be prepared to do good works (2 Timothy 3:16).

The Bible is living, active (John 1:1; Hebrews 4:12), and powerful- able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Hebrews 4:12).

It is perfect and restoring to the soul (Psalm 19:7).

The Bible is the primary way to know God (Luke 16:29-31), and is the Way of life (Proverbs 6:23).

The Bible’s words are pure (Psalm 12:6), true (John 17:17), inerrant in their original writings, and infallible, (Proverbs 30:5-6). We are to do what it says (James 1:22).

The Word of God is for everyone (Romans 16:26), and thus should be spread (Acts 13:49). When someone hears it, it does not return void (Isaiah 55:11). It is the Bible that leads believers to Christ (Romans 10:17) and, subsequently, to eternal life (John 5:24).

We are not to add to the Word of God (Proverbs 30:5-6) or take away from it (Deuteronomy 4:2).