Scripture is the written Word of God,
the collection of books that
make up the Bible.
The term comes from a Latin word meaning “writings,”
and in the New Testament it translates the Greek graphē,
referring to the sacred writings.
Christians believe that Scripture is
inspired by God,
authoritative,
and sufficient for knowing Him and living in His ways.
All Scripture points ultimately to Jesus Christ
and is useful for
teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
Scripture is God’s self-revelation committed to writing through human authors under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is not merely a human record of religious experience but the very word of God, living and active. From the Law and the Prophets to the writings of the apostles, Scripture carries divine authority and is the final standard for faith and practice. Jesus Himself treated the Old Testament as the unbreakable Word of God, and the early church recognized the emerging New Testament writings as likewise inspired. Through Scripture the Holy Spirit continues to speak, convict, comfort, and guide the people of God.
- All Scripture is breathed out by God (inspired) and is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness.
- Scripture is the primary means by which God makes Himself known and reveals His will for His people.
- Jesus and the apostles consistently treated the Old Testament as the authoritative Word of God.
- The same Spirit who inspired the writing of Scripture illuminates the minds of believers to understand and apply it.
- Scripture is sufficient — it equips the believer for every good work and does not require additional revelation to know God’s will for salvation and godly living.
- Because it is God’s Word, Scripture stands above human tradition, opinion, and culture as the final authority.
- The central message of all Scripture is Jesus Christ — His person, His work, and the salvation found in Him.
- Inspiration – God-breathed; the Holy Spirit guided the human authors so that what they wrote is the Word of God.
- Authority – Scripture carries the authority of God Himself and is binding on the conscience of the believer.
- Clarity – The essential message of salvation is clear and understandable to those who seek God.
- Sufficiency – Scripture contains all that is necessary for salvation and for living a life pleasing to God.
- Necessity – Without Scripture we would not know the way of salvation or the full will of God with certainty.
- Unity – Though written by many authors over many centuries, Scripture presents one coherent story of redemption centered on Christ.
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
- 2 Peter 1:20-21 – “No prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
- Psalm 19:7-11 – The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; His testimonies are sure, making wise the simple.
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
- Matthew 4:4 – “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.”
- Matthew 5:17-18 – Jesus did not come to abolish the Law or the Prophets but to fulfill them; not the smallest letter will pass away until all is accomplished.
- John 5:39 – “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
- John 10:35 – “Scripture cannot be broken.”
- Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.”
- Romans 15:4 – “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.”
Scripture is the living Word of the living God. Through it He speaks with clarity and authority, revealing His character, His purposes, and His great salvation in Jesus Christ. Because it is God-breathed, it is fully trustworthy and sufficient for all of life and godliness. The proper response to Scripture is not merely study or admiration, but humble hearing, faith, and obedience. As we read and receive it, the same Spirit who inspired it opens our eyes to see the glory of Christ and shapes us into His likeness.
Entry compiled for the JESUSaves.com Bible Glossary. Optimized for wiki.js Visual Editor.