The Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and centered on Jesus Christ, the eternal Word. It is a progressive revelation that guides, corrects, and transforms, and must be understood as a unified narrative between the Old and New Testaments. As the final authority in the life of the believer, it must not only be read, but also lived and preached.

Why Study the Scriptures?

  • Many times we follow traditions without understanding their meaning.

  • Just as we learn to lift our hands in worship or to call other believers “brother,” we must also understand what the Scriptures are and why they are fundamental in the Christian life.

Scripture vs. the Eternal Word

  • The Bible is not a person, but the written Word of God.

  • Jesus Christ is the Eternal Word of God (John 5:39).

  • Scripture testifies of Christ, but it is not Christ.

  • If we separate the Bible from Jesus, it loses its power and purpose.

Scripture is Inspired by the Holy Spirit

  • The Bible was written by real people, in concrete historical contexts, but its content was directed by the Holy Spirit.

  • 2 Peter 1:21 says that “men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”

  • This means that the Bible has divine authority, not merely human.

    God did not reveal everything at once, but progressively:

    • Direct Acts (Eden, Sinai, etc.)

    • Dreams and Visions (Isaiah, Daniel, John, etc.)

    • In Jesus Christ

    • In the Scriptures

The Authority of the Scriptures

  • It is the final authority in faith and practice for the Church.

  • It is not subject to individual or emotional interpretation.

  • We neither add to nor take away from revelation: the Bible is complete.

Old and New Testament

The OT prepares the way, the NT reveals Christ.

Both are one: a unified narrative.

St. Augustine: “The NT is hidden in the OT, and the OT is revealed in the NT.”

The inspiration of the Scriptures

  • All Scripture is inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16).

  • It was written by real men under the direction of the Holy Spirit.

  • Even so, it is inerrant—without error.

Application: What do we do with the Word?

  1. Preach it (2 Timothy 4:2)

  2. Live it

  3. It is God’s love letter to His people.

  4. It is sufficient to guide us in doctrine and faith.