Importance of Scripture

2 Timothy 3:16-17 is an important passage concerning the authority of Scripture and its role in the three facets of the Christian life — salvation, sanctification and service. It states, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the men and women of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

The Bible contains the Words of Yehovah – the creator of all things and the one true God. Through the Holy Spirit, His words were breathed out and recorded by faithful men (2 Peter 1:20-21).

The Word is described as “living and active” (Hebrews 4:12) and will accomplish its work (Isaiah 55:11) in calling all people to salvation, sanctification and service.

Teaching: Scripture teaches us about God, His law and His plan of salvation – “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17).

Conviction: Scripture shows us that we have violated God’s laws and are in need of salvation – “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23) and “the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Correction: Scripture directs us how to restore our relationship with our loving Father – “the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15).

Training in Righteousness: Scripture provides instruction that trains us to reach full maturity. This is the process of sanctification – “we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ,” (Ephesians 4:15).

Finally, we were “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). God’s Word equips us to serve Him. In the great commission, Jesus told His followers to “make disciples of all the nations” by “teaching them to observe all that I commanded you” (Matthew 26:19-20). Just as our hearing the Word brought us to salvation, we are to teach others to bring them to salvation.

Earlier in His letter to Timothy Paul wrote: “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the Word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). Our study of scripture prepares us to carry out our service of bringing others to salvation and encouraging them in their process of sanctification.

Paul confirms this when he directed Timothy to “preach the word; …reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction” (2 Timothy 4:2). Paul also taught that living in accordance with the truth of Scripture is also an important part of our service. Our words and our actions must be consistent. This is why he said, “Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ.” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

Let us be diligent to study God’s word, live the truth of God’s word and share the message of salvation and sanctification that is contained in God’s Word (Ezra 7:10).