Calvary Baptist Church

Calvary Baptist Church, Grenada, MS, USA

Holding to the truths embraced by Baptist for centuries.

There is a reason that most confessions of faith start with the inspiration of the Scriptures. The Scriptures are the foundation upon which all of our beliefs rest. Edward J. Young once wrote, “If we do not build upon the impregnable rock of infallible Scripture we shall ever be at the mercy of the latest whims and fancies”. Today, there is much false teaching in our society because many people do not understand the significance and value of the Scriptures. These people have not built their beliefs upon Scripture, but upon the ideas and philosophies of men. Several words can be used to describe the uniqueness of Scripture: inspired, inerrant, infallible, indestructible, inexhaustible, incorruptible and indispensable.

II Timothy 3:16 says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God”. The word “inspired literally means “God breathed”. II Peter 1:21 says, “Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit”. Vine in his Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words says the word “moved” means they were born along or impelled by the Holy Spirit’s power. This means that Scripture was given to special men who were so controlled and directed by the Holy Spirit that what we possess is exactly what God would want us to have. The Scriptures are verbally inspired. This means the very words of Scripture are inspired, not just the thoughts. Proverbs 30:5 says “Every Word of God is pure”. The Scripture can also be described as being plenarily inspired. “Plenarily inspired” means that the Scripture is fully or entirely inspired of God. It is complete and nothing should be taken from it or added to it. (Rev. 22:18-19). Psalms 12:6 says, “The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tested in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

There are no errors or mistakes in the Bible. II Peter 1:20 says, “knowing that no Scripture is of private interpretation”. This means that no Scripture is to be interpreted apart from the rest of Scripture, and when properly understood, no Scripture will contradict any other Scripture. Even though the Bible was written by approximately forty men over a period of 1600 years, all Scripture is in agreement and is perfectly accurate upon whatever subject it speaks. II Samuel 22:31 says, “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the Lord is tried”.

Down through the centuries some have tried to destroy the Scripture but they have not succeeded. “The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the Word of the Lord endures forever” (I Peter 2:25). “Until heaven and earth pass away, not one jot or title shall in any way pass from the law until all be fulfilled (Matt. 5:18).

One may study the Bible all his life and still find new truths and new understanding the next time he or she studies the Scripture. Paul writes in Romans 11:33, “Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out”!

The Bible never loses its relevance and never goes out of date. It is the “Living Word” (Heb. 4:12). The Psalmist writes, “Forever is Thy Word settled in heaven”. Customs, fads, mores and morals may change, but God’s Word does not. It still brings blessings to those who heed and obey it and judgment to those who ignore or disobey it.

The Bible is absolutely essential for our spiritual welfare. It is the basis for our knowledge of creation, sin, and Biblical history. It is the basis of our knowledge of Biblical prophecy, of our knowledge of heaven, hell, salvation, and eternal life. It is the basis of our understanding of the church, its organization and practice, and its purpose and mission. In fact, there would be no true spiritual knowledge apart from the Bible. In particular, note that the Bible is indispensable for salvation, sanctification, sustenance, and service.

First, the Bible is indispensable for salvation. Paul told Timothy, “And that from a child thou hast known the Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus: (II Timothy 3:15). Peter writes, “Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever...and this is the Word by which the gospel is preached unto you” (I Peter 1:23, 25).

The message of Christ’s virgin birth, His sinless life, His substitutionary death, resurrection and ascension to the right hand of the Father is fully given Scripture. The Scripture tells us that Christ died the just for the unjust to bring us to God (I Peter 3:18). It was while we were yet sinners that Christ died for us (Rom. 5:8). This salvation comes as a free gift by grace through faith apart from works to all who believe (Eph. 2:8,9). No greater message has ever been told than the love of God for sinners which was exhibited in the willing death, burial, and resurrection of His Son for our sins.

Second, the Scripture is indispensable for sanctification. John 17:17 says, “Sanctify them through Thy Word: Thy Word is truth. It is through the power of the Word used by the Holy Spirit that transforms our lives in the image of the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul says the Word is profitable for doctrine (what we believe) and for reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (how we ought to live).

Third, the Word is indispensable for sustenance. Peter writes, “As newborn babes desire the pure milk of the Word that you may grow thereby”. There is nothing that can take the place of regular Bible study if we are to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Saviour. Without the Word we will always be immature Christians.

Finally, the Word is indispensable for service. Paul told Timothy, “Preach the Word”. The Word is to be the central focus of our study and preaching. II Timothy 2:15 states, “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman rightly dividing the Word of truth”. Jesus made strong use of the Word when He was tempted by Satan, and so should we when we face temptations. Our churches should be organized according to the Word and our practice and purpose as a church also should be guided by the Word only – to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature, to baptize those that believe, in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit; and to teach them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you (Matt. 28: 18-20).

There has never been or ever will be another book like the Bible. It tells us of the glorious person and work (past, present, and future) of our dear Saviour, makes us complete and equips us for every good work. Let’s respect the Bible, study the Bible, and believe and practice the Bible!