Why Is the Bible the Word of God?
2 Timothy 3:15-17: “From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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.”
Hallelujah! May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of us as we gather today to worship our Heavenly Father with reverence and awe. Today is Bible Sunday according to the church calendar—a day to reflect on and recognize the significance of the Scriptures. I will share God’s Word today with a focus on 2 Timothy 3:15-17, addressing why the Bible is the Word of God. First, God gives us wisdom for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ by means of the Scriptures. Second, God uses the Scriptures to teach us, sometimes to rebuke us, and to correct us, making them profitable for training in righteousness. Third, the ultimate purpose of the Scriptures is to make the people of God complete, equipping them to carry out every good work. Let us delve into these points in detail.
First, God gives us wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus by means of the Scriptures. This “faith in Christ Jesus” refers to the spiritual relationship where “I am in Christ, and Christ is in me.” It signifies the biblical confession that we are united with Jesus Christ and made one with Him. Through the Scriptures, God speaks to us so that we may come to this confession. In John 15:4-5, Jesus says: “Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
Additionally, in John 17:23, Jesus prays: “I in them and you in me, that they may become perfectly one, so that the world may know that you sent me and loved them even as you loved me.”
Furthermore, 1 John 3:24 states: “Whoever keeps his commandments abides in God, and God in him. And by this we know that he abides in us, by the Spirit whom he has given us.”
These verses demonstrate that God enables us to abide in Christ and Christ in us, leading to oneness and completeness. As evidence of this, God pours out His Spirit upon us, empowering us to keep His commandments. The people of God are those who keep His commandments in His kingdom. Through this, God’s love for us is revealed to the world.
Through “faith in Christ Jesus,” we gain the “wisdom that leads to salvation.” This wisdom is fundamentally different from worldly wisdom. It is the wisdom of God, revealed through the cross. While worldly standards may regard this wisdom as foolish, weak, or insignificant, the essence of God’s salvation is entirely different.
What, then, is salvation? Salvation is being delivered from the power of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of light. It is a transformation from being under the dominion of Satan to living under the reign of God. Colossians 1:13-14 explains this clearly: “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Similarly, Acts 26:18 describes salvation as follows: “To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.”
Therefore, the “wisdom that leads to salvation” is the wisdom of God revealed through the cross. God opens our spiritual eyes, freeing us from the power of Satan and darkness, and transferring us into His reign and the kingdom of light. This process of salvation vividly demonstrates God’s grace and love.
Furthermore, the evidence of God’s salvation is seen in the transformation of a Christian’s life.
As God’s people, we must be in Christ, and Christ must be in us. How does this happen? By believing in His Word and praying for His Word to dwell within us, God pours out His Spirit upon us. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of the Word, transforming our worldly values through His Word. When compared to God’s Word, our worldly values are darkness—formed under the authority of Satan. However, salvation is about turning from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God. Those who are saved are delivered from darkness and sin, and they live a new life. Through this transformation, God’s saving power and love are made known to the world.
Second, God uses the Bible to teach us, rebuke us when necessary, and correct us, making it useful for training in righteousness. This is because all Scripture is God-breathed. To say that all Scripture is God-breathed means that God is the primary author and initiator of its writing. One of the first proofs that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies in the New Testament.
For example, Isaiah 7:14 prophesies the virgin birth: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” This prophecy is fulfilled in Matthew 1:22-23, which confirms the birth of Jesus. Similarly, Micah 5:2 foretells the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem: “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah… from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.” This prophecy is fulfilled in Matthew 2:5-6, where Jesus is born in Bethlehem.
The betrayal by Judas Iscariot and the purchase of the potter’s field also fulfill Old Testament prophecies. In Zechariah 11:12-13, the “thirty pieces of silver” symbolize contempt for the shepherd’s work. This corresponds to the “thirty pieces of silver” Judas received for betraying Jesus (Matthew 26:15). Zechariah further describes the silver being thrown into the house of the Lord for the potter (11:13). In Matthew 27:5-7, this is fulfilled when Judas throws the silver into the temple, and the money is later used to purchase the potter’s field.
The Psalms and the Gospels also show remarkable connections regarding Jesus’ suffering and resurrection. Psalm 22:1 records David’s cry: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” This is the exact cry that Jesus utters on the cross in Matthew 27:46. Additionally, Psalm 22:7-8 says:
“All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads: ‘He trusts in the Lord; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!’” This mirrors the scene in Matthew 27:39-43, where people at the cross mock Jesus in the same manner.
Furthermore, the resurrection of Jesus aligns perfectly with Old Testament prophecy. Psalm 16:10 states: “For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol, or let your holy one see corruption.” This is quoted by Peter in Acts 2:27 to testify to Jesus’ resurrection: “For you will not abandon my soul to Hades, or let your Holy One see corruption.”
These passages demonstrate that Jesus’ suffering and resurrection were not random events but the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan prophesied in the Old Testament. The seamless connection between the Old and New Testaments reveals the greatness and perfection of God’s providence and love.
Another clear proof that the Bible is inspired by the Holy Spirit is its moral and spiritual teachings, which are contrary to human nature yet transcend it. For example, in Matthew 5:44, Jesus teaches: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This contradicts our natural tendency to hate and seek revenge against our enemies. Likewise, in Matthew 5:39, Jesus says: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.” While this may seem unrealistic or foolish by worldly standards, it reflects a higher moral standard. In Matthew 16:24, Jesus declares: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” While human nature prioritizes self-preservation and personal satisfaction, Jesus calls us to self-denial and sacrifice, which define true discipleship. James 1:2-3 says: “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” While humans instinctively seek to avoid suffering, the Bible teaches us to view trials as opportunities for spiritual growth and maturity.
The Bible’s teachings, which oppose human nature, are not merely idealistic demands. They have transformed countless lives, leading to profound moral and spiritual renewal. These teachings, clearly beyond human invention, confirm that the Bible is inspired by God. Reflecting on this reveals the transcendent and profound truth contained in God’s Word.
A third proof that the Bible is the Word of God is its unity and consistency despite being written over approximately 1,500 years by more than 40 authors. From Genesis, which begins God’s plan of redemption, to Revelation, where it is completed, the Bible maintains a cohesive narrative. This remarkable unity points to a divine origin rather than a human one.
Third, God uses the Bible to teach us, rebuke us when necessary, correct us, and train us in righteousness. The purpose of this is to make God’s people complete and equip them for every good work. How does the Spirit of God speak to humans? God revealed His message to prophets through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. The prophets then conveyed and recorded it in a language understandable to the people of their time.
Without the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, a reader can misunderstand many parts of Scripture. For instance, the Bible records commands for seemingly brutal wars. If taken literally, such passages might obscure the image of God as a merciful God. Additionally, genealogies and instructions for sacrificial rituals may seem tedious and unimportant. If one approaches these records with only a literal understanding, it becomes difficult to hear the words coming from God’s mouth. Thus, there are many aspects of Scripture that cannot be grasped by human reasoning alone. In such cases, the guidance of the Holy Spirit is absolutely necessary. Just as a two-dimensional world can only represent a sphere as a circle, the Word of God is expressed within the limitations of human language and experience. Therefore, a literal understanding alone cannot fully grasp the profound messages of Scripture. The deeper meaning and redemptive message of the Bible must be understood through the illumination of the Holy Spirit.
However, caution is needed to avoid misinterpreting Scripture under the guise of the Spirit’s inspiration. Satan can masquerade as an angel of light (2 Corinthians 11:14) and distort God’s will through false interpretations. Therefore, Scripture must be interpreted in the context of its own text and with internal consistency. Tools such as cross-references should be used to allow Scripture to interpret itself.
The Bible is a book inspired by the Holy Spirit. Thus, those who share the Word of God must do so under the guidance of the Spirit, speaking the words that come from the mouth of God. What, then, is the evidence that the message being delivered truly comes from God? It is when the message enables God’s people to be complete and equips them to perform every good work. Through His Word, God makes His children complete.
What does the Bible mean by “completeness”? It means having a heart that loves even enemies, living a life of self-denial and dedication, carrying one’s cross, always rejoicing, praying without ceasing, and giving thanks in all circumstances. Furthermore, the Bible equips us for every good work. “Every good work” refers to glorifying God, loving one’s neighbor, and living as a witness of salvation, sharing the gift of life with others. Sharing spiritual life and God’s love with those we meet is the essence of good works. All these things are not achieved by our own strength or efforts but are made possible by the Holy Spirit working within us. Therefore, the Bible, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is undoubtedly the Word of God. This Word transforms our lives, enables us to glorify God, and equips us to perform good works. Ultimately, the Bible is not just a book to be read and forgotten—it is God’s tool for transforming us to live according to His will.
Dear beloved congregation, let me now conclude today’s message. The Bible is not merely a religious document written by humans, but the living Word of God. It is His tool to lead us to salvation and make us complete. Through the Bible, we learn the wisdom of salvation in Christ Jesus, live transformed lives, and are equipped to carry out good works that glorify God. However, none of this is accomplished by our own effort or wisdom. It is only possible through the work of the Holy Spirit within us. Therefore, we must not treat the Bible as just another book to read and set aside. Instead, we should seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit, meditate deeply on the Scriptures, and apply the Word to our lives. To do this, we must set aside our own thoughts, desires, and values, and embrace the will of God, His love, and the values of His kingdom. By doing so, we can live as witnesses who demonstrate God’s love and the values of His kingdom to the world. Today, let us listen attentively to the God who speaks to us through the Scriptures. His Word will make us complete, lead us to glorify Him, and guide us to share life with others.
May all of you who love, meditate on, and live according to the Word of God be filled with His grace and peace. Amen.