TOPIC 01 OF 47
The Bible
God speaks through Scripture and directs us to Jesus Christ.
THE MAIN TRUTH
The Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Watch this topic
The Bible at a Glance
Explore the divine authority of Scripture in this visual overview. Select the image to open it at full size.
The teaching
From the book · pages 1–3
The Bible is the written Word of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit. God breathed into the prophets, apostles, and evangelists the thoughts and words they were to write, expressed in their own personal styles and within their historical settings. The Bible is God’s fully authoritative and truthful Word for us in all its words.
The Scriptures can be understood only within their grammatical and historical context. Because the Spirit inspired all the authors over a period of 1,500 years, there is a unity in their message, so that one part of Scripture helps interpret other parts. Scripture alone is the source of God’s revelation to guide our faith and life in Christ. We are to read and study it diligently, praying for the Spirit to enlighten us, while using our reason—submitted to God’s Word—to understand its message for us.
In its unfolding narrative from Genesis to Revelation, Holy Scripture clearly teaches the central message that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world. The Bible does not merely inform us. Jesus, the incarnate Word, reveals himself through the written Word and transforms us.
Scripture foundations
All Scripture excerpts from this topic are presented below in the book’s order. Ellipses and bracketed explanations follow the manuscript. Select a reference to read the surrounding passage in the EHV.
Reading these passages together
Notice how these passages join Scripture’s divine authority to its saving purpose: the written Word reveals Christ, creates faith, and guides the believer’s life.
14 Scripture excerpt groups
SCRIPTURE 01
Matthew 4:4 ↗
[Jesus:] “It is written: ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes out of the mouth of God.’”
Book page 2
SCRIPTURE 03
John 14:26 ↗
[Jesus said to the apostles:] “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and remind you of everything I told you.”
Book page 2
SCRIPTURE 04
1 Thessalonians 2:13 ↗
“. . . when you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you did not receive it as the word of men but as the word of God (as it really is), which is now at work in you who believe.”
Book page 2
SCRIPTURE 05
2 Peter 1:19-21 ↗
“We also have the completely reliable prophetic word. You do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts . . . No prophecy of Scripture comes about from someone’s own interpretation . . . men spoke from God as they were being carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
Book page 2
SCRIPTURE 06
2 Timothy 3:15-17 ↗
“. . . from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God breathed and is useful for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, well equipped for every good work.”
Book page 2
SCRIPTURE 07
Romans 1:1-4 ↗
“. . . the gospel of God, which he promised in advance through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures. The gospel is about his Son . . . Jesus Christ, our Lord.”
Book page 3
SCRIPTURE 08
John 5:39 ↗
[Jesus:] “You search the Scriptures because you think you have eternal life in them. They testify about me!”
Book page 3
SCRIPTURE 09
Luke 24:27, 44-45 ↗
“Then beginning with Moses and all the prophets, [Jesus] explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning himself . . . ‘Everything must be fulfilled that is written about me in the Law of Moses, the Prophets, and the Psalms.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures.”
Book page 3
SCRIPTURE 10
Psalm 119:105 ↗
“Your words are a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.”
Book page 3
SCRIPTURE 11
1 Peter 1:23 ↗
“For you have been born again . . . through the living and enduring word of God.”
Book page 3
SCRIPTURE 12
Isaiah 40:8 ↗
“Grass withers, flowers fade, but the Word of our God endures forever.”
Book page 3
SCRIPTURE 13
Hebrews 4:12 ↗
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword. It penetrates even to the point of dividing soul and spirit…”
Book page 3
SCRIPTURE 14
Acts 20:32 ↗
“. . . the word of his grace . . . has power to build you up . . . ”
Book page 3
Unless otherwise indicated, Scripture passages are from the Holy Bible, Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV), copyright 2019 Wartburg Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Used by permission, as noted in the manuscript.
SMALL GROUP BIBLE STUDY
45-Minute Study Guide: The Bible
A printable study that weaves the doctrinal statement together with all of its supporting Scripture passages, plus opening discussion, application questions, and prayers.
Download the Complete Bible Study (PDF)PERSONAL REFLECTION OR GROUP DISCUSSION
Reflect and pray
Why does the Bible’s divine inspiration matter for your confidence in its promises?
How does reading a passage in its context help you hear what God is saying?
What regular practice could help you receive Scripture as both truth and a gift?
A prayer
Lord God, open our minds to understand your Word and our hearts to trust its promises. Through Scripture, lead us to Jesus and shape our lives by his truth. Amen.