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The author completely botches his topic. His entire premise, that the Bible is all we need and there is nothing else, is derived from a false understanding of 2 Peter 1:3, a verse that is not even talking about Scripture!
“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.”
The author even quotes it. Yet he misses the fact that "His divine power" is what gives us everything we need.
This is a serious error. It negates everything else he writes, and this means we must deem this article Bad Bible Teaching.
We discuss "sufficiency" here.
God’s Word is complete and fully adequate for salvation and godly living.
Introduction
We live in an age of endless advice, with self help books, podcasts, cultural movements, and philosophies all claiming to provide the answers we need. But Christians must ask, Why is Scripture sufficient for life and godliness? The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture affirms that the Bible is complete and fully adequate for all that pertains to salvation, godliness, and faithful living.
The Sufficiency of Scripture
When we speak of sufficiency, we do not mean the Bible contains exhaustive knowledge about every subject, like mathematics, medicine, or technology. Rather, sufficiency means that God’s Word provides all we need to know Him, to be saved by Christ, and to live in obedience to Him.
Peter declares in 2 Peter 1:3, “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.” Likewise, Paul says in 2 Timothy 3:16–17 that Scripture equips the believer for every good work.
Why It Matters
If Scripture is sufficient, then we do not need to add new revelations, cultural trends, or human philosophies to supplement God’s Word. (This does not follow from the author's definition of "sufficiency," which was, "God’s Word provides all we need to know Him, to be saved by Christ, and to live in obedience to Him." When the author writes "all we need," that is not the same as saying the Bible is all there is.
In fact, the author is a cessationist, which means he doesn't believe in the present-day gift of prophecy ["new revelations"]. His idea of the "sufficiency" of the Bible excludes the possibility of contemporary Christians hearing from God. We discuss this in detail here and here.
What the author does not list are things we are sure he adds to supplement the Bible: Commentaries, sermons, advice from other Christians, Bible dictionaries. And ironically, this very article. So the author himself doesn't actually believe in "sufficiency.")
False teachings often arise by undermining sufficiency, claiming that the Bible is not enough, and that we need something more. God’s people must be anchored in the truth that His Word is final, complete, and fully adequate.
Application
When you face trials, questions, or decisions, do you run first to human wisdom or to God’s Word? Let the sufficiency of Scripture shape your habits. Seek God’s guidance in His Word before turning to other voices. The Bible is not only a source of comfort, it is the complete guide for faith and life.
The sufficiency of Scripture gives us confidence to live faithfully in a confusing world. God has already given us everything we need in His Word to walk in holiness, to persevere in trials, and to grow in grace.
Scripture References
(We will quote them for the benefit of the reader. Notice from these Scriptures that the author confuses concepts. Besides the preciously mentioned error regarding "divine power," the author conflates "Scripture" with "word," "law/statutes," and "commands."
The OT never uses the term "Scripture" as the author understands it. Rather, the written down words of God were called "books:"
Ex. 24:7 Then he took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people.Jo. 23:6 Be very strong; be careful to obey all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, without turning aside to the right or to the left.
Further, what the author calls "God's Word" is something other than Scripture. For example, "word" in Hebrews 4:12 [quoted below] is Logos:
Λόγος appears in statements as ordinary speech (Matthew 5:37), rational explanation (Acts 19:38), legal account (Luke 16:2), moral reckoning (Romans 14:12), and, supremely, divine self-disclosure (Hebrews 4:12). The breadth of usage binds together thought, utterance, and reality, so that what is spoken both reveals and effects.
These are fundamental errors, and we expect much more from a supposed Bible teacher.)
2 Peter 1:3 His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Psalm 19:7–11 The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD are trustworthy, making wise the simple. 8 The precepts of the LORD are right, giving joy to the heart. The commands of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. 9 The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring for ever. The ordinances of the LORD are sure and altogether righteous. 10 They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. 11 By them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.
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