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The Attributes of Scripture

Sunday, January 7, 2024
Pastor Jojo Ma

 

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

With so many voices beckoning for your heart’s attention and devotion, let nothing dwell in you richly like the Scriptures, God’s perfect and sufficient Word.

The acronym S-C-A-N: the Sufficiency of Scripture, the Clarity of Scripture, the Authority of Scripture, and the Necessity of Scripture.

I.          What sufficiency does mean [definition]
II.        What sufficiency does not mean [clarification]
III.       What sufficiency means for us [application]

I.         What sufficiency does mean [definition]
The Bible contains everything we need for salvation and sanctification.

2 Tim 3:15-17 15 from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Heb 1:1-4 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Revelation is finished in Christ now and redemption is finished in Christ now. He has sat down. The work is finished and also the Word is finished.

2 Pet 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.

Scripture is sufficient because Christ’s work is sufficient. Scripture is complete and perfect because Christ’s work is complete and perfect. They go together, they are inseparable. That’s Heb 1:1-4 for you.

JI Packer: “There are no words of God spoken to us at all today except the words of Scripture.”

II.        What sufficiency does not mean [clarification]
Yes to “sola” Scriptura; no to “solo” Scriptura.

The doctrine of the sufficiency of Scripture, again, is not that the Bible tells us everything about everything. The sufficiency of Scripture does tell us, however, everything we need to know about what matters most in life, about the most important things: being saved and being sanctified.

III.      What sufficiency means for us [application]
First, sufficiency encourages us that His Word will guide our thoughts and actions.

Second, sufficiency teaches us that we cannot add or take away from His Word.

Third, sufficiency reminds us that the Bible is relevant for all of life…
2 Pet 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.

Fourth, sufficiency invites us to open our Bibles and truly hear the voice of God.

Fifth, sufficiency should cause us to worship God for His provision.