IF IT IS BREATHED BY GOD, AND GOD IS PERFECT, SCRIPTURE MUST BE PERFECT.
The Bible teaches us that Scripture is breathed by God and that God is perfect. Therefore, it follows that Scripture must also be perfect. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17, it says, "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." This verse affirms that Scripture is from God and has a purpose in our lives.
Throughout the Bible, we see examples of God's perfection and the perfection of His Word. Psalm 19:7 says, "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple." This verse emphasizes the perfection and reliability of God's Word. Additionally, Psalm 119:160 states, "The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever." Here, we see that God's Word is truth and everlasting.
Furthermore, Jesus Himself affirmed the divine inspiration and infallibility of the Word of God and the perfection of Scripture. In Matthew 5:18, Jesus said, "For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished." Jesus recognized the authority and immutability of the Scriptures, emphasizing their perfection.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus declares, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them" (Matthew 5:17). This statement emphasizes the continuity and authority of the Old Testament Scriptures.
Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently upheld the Scriptures as the ultimate authority and truth. He often referred to specific passages from the Old Testament to support His teachings. For example, when confronted by Satan in the wilderness, Jesus responded, "It is written: 'Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God'" (Matthew 4:4). This demonstrates His unwavering confidence in the accuracy and reliability of Scripture.
Moreover, Jesus affirmed the eternal nature of God's Word, stating, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away" (Matthew 24:35). This assurance reinforces the enduring significance and timeless relevance of Scripture.
It's important to note that Jesus not only acknowledged the perfection of Scripture but also lived it out. He perfectly fulfilled the prophecies and promises found in the Old Testament, demonstrating His divine nature and the reliability of God's Word.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to honor and submit to the authority of Scripture. It serves as a guide for our lives, providing wisdom, comfort, and instruction. Through the Scriptures, we encounter the living God and receive His transformative grace.
Therefore, let us hold fast to the perfect and infallible Word of God, recognizing its power to shape our lives and draw us closer to Him. May we diligently study and apply its teachings, knowing that in doing so, we align ourselves with the heart and will of our loving Creator.