Scripture Fundamentals

Just how important is the Scripture and what are its benefits? Certainly every Christian should be able to answer this with much conviction. To fail to answer and without conviction is close to denying the faith of which we believe and practice. When God gave His Word, He had more in mind than simply a book to read filled with stories. His goal is to reveal Himself to humanity and to make life's experience rewarding. The Scripture contains all that we need to experience God and His Kingdom and at the conclusion of one's life eternal rest in heaven. As we consider the Scripture, the following are the fundamentals of Scripture and as we obey His Word the blessings of the kingdom are granted to us. The Scripture is first and foremost inspired by God. Men chosen by God were divinely inspired to record the words given to them.

1. Scripture makes us wise. To be wise is to be enlightened regarding divine things. The Holy Scripture can give us wisdom that leads to salvation. If we are to experience God's saving grace, we must embrace His Word. James tells us that the doers and not the hearers of the Word are justified before God. Consequently, the Scripture can change us but we must allow the change to take place. All that God has written in His Word for us and concerning us can come to past. However, our participation and cooperation are pre-requisite. 
2. Scripture reveals Christian doctrine. The doctrines are those things that we believe according to the Scripture. For example, we believe in the virgin birth, heaven and hell, the Holy Spirit and gifts of the Spirit, etc. Our doctrines are not made up but come from God through His Word. The doctrines of Scripture must be taught so that we will believe. As believers we are called to protect the doctrines of the church. Satan has doctrine (1 Timothy 4:1) and they are the opposite of the doctrine of Scripture. 
3. Scripture exposes our rebellion. The word rebellion means to be opposition to one in authority. God is supreme authority. He loves and cares for us much more than we realize. When reading the Word, it will show us those areas in our lives that are in rebellion to God. Rebellion can result from simply a lack of faith that says, it's too hard or from a mindset that says no one is perfect. In either case it is opposition to God's requirements and commands. For some the word rebellion is too strong. Most of us would never see ourselves as being such. However, if God's Word says rebellion, then it is rebellion. His desire is to expose it so that it can be corrected. 
4. Scripture Corrects. Correction means to adjust to bring to some required standard. The beauty of the Word is we never have to guess about God's standards. They can be described in one word and that word is righteousness. Righteousness is the standard and requirement of the Kingdom of God. Correction concerns our mistakes. They are the things that we don't know about that when reading the Word we discover that we've been in error. When we recognize our mistake or error, we readily accept them as such and make the necessary changes to adjust. Remember an ungodly behavior should be replaced by a godly one. 
5. Training in Righteousness. Righteousness simply stated is right standing with God. It is speech and actions that are approved by God. Take note that we must be trained in righteousness. No one enters the world having already been trained. All of humanity is the posterity of the first Adam. Consequently, we are all born with a sin nature. Once we are born again, the training starts and continues until we leave this world. The original word for training meant instruction for children. Its purpose was to provide instruction with the intent of forming proper habits and behavior. God gave us His Word to shape our mind and behavior to reflect His righteousness. 

No matter the demands on our lives or what our schedules may be, we must find time to read the Word. The benefits are too great to neglect this most basic responsibility!