I. Its Sufficiency is Seen in Creation
A. The Revelation in Nature Romans 1:20 “For since the creation
of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine
nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been
made,
1. The Effect of the Fall Romans 8:21,22 “that the creation
itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the
freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole
creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.”
2. The Effect of Its Limitation; A marred creation renders man accountable
but cannot render him acceptable. Romans 1:20b “
. . . so that they are without excuse.”
B. The Revelation of Scripture
1. The Scripture: Not Affected by the Fall; Galatians 1:8 “But
even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel
contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed.”
2. Man’s Understanding: Affected by the Fall
a. The Natural Man; I Corinthians 2:14 But a natural man does not
accept the things of the Spirit of God; for they are foolishness to him,
and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised.
b. The Carnal Man; 1 Corinthians 3:1,2 And I,
brethren, could not speak to you as to spiritual men, but as to men of
flesh, as to babes in Christ. I gave you milk to drink, not solid food;
for you were not yet able to receive it. Indeed, even now you are
not yet able,
II. Its Sufficiency is Seen in Its Exalted Position
A. No Need for Extra “Inspired”
Writings; Rev. 22:18,19
“I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this
book: if anyone adds to them, God shall add to him the plagues which are
written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book
of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life and
from the holy city, which are written in this book.”
B. No Place for Superimposed Church Authority
1st John 2:27 And as for you, the anointing which you received from
Him abides in you, and you have no need for anyone to teach you; but as
His anointing teaches you about all things, and is true and is not a lie,
and just as it has taught you, you abide in Him.”
C. No Place for Naturalistic Human Rationalization
1. Liberalism; The Bible is not “Inspired” but is Inspirational
and along with other great religious writings has much to offer
mankind. Jesus said, “I am the way, and the
truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.”
John 14:6
2. New Evangelicalism; The Bible is sufficient in maters of
Doctrine but not in matters of Practice if adequate urgency can be
demonstrated. It is Pragmatism over Principle; the Ends Justify the
Means, and Expediency rather than Obedience. What happed to “Obey
is better than sacrifice?” 1st Samuel 15:22 “Has the
Lord as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, As in obeying
the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, . . .”
3. New Evangelism; Use any means necessary to get people saved.
Churches have become huge entertainment centers pushing Paul’s position,
“. . . I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means
save some.” 1st Corinthians 9:22 Paul’s discussion was to
minimize offense not compromise truth.
D. No Place for Charismatic Revelatory Signs
The revelatory gifts of the Apostolic age ceased with the Apostles and
New Testament Prophets. Once the canon of Scripture was complete the gifts
and signs attesting its authenticity ceased. 1 Corinthians 13:8-11;
“ . . . but if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done
away; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge,
it will be done away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but
when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away. When I was a child,
I used to speak as a child, think as a child, reason as a child; when I
became a man, I did away with childish things.”
III. Its Sufficiency is Seen in Its Function; Hebrews 4:12
A. Its Accomplishments;
1. The Salvation of Sinners; 1st Peter 1:23 for you have been
born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is,
through the living and abiding word of God.
2. The Sanctification of Believers; John 17:17 “Sanctify
them in the truth; Thy word is truth.”
B. Its Independency; Neither Priest nor Sacrament stands between
us and God. “For there is one God, and one mediator also
between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a
ransom for all, the testimony borne at the proper time.” 1st
Timothy 2:5,6
What about you, my friend?
God has provided the
means for you to be saved, baptized and be a part of His New Testament
Local Church ministry -- He gave His Son to intercede; all we have to do is confess our sin, ask for His forgiveness
and call upon Him to save us from the guilt and penalty of sin.
2nd Corinthians 5:21 He made Him who knew no sin to be sin
on our behalf, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
If you have never entrusted your life to Him, why not come to Him today
for Salvation. That's the first order of business.
"And
there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven
that has been given among men, by which we must be
saved." Acts
4:12
Please contact
us if you sense your need to come to Him. We can help. (Just
click on "contact us.")
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