Often the question is asked, "Exactly how sufficient is the Bible?" Some claim that it is only sufficient for information. In one sense, we would agree that it does provide us with information on a wide variety of subjects. If we want to know about man's origin, why he is here, or where he is going, we may turn to the Bible for the information that will provide an answer. If we want to know about the attributes of God, the origin of sin, and the redemption process, we turn to the Scriptures.
The Bible is a compilation of words grouped together into meaningful sentences and paragraphs that form sixty-six individual books that provide information. Written on three different continents, Africa, Asia and Europe, by approximately 40 different authors, over a period of 1,500 to 1,600 years, the Bible is the most amazing book ever written.
Though it covers many of the "mysteries" of life, it will not begin to glow if enemies approach, zooming through the air imparting death and destruction to those who would seek to destroy it. It is not going to mystically float through the air and block my path when I attempt to engage in deeds, which are wrong. It will not give a soothing tune or a "high five" when I do right. It will do none of these things, but I cringe at the idea of some who belittle it by claiming that it is insufficient since it is only information.
As already acknowledged, the Bible is full of information. However, the information found within the Bible is not like that of an encyclopedia, history book, or some other book written by man. When we speak of the Bible, we speak of that which is of Divine origin (2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21). Over 400 verses in the Bible have the words, "thus saith the Lord."
A brief consideration of the Bible tells us that it is of great value to the child of God other than just for a source of information. Please consider the following abbreviated list of items, which are provided by the Bible that go beyond information.
Hope – Colossians 1:5
Fruit – Colossians 1:6
Thankfulness – Ephesians 1:15, 16
Salvation – Hebrews 2:1-3; James 1:21
Purity – Acts 15:20
Learning – Romans 15:4
Patience – Romans 15:4
Comfort – Romans 15:4;
1 Thessalonians 4:18
Joy – 1 John 1:4
Prevention of sin – 1 John 2:1
Warning – 1 John 2:26; Jude 3
Assurance of eternal life – 1 John 5:13
Nourishment – 1 Timothy 4:6
Edification – Acts 20:32
Equipment to fight against the Devil - Ephesians 6:13-17
Things needed for growth – 1 Peter 2:2
Makes us complete - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17
Each of these things are provided by the Bible in such a measure as to, for example, give us hope in an often hopeless world. It doesn't just give us information concerning hope, it provides us with the necessary hope to get by. The same, of course, could be said of the other things listed above. Let us be careful to acknowledge the Bible's rightful place in our lives as that which goes beyond a source of information to the very point of the provision of "all things that pertain to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3).
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