The Bible claims to be the Word of God; it says, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16 NKJV). Though this verse is commonly used to teach the authority of scripture, its significance cannot be overstated. Spurgeon said, “God’s Word is living and powerful, and has a power to enter the heart beyond that of any other word. The words of the Bible strike and stick. They enter and abide.”1
The apostle Paul taught that the church is “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone…” (Ephesians 2:20 NKJV) The Apostles refer to the New Testament teachings and writings, while the Prophets refer to the Old Testament writings, and, of course, Jesus is the fulfillment and authority on which the entire biblical text is built and stands.
The Bible was not only relevant for the time it was written, but for all generations, as it claims, “the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12 NKJV) John Wesley said, “The Spirit of God, not only once inspired those who wrote it, but continually inspires, supernaturally assists those who read it with earnest prayer.”2 This shows us not only was God’s word relevant when it was written but for all generations, as it is emphasis is not on culture but on God and Holy living, about right and wrong, about how to overcome darkness and sin, inside each of us, and how to change the culture around us, this makes the Bible relevant for every culture and for all people who have struggles from past addiction, pain, loss, sin, who are looking not for the wisdom of men, but the wisdom of God.
- Charles Spurgeon, Spurgeon Commentary: 2 Timothy, ed. Elliot Ritzema, Spurgeon Commentary Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014), 223.
- John Wesley, Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament, Fourth American Edition (New York: J. Soule and T. Mason, 1818), 573.