1. Systematic Theology: An Introduction to Bible Doctrine Wayne Grudem

2. Chapter 8: The Four Characteristics of Scripture  (4) Sufficiency Is the Bible enough for knowing what God wants us to think or do?

3. A. Definition of the Sufficiency of Scripture The sufficiency of Scripture means that Scripture contained all the words of God he intended his people to have at each stage of redemptive history, and that it now contains everything we need God to tell us for salvation, for trusting him perfectly, and for obeying him perfectly.

4. A. Definition of the Sufficiency of Scripture 2 Tim 3:15-17:...From childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 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 competent, equipped for every good work. (ESV)

5. B. We Can Find All That God Has Said on Particular Topics, and We Can Find Answers to Our Questions It is possible to collect all the passages that directly relate to doctrinal issues such as the atonement, or the person of Christ, or the work of the Holy Spirit in the believer’s life today. In these and hundreds of other moral and doctrinal questions, the biblical teaching about the sufficiency of Scripture gives us confidence that we will be able to find what God requires us to think or to do in these areas.

6. C. The Amount of Scripture Given Was Sufficient at Each Stage of Redemptive History Deut 4:2: You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. (ESV) Deut 12:32: “Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it. (ESV)

7. C. The Amount of Scripture Given Was Sufficient at Each Stage of Redemptive History Prov 30:5-6: Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar. (ESV) Rev 22:18-19: I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. (ESV)

8. D. Practical Applications of the Sufficiency of Scripture 1. It should encourage us as we try to discover what God would have us think or do. 2. It reminds us that we are to add nothing to Scripture and that we are to consider no other writings of equal value to Scripture. 3. It tells us that God does not require us to believe anything about himself or his redemptive work that is not found in Scripture.

9. D. Practical Applications of the Sufficiency of Scripture 4. It shows that no modern revelations from God are to be placed on an level equal to Scripture in authority. 5. It reminds us that nothing is sin that is not forbidden by Scripture either explicitly or by implication. 6. It tells us that nothing is required of us by God that is not commanded in Scripture either explicitly or by implication.

10. D. Practical Applications of the Sufficiency of Scripture 7. It reminds us that in our doctrinal and ethical teaching we should emphasize what Scripture emphasizes and be content with what God has told us in Scripture.

11. Special Terms blameless sufficiency of Scripture