 On Wednesdays we “walk in the Word” through study & application of Biblical doctrine. Rightly understanding Biblical doctrine fuels doxology, delight in Jesus, & gospel centered discipleship. Today we conclude a survey of the Doctrine of Scripture (Bibliology), embracing the necessity of Scripture. Previous posts include: Delighting in God’s Word ; The Sufficiency of Scripture; The Clarity of Scripture; Trusting the Bible (with Sandy Willson); The Authority of Scripture   God Takes Pleasure in Revealing Himself God is pleased to reveal Himself for you to know Him for eternal life, not out of necessity or lack, but out of love. God’s Word is His chosen instrument for making Himself known to His people. Scripture is necessary because our creaturely distinction necessitates divine revelation for salvation, sanctification, searching for God's will, and service to the One who saved us. “We cannot truly know God, his will, or the way of salvation apart from the Bible. We need Scripture to live the truly good life.” Kevin DeYoung General Revelation: God’s Testimony in Creation The apostle Paul writes in Romans 1:19–20 that God's eternal power and nature are clearly seen in creation, leaving humanity without excuse. Four arguments are worth surveying:
General revelation is not sufficient for salvation. We need more. General revelation enhances the beauty of all life, but special revelation is necessary for people to know Jesus for eternal life (John 17:3). Special Revelation: The Covenant Word of God God has chosen to make Himself known more fully through Scripture. The Word of God is His covenantal communication with His people. "The whole counsel of God concerning all things necessary for His own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture." (Westminster Confession of Faith 1.6) The Word of God is not merely informative but transformative, regenerating hearts (1 Peter 1:23) through the work of the Holy Spirit. Paul writes in Romans 10:14–17 that saving faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of Jesus. The Psalmist exclaims, "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul" (Psalm 19:7), illustrating Scripture’s life-giving power. We need God’s Word for salvation, but also for sanctification (John 17:17; 1 Peter 2:2) in making us more like Jesus. "This is the will of God, your sanctification" (1 Thessalonians 4:3). Becoming more like Jesus in sanctification, we need scripture to sharpen us for service to Jesus. Scripture equips the saints for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17), sharpening Christians for service to Christ and maturity in Christ. Responding to Revelation: Obedience and Mission God’s Word is His chosen means for His people to respond to His grace with obedience and faithfulness (1 John 5:3). This call to respond is universal, extending to all nations (Romans 16:26). In the necessity of Scripture, we see God’s desire to be known, worshiped, and glorified among all peoples. To embrace the necessity of Scripture is to embrace God's appointed way of knowing Him, becoming like Him, serving Him, and proclaiming His glory to the ends of the earth. Richly Dwelling -Why is it important for God to speak in a special way to His people redeemed through His work (as opposed to speaking generally as He does the rest of His creatures)? What does this reveal about His love for you and desires for you? -Which area is the most difficult for you to embrace the necessity of Scripture: Salvation, Sanctification, Searching for God's will, Service to Jesus? Why? -How does the grace of God in Jesus motivate you to return and see the necessity of Scripture? Where, specifically, do you need to do this? 
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