Day 37: The Sufficiency of Scripture, God’s Word is Enough

Scripture
“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.” Deuteronomy 4:2 ESV

“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 complete, equipped for every good work.” 2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

Confessional Summary
If the Bible is the true Word of God, the next question is: Is it enough?

The Westminster Confession of Faith declares the boundaries of revelation. It states that "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" (WCF 1.6). To this, "nothing at any time is to be added, whether by new revelations of the Spirit, or traditions of men."

The Belgic Confession emphasizes the perfection of this rule. We believe that this Holy Scripture "fully contains the will of God, and that whatsoever man ought to believe unto salvation is sufficiently taught therein" (Belgic, Art. 7). It warns that no human custom, decree, or "great multitude" of voices can claim an authority equal to the truth of God.

The Second Helvetic Confession adds a pastoral finality: "In this Holy Scripture, the universal Church has a most complete exposition of all things that pertain to a saving faith, and also to the framing of a life acceptable to God" (Chapter 1).

The Reformed confessions remind us that we do not need to supplement God’s voice with shifting human philosophies to find the way of life. When God spoke, He spoke completely.

Reflection
We are tempted to treat Scripture as the starting point, then look elsewhere for what we think it lacks. We want God’s Word, plus an inner voice we trust more. God’s Word, plus the expert we follow. God’s Word, plus whatever feels urgent this week.

But Deuteronomy 4:2 issues a stern warning. Do not add and do not subtract. God is not asking you to improve His Word, only to keep it.

In 2 Timothy 3, Paul argues that the purpose of Scripture is to make the believer "complete" and "equipped for every good work." If the Word can make you complete, you aren’t missing anything. If you are equipped for every good work, there is not a single situation you’ll face that God hasn’t already provided for in His Word.

Sufficiency means that for every trial you face, every sin you battle, and every duty you owe to God, the Scriptures provide the principles and the promises you need. You are not waiting for a "new word" to tell you how to live a life that pleases God. You have been given the "whole counsel of God."

The Bible is enough because the God who spoke it is enough. To look for wisdom elsewhere is like leaving a flowing fountain for a leaky sieve.

Application
Where are you currently looking for "extra" wisdom because you feel the Bible is silent? Are you looking to your own emotions, the consensus of the crowd, or the new ideas of the day to find direction?

Identify one area of anxiety in your life. Instead of searching for a sign or a human innovation, find one specific biblical principle that covers that situation. Make a choice to stand on that truth today. If God said it, that is where the conversation ends.

Prayer
Lord, thank you that you have spoken with clarity and kindness. Forgive me for the times I have treated your Word as if it needed improvement, or as if your wisdom were not enough for my life. Give me contentment and courage to trust what you have revealed and to obey it without looking for another voice. In Jesus’ name, Amen.