Lesson 4 - Doctrine of Scripture (Perfection & Reception)

Question 1

How is God’s Word supremely authoritative?

Answer 1

a. Doctrine: because it is the Word of God the triune King, the Bible has supreme authority for faith and life
b. ) Because it is the Word of God the triune King, The Bible’s authority is supreme over all other sources of authority
c. ) Due to its supremacy, the Bible is self-authenticating

Question 2

What does it mean for the Bible to be trustworthy?

Answer 2

The Bible is infallible and inerrant

a. ) Infallible = Bible cannot error because it is the Word of God
b. ) Inerrant = Bible does not error

Because it is the Word of God, the Bible is true and trustworthy, neither deceived nor deceiving

Question 3

What’s the difference between material sufficiency and formal sufficiency?

Answer 3

a. ) Material Sufficiency = Scripture is sufficient for salvation and godliness. Scripture doesn’t teach us everything about everything. Scripture is sufficient source of special revelation and gives wisdom for interpreting general revelation.
b. ) Formal Sufficiency = Scripture is self-interpreting in its own final context for determining its meaning.

Question 4

How does the Holy Spirit cause the reception of Scripture?

Answer 4

a. ) Internal testimony of the Holy Spirit
- 1 Cor. 2:14-16, 1 Thess. 1:5-6, 2:13
- The Spirit’s work of persuading us to receive God’s own testimony in Holy Scripture as true and trustworthy. The Spirit converts the mind and will by means of God’s testimony in Scripture.
- The spirit does not rely upon proofs or other ordinances within the church for its efficacy.