Commitment to Scripture alone is sometimes set against Spirit-led Christianity, as if following the written Word is less spiritual than following the Spirit’s leading. But Spirit-led living is not opposed to Scripture-led living. Rather, the Spirit works through the Word to instruct and change us. True spiritual life springs from knowledge of God found in Scripture. Read More

Scripture not only describes what holiness is, but also describes the means to holiness. Scripture tells us about the one who alone can change our sinful hearts, who alone can continually conform us into the image of Christ. Thus we depend on Scripture both to know what holiness is and to know how holiness is possible. Read More

Biblicism is, in fact, the ultimate litmus test for whether or not a man’s preaching meets God’s criteria. This is the central notion behind the apostle Paul’s command to Timothy that he “Preach the Word!” Nothing else is expected—or permitted—than preaching the Word. Everything in a sermon must be geared toward helping the hearers understand God’s Word. They should be left on a higher plane than before, knowing more of who God is, what He has done for them, and what He expects them as His redeemed children. The end goal is deeper relationship with God, but that relationship is indivisible from what He has told us in His Word. Thus the preacher’s responsibility is to look to Scripture alone to lead his people toward God. Read More

If sufficiency is indeed just a theological construct with no biblical moorings, then we are justified rejecting it as merely a man-made concept. But if, as I’ve tried to show, the Bible itself teaches that it is sufficient, then we are obligated to view it as such. And if so, then we ought to know why sufficiency is significant. Read More

We arrive again at two verses that significantly shape our understanding of the nature of Scripture. We’ve referenced these verses in nearly every characteristic of Scripture we’ve explored the last three years, and for good reason. They are rich with clear teaching on what the Bible is, how we got it, and what it does. Read More

Is Scripture valuable for the Christian? Clearly it is. It reveals what holiness looks like. If we heed it, we can be undefiled, doing no iniquity. It brings us into relationship with God. It also cleanses from sin, preserves our relationship with God, and keeps us from sin. Read More

The phrase “life and godliness” comprehensively covers all of the Christian experience, from conversion, through the daily walk of obedience, to the enjoyment of eternal life with Christ. Peter succinctly but thoroughly includes the entirety of Christianity in these two words, “life and godliness.” Read More