The Bible is Enough

 Introduction

In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 the apostle Paul wrote, All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. If Christians believe this statement; that it’s from God Himself, then why do most go after books written by men?

The Need for more Revelation?

Over the last two decades or more people have been buying books written by denominational preachers looking for further inspiration in their lives. To most of them, they see the bible as no longer worthwhile here in the 21^st century. They wanted something more “hip” and “now” compared to a book written over two centuries ago.

And these people are not picky either. Regardless of their belief’s compared to the author’s, they will buy up every book on the market to be more fulfilled. I personally have browsed through some of these books to see what the hype was all about. They are filled with feel-good stories to give you a “warm, fuzzy feeling” about your life. What these books don’t do is condemn you of sin and instruct you on how to repent of those sins.

Sin Doesn’t Sell

One of the main reasons why none of these books discuss sin and what you can do about it is because, if they did, they wouldn't sell anymore books. No one would come to their church and be inspired by their message on a weekly basis.

Instead of offering the invitation at the end of a sermon; telling you what you must do in order to be saved, they offer an altar call. They’ll have people flock down to the front, recite the Sinner’s Prayer, and consider themselves saved. Of course, with the Televangelists they won’t call it the Sinner’s Prayer but more like the “Salvation Prayer”. Essentially, it’s the same thing but it sounds less offensive. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last decade, you know most everything that is said and done today is offensive to someone.

These preachers will then declare you to be saved. They’ll encourage you to get in a bible-based church and start your new life as a “Christian”. You’ll notice I put that word in quotes. It’s because no prayer has made anyone a Christian; just delusional. Mind you, you can still be a better person; change the way you see things and live your life for God but, in the end, you’ll still be condemned to Hell as you didn’t do what God told you (Mt. 7:21-23).

What does the Bible Say?

As stated at the beginning of this article, as Paul wrote in 2 Tim. 3:16-17, the Bible is all we need. Does Jesus say the same thing? Yes, he does! Look at Jn. 8:31, Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. Here Jesus shows two things: 1) Although they believed (vs. 30), there was more to do. 2) Abide in “my word” suggests that there is no other word with which one can be saved.

This is crucial to those who say all I have to do is believe in Jesus and I’m saved. Jesus never said to believe on him only. He said you must do something in addition to believing and that is to abide, or continue, in his word. Jesus also said in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments.” This also proves that there is more than just belief to being saved.



Conclusion

Books by men are just that; Men’s books. They may inspire you but they won’t save you. God’s book is the one that will save you and it is also the one that will judge you at the end of time (Jn. 12:48).

Here is how you can become a true Christian…

Hear the Word of God (Rom. 10:17)

Believe Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24)

Confess Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10)

Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38)

Become baptized to wash away your sins (Acts 22:16)

Live Faithfully even unto Death (Jn. 8:31; Rev. 2:10)