Lesson 1: The Bible – God’s Inspired Word

In the foundation of Christian doctrine, no truth stands more essential than the authority and inspiration of the Holy Scriptures. In Reformed theology, the Bible is not merely a historical record or moral guidebook—it is the very Word of God, breathed out by Him, sufficient for all matters of faith and life. This lesson in our Foundations of Faith series begins with what shapes all else: the doctrine of Scripture.

The Nature of Scripture: God-Breathed

Paul’s words in 2 Timothy 3:16 declare: “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” This affirms not only the divine origin of Scripture but also its utility in shaping a godly life. As B.B. Warfield asserted, “The Bible is the Word of God in such a way that when the Bible speaks, God speaks.”

Inerrancy and Infallibility

The Reformed tradition maintains the inerrancy and infallibility of Scripture. This means that the Bible is without error in its original manuscripts and incapable of leading one astray. According to the Westminster Confession of Faith (1.5), the majesty of Scripture, its unity, and the efficacy of its doctrine all testify to its divine origin.

Sufficiency and Authority

“The Holy Scripture is the only sufficient, certain, and infallible rule of all saving knowledge, faith, and obedience.” (London Baptist Confession, 1689) The Bible does not merely point to truth; it is the truth. In contrast to Roman Catholic claims of tradition and magisterial authority, the Reformed position returns again and again to Sola Scriptura—Scripture alone is our final authority.

Preservation and Translation

The Word of God has been remarkably preserved throughout history. From the Hebrew scrolls to the Greek codices, to faithful English translations such as the KJV, ESV, and NASB, God has sovereignly overseen the transmission of His Word. John Calvin emphasized the necessity of translations so that “the Word of God may not remain buried in a dead language, but may be heard by all.”

Illumination by the Spirit

While Scripture is objectively true, understanding it rightly requires the work of the Holy Spirit. As the Belgic Confession (Article 5) teaches, “We receive all these books... as holy and canonical, for the regulation, foundation, and confirmation of our faith.” Without the inward witness of the Spirit, man cannot comprehend spiritual things (1 Corinthians 2:14).

Quotes from Reformed Voices

“We hold the Word of God to be the only infallible rule of faith and practice, the only test of truth.” – Charles H. Spurgeon

“Scripture is the school of the Holy Spirit, in which, as nothing is omitted that is both necessary and useful to know, so nothing is taught but what is expedient to know.” – John Calvin

“The authority of Scripture is greater than the comprehension of the whole of human reason.” – Martin Luther

Verse Reflection

Psalm 119:105 — “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”

God’s Word not only informs us—it transforms us. In the Reformed view, the Bible is not a secondary aid but the very light by which the believer sees.

Conclusion

To begin with the Bible is to begin where God begins—with His revealed will. It is the source of life, truth, and assurance. As we continue this journey through the Foundations of Faith, remember that every doctrine builds upon the authority and clarity of God’s inspired Word.

Labels: Foundations of Faith, Reformed Theology, Bible Study, Sola Scriptura, Christian Doctrine