Scripture, purpose of

Scripture has been given by God to lead people to faith and salvation. Through Scripture believers are nurtured in faith and led to spiritual maturity.

Scripture is intended to lead people to salvation

2 Timothy 3:14–15 See also Psalm 19:7–11; John 20:30–31; Romans 10:8

But as for you, continue in the things you have learned and firmly believed, since you know from whom you have learned them. From infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

Scripture is intended to lead believers to maturity in faith

By its teaching

2 Timothy 3:16 See also Deuteronomy 6:6–9; Psalm 19:7–8, Psalm 119:9, Psalm 119:130; Colossians 3:16

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

By its rebuke and correction

2 Timothy 3:16 See also Psalm 19:11–13; 1 Corinthians 10:11–12; Hebrews 4:12–13

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

By training in righteousness

2 Timothy 3:16 See also Deuteronomy 29:29

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness,

By its illumination

Psalm 119:105, Psalm 119:130 See also 2 Peter 1:19; 1 John 2:8

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

The unfolding of Your words gives light; it informs the simple.

By its encouragement and reassurance

Romans 15:4; 1 John 5:13 See also Psalm 19:8–9, Psalm 119:50–51, Psalm 119:76; Hebrews 12:5–6

For everything that was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope.

I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life.

By its record of God's promises

1 Kings 8:56; Psalm 119:140 See also Ezekiel 12:25; Luke 24:44; 2 Corinthians 1:19–22

“Blessed be the LORD, who has given rest to His people Israel according to all that He promised. Not one word has failed of all the good promises He made through His servant Moses.

Your promise is completely pure; therefore Your servant loves it.

By its trustworthiness

1 Kings 17:24; Psalm 19:7–11, Psalm 33:4 See also Psalm 119:151, Psalm 119:160; John 21:24; Revelation 21:5

Then the woman said to Elijah, “Now I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the LORD from your mouth is truth.”

The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the comb. By them indeed Your servant is warned; in keeping them is great reward.

For the word of the LORD is upright, and all His work is trustworthy.

Scripture is essential for spiritual growth and maturity

Psalm 1:1–3 See also Matthew 4:4; John 15:5–8, John 17:17; Ephesians 6:10–17; 2 Timothy 3:14–17

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.