Culture Wars and the Sufficiency of Scripture Part 2
**Obviously, I can’t be exhaustive with my argument here, because I want you to actually have time to read. If you need me to fill in the blanks leave a comment and I will do the best I can.**
Scripture is sufficient for Teaching/Doctrine: It tells us what is right.
2 Timothy 3: 16a All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching…
The Word here for “teaching” (didaskalia) means, the content that is to be taught, the doctrine that we teach, and even the act of teaching itself. Paul tells Timothy here that there is one place to get your doctrine from. That one place is the God-breathed (inspired) scriptures.
For instance, the Bible teaches…
God’s word is the supreme and final source and standard of truth:
- Psalm 119:160, The sum of your Word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting.
- John 17:17 Sanctify them in the truth, Your Word is truth.
Scripture tells us about the power of God unto salvation: (The Gospel and its specific content)
- Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the power of God unto salvation.
- 1 Corinthians 15 For I delivered to you as of first importance which I also received that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the scriptures.
Scripture tells us that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the words of Christ.
- Romans 10:14; 17 How then will call on Him whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? So faith comes from hearing and hearing by the word concerning Christ.
As Christians we have convictions. These convictions are informed by the scriptures and are often confirmed in the world. We often call what we believe doctrines, or teachings from the scriptures. Let me be clear: All doctrine must come from scripture. Otherwise, where does it come from?
Further, the scriptures speak clearly and positively to culture war type issues. For instance…
Concerning marriage/sexual ethics (what is right)
Concerning homosexuality
- The Bible never views homosexuality in a positive light so I can’t mention that the bible teaches homosexuality as a “right” doctrine.
Just a bit of commentary
Let me say this: I am not a homophobe. I have a deep commitment to understand and following the scriptures. The scriptures call out homosexuality as sinful. Yes, you can find people who will justify the lifestyle. The Episcopal Church, specifically the Anglican Communion, has destroyed their hermeneutical heritage to accommodate cultural norms. But as a Christian I can’t allow cultural norms to tell me how I should believe. As a Christian I trust the Lord and His Word. I want to be very careful as I read and interpret the scriptures. I can take full confidence, no matter what circumstance I find myself in, no matter how the culture tries to sway me, that God is not silent. He has spoken. He has not left me alone in this world to follow whoever has the loudest voice. From that, I am encouraged and take confidence.
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