What Does the Bible Mean When It Calls Itself “Scripture”?
1. The Identity of “Scripture”
When the Bible uses the word “Scripture,” it means more than religious writing in general. The Greek word graphe simply means “writing,” but in biblical usage it refers to a body of sacred writings uniquely inspired by God. Paul declares, “All Scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16), establishing its divine origin.
For Jews in the Old Testament period, Scripture referred to the Law, the Prophets, and the Writings—the authoritative record of God’s word. Early Christians inherited this conviction and extended it to include the apostolic witness about Christ. This explains why Paul could describe his teaching as “the word of God” (1 Thessalonians 2:13) and why Peter refers to Paul’s letters alongside “the other Scriptures” (2 Peter 3:16).
Thus, when the Bible calls itself “Scripture,” it affirms that these writings are God’s speech, binding upon His people and revealing His will.
2. The Nature of Scripture as God’s Communication
Calling the Bible “Scripture” highlights its nature as God’s chosen means of communication. Scripture is not merely a historical record but God’s authoritative interpretation of His own acts. For example, the Exodus was both an event of deliverance and a divinely interpreted act explained in God’s word (Exodus 19:3–6). The cross of Christ was likewise explained through apostolic writings as the fulfillment of God’s saving purposes (1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
This means Scripture functions as what some call “word-act revelation.” God acts in history and then speaks through Scripture to explain what His acts mean. Without this divine word, His deeds could easily be misunderstood. This is why Jesus, after His resurrection, explained to His disciples “in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27).
Scripture contains many forms of speech—assertions, questions, promises, commands, warnings, prayers, and songs. Together they reveal God as a personal communicator who calls His people to trust, obedience, and worship.
3. The Sufficiency and Authority of Scripture
To call the Bible “Scripture” also underscores its sufficiency and supreme authority. Paul reminded Timothy that the sacred writings “are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 3:15). Because they are “God-breathed,” they are sufficient to instruct and equip believers for every good work (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
The sufficiency of Scripture means God’s people do not need an additional revelation to know Him or to live faithfully. The Bible is complete in its testimony. Its authority means that no interpreter, tradition, or institution stands above it. Jesus Himself appealed to Scripture as the highest authority, declaring, “Scripture cannot be broken” (John 10:35).
For this reason, the early church emphasized that Scripture interprets Scripture. This principle (analogia scripturae) affirms the Bible’s unity and protects against distorted interpretations. It also reminds believers that the clarity of God’s word is for all of God’s people, not a select few.
4. The Canon of Scripture as a Unified Collection
When Christians call the Bible “Scripture,” they also mean the authoritative collection of writings we know as the canon. The Old Testament was received from Judaism, and the New Testament was recognized as the apostolic testimony about Christ. The church did not give these writings authority; it recognized the authority they already had as God’s inspired word.
By the late fourth century, the 27 books of the New Testament were formally recognized in the councils of the church, but from the beginning they were read and obeyed as Scripture. Together with the Old Testament, they form the complete canon, the authoritative rule of faith and life.
The canon demonstrates both the authority of each text and the unity of the collection as a whole. From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture tells one story: the redemptive plan of God centered in Christ. To call the Bible “Scripture” is therefore to affirm its completeness, unity, and divine authority.
5. The Redemptive Purpose of Scripture
The Bible’s self-description as Scripture points above all to its redemptive purpose. God speaks in Scripture not merely to inform but to save. Paul says the Scriptures “were written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope” (Romans 15:4).
This hope is fulfilled in Christ. Jesus declared, “The Scriptures… bear witness about me” (John 5:39). The authority of Scripture lies in its power to lead believers to salvation through faith in Christ and to sustain them until His return. It does not only record God’s works but applies them to His people through the Spirit.
This shows why Scripture is central to the bigger Gospel. The written word reveals the living Word, drawing believers into God’s redemptive plan. It is not just the foundation of doctrine but the means by which God transforms His people into the likeness of Christ.
Conclusion
When the Bible calls itself “Scripture,” it identifies as the inspired, sufficient, and authoritative word of God. Scripture encompasses both Old and New Testaments, uniting God’s acts and words into one coherent message. It is not only historical record but divine communication—God’s speech through human authors, centered on Christ, and preserved in the canon.
According to the Bible, Scripture is the living word that teaches, corrects, equips, and saves. To affirm the Bible as Scripture is to affirm that what it says, God says. It is the voice of God for His people, revealing His redemptive plan and calling them to faith, obedience, and hope in Christ.
10 Bible Verses on the Bible as “Scripture”
Romans 3:2 – “The Jews were entrusted with the oracles of God.”
1 Corinthians 14:21 – “In the Law it is written…”
Matthew 4:4 – “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone…’”
John 10:35 – “Scripture cannot be broken.”
Luke 24:27 – “Beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”
John 5:39 – “The Scriptures… bear witness about me.”
2 Timothy 3:15–16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable…”
2 Peter 1:21 – “Men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.”
2 Peter 3:16 – “[Some] twist Paul’s letters as they do the other Scriptures.”
Romans 15:4 – “Whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction…”
