18 – Purposes of Scripture
PURPOSES OF SCRIPTURE
§ 18. The purposes of the Bible are, to convey to the understanding1 of men the truths and precepts of Holy Writ, to convert2 the unregenerate, and to preserve and strengthen the faith of the regenerate,3 to rear them in holiness of life,4 to afford them consolation in their afflictions,5 to furnish weapons of offense and defense, wherewith to combat error and falsehood conflicting with God’s truth,6 and all this for the glory of God and man’s eternal salvation.7
1. The purposes of the Bible are, to convey to the understanding
Ephesians 3:3–4 How that by revelation He made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ).
Romans 3:20 Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the Law is the knowledge of sin.
Luke 24:25–27 Then He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine.
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
II Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 119:104, 113 Through Thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. (113) I hate vain thoughts: but Thy Law do I love.
Psalm 19:8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
2. of men the truths and precepts of Holy Writ, to convert
Psalm 19:7 The Law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
Luke 16:29–31 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
II Chronicles 34:27 Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest His words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before Me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before Me; I have even heard thee also, saith the Lord.
3. the unregenerate, and to preserve and strengthen the faith of the regenerate,
Luke 24:25–27 Then He said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken: ought not Christ to have suffered these things, and to enter into His glory? And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, He expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.
4. to rear them in holiness of life,
II Timothy 3:16–17 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
John 17:17 Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth.
Psalm 119:9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word.
Psalm 119:43–44 And take not the Word of truth utterly out of thy mouth; for I have hoped in Thy judgments. So shall I keep Thy Law continually for ever and ever.
5. to afford them consolation in their afflictions,
Romans 15:4 For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
Psalm 130:5 My soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope.
6. to furnish weapons of offense and defense, wherewith to combat error and falsehood conflicting with God’s truth,
Acts 18:24, 28 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the Scriptures, came to Ephesus. (28) For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the Scriptures that Jesus was Christ.
II Timothy 3:16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
7. and all this for the glory of God and man’s eternal salvation.
John 20:31 But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through His name.
John 5:39 Search the Scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of Me.
II Timothy 3:15 And that from a child thou hast known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
Psalm 138:1–2 I will praise Thee with my whole heart: before the gods will I sing praise unto Thee. I will worship toward Thy holy temple, and praise Thy name for Thy loving-kindness and for Thy truth: for Thou hast magnified Thy Word above all Thy name.
Psalm 138:4 All the kings of the earth shall praise Thee, O Lord, when they hear the words of Thy mouth.
Psalm 119:171 My lips shall utter praise, when Thou hast taught me Thy statutes.