Theology Terms Explained: “Sufficiency of Scripture”
In this series on the blog, we’re providing sound doctrine for everyday people by providing you with clear and simple definitions that will strengthen your theological foundation. Each article covers 4 categories including:
The Term – We lay out how it’s pronounced.
The Definition – We provide the Merriam-Webster definition and an everyday version.
The Biblical Connection – We show you where the term connects with Scripture.
Used in an Everyday Conversation – We use it in a basic conversation.
The Term
Sufficiency of Scripture
(sometimes referred to as the sufficiency of God’s Word)
The Definition
Merriam-Webster (adapted): The quality of being enough or adequate.
FTG Expanded Explanation:
The sufficiency of Scripture means that the Bible contains everything God intends His people to need for salvation, faith, and godly living. Scripture is not lacking, incomplete, or dependent on additional revelation, human tradition, or cultural insight to accomplish God’s purposes. While the Bible does not answer every question a person might ask, it fully answers every question God requires us to know in order to trust Him, obey Him, and live in a way that honors Christ. God’s Word is sufficient because God Himself has spoken.
The Biblical Connection
Scripture repeatedly affirms that God’s Word is enough to save, instruct, correct, and mature His people.
2 Timothy 3:16–17 – “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.”
2 Peter 1:2-3 – “Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord; seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”
Revelation 22:18–19 – “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book.”
Psalm 19:7–11 – “The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether. They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them Your servant is warned; In keeping them there is great reward.”
The sufficiency of Scripture protects the church from chasing new revelations, modern trends, or man-made authority structures. God has spoken clearly and finally in His Word.
Used in Everyday Conversation
“Because Scripture is sufficient, I don’t need a new word from God. I need to obey the Word He’s already given.”
“When Scripture speaks clearly, I don’t look elsewhere for permission or clarity.”
“The Bible may not tell me everything I want to know, but it’s sufficient to tell me everything I need to know to be saved and thrive spiritually!”
“When it comes to picking a church, I want a preacher who believes that Scripture is sufficient. I don’t need funny stories, clever TEDtalks, and entertainment. I want the word of God.”
