August 2021 Student Newsletter

Is the Bible Sufficient?
Russell Haffner

There are some in the religious world today who teach (or imply by their teaching) that the Bible is not sufficient. They think the Bible does not give us all the information we need. They imply by their actions that God's word is inadequate. However, Paul wrote to Timothy, "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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17). Notice, the verse says the Scriptures will make the man of God complete. We do not need more! Peter wrote that God's "divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue (2 Peter 1:2-3). It is clear from the Scriptures that God's word is sufficient. It is all we need for our spiritual lives. In the New Testament we find how to be saved, how to remain saved, how to live a life of service to God and how to worship Him in spirit and in truth.

There are some in the religious world who really don't believe the Bible is sufficient. They say things like, "My church teaches...", or "Our church (council, convention) has decided to start allowing...", or "We follow the Bible and our creed book." Jesus addressed this type of attitude when He said, "Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: 'These people draw near to Me with their mouth, and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men'" (Matthew 15:6-9).

Since the Bible is sufficient (providing all the information we need) we know that creeds and the doctrines of men are condemned. There is no authority for them found in the Bible. In Galatians 1:6-9 Paul explained, "If we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed." In 2 John verse 9 we find, "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son."

The only creed (or doctrinal statement) of a Christian’s faith needed is the Bible. If the creed says less than the Bible it has left something out. If the creed says more than the Bible it has added to God’s word (Revelation 22:18-19). If the creed says the same thing as the Bible it is not needed because we have the Bible.

Yes, the Bible is sufficient! Let us study, learn and obey God's word, and not be distracted by what some men or churches teach. Men can be wrong and churches can be wrong, but God's word is always right. It is the standard for all that we do and teach.


"Accreditation"

While the WVBS Online Bible School is not accredited by any government agency, we are authorized under Texas State Law to grant degrees within the fields of theology, religion, ministry, biblical studies, etc. Thus, our courses and curriculum supply the required education needed for a degree in Biblical Studies.

The level of work required by the WVBS Online Bible School is equal to and even superior to many accredited religious universities and colleges. Any graduate of the school will be fully qualified to teach the Bible.

We have not sought secular accreditation or approval to do what God commands us to do in teaching and training souls to obey and serve Christ. We have no quarrel with schools that choose to be accredited by the government and outside agencies. However, our aim is to be a work for, and on behalf of God; thus, we are only in need of His approval. Therefore, we seek to be accredited by His word, which should please any who are involved in biblical education.