By Gary Hughes (Elder)

What do we believe?

That it is without error in the original manuscripts, worthy of our trust, sufficient for explaining salvation, and authoritative for faith and life. Scripture is a testimony to Christ, who is the focus of divine revelation.

Why do we believe this?

Hebrews 4:12 – For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Why does it matter?

In New Testament times there were few things of which one could imagine that was as sharp as a well-forged and honed double-edged sword. When used as intended, it could quickly cut, penetrate, and divide that which was struck and expose what was beneath. In our own day, one of the sharpest items we can think of might be the surgeon’s scalpel. It, too, can quickly cut, penetrate, and divide for the benefit of the one on which it is used, helping to reveal what is below the surface, both good and bad.

As human beings, we try to put up a good front, as we seek to be self-sufficient and proud of ourselves, but the word of God exposes exactly who we are before the eyes of the Lord. The Holy Spirit who inspired the Scriptures is also the one who brings understanding of them. As the Holy Spirit leads us to understand the Scriptures, who we really are is laid open before our eyes just as it is to the Lord, and all of our Sin is exposed. Our thoughts, our intentions, and who reigns in the heart as the seat of our will, become as evident to us as it is to the Lord Jesus. Finally, after being convicted of our sinful estate, these same Scriptures lead us to the One who gives salvation and eternal life, Christ Jesus our Lord.

As you read the Scriptures, what sin has God exposed to you that you need to repent and hand over to Him?