When we call the Bible "God's word," we’re making an extraordinary claim: that the Creator of the universe has spoken, and His voice is captured in the pages of Scripture. But what does it really mean to say that the Bible is God’s word? Is it simply a collection of religious writings, or is it something far more profound—an invitation to encounter the living God? For centuries, Christians have affirmed that the Bible is divinely inspired, authoritative, and purposeful, offering guidance for every aspect of life and faith. Yet these truths often raise questions: How does God speak through Scripture? What sets the Bible apart from other texts? And why does it matter for us today?
In this article, we’ll explore the meaning and significance of the Bible as God’s word. We’ll unpack key biblical passages that reveal its divine origin and purpose, from calling people to salvation, to equipping them for obedience, to encouraging them in their journey of faith. Along the way, we’ll see how both the Old and New Testaments form a unified message from God, pointing us to Jesus Christ as the ultimate Word of God. Whether you’re new to the Bible or have read it for years, join me as we uncover why Scripture remains as relevant and powerful today as when it was first written.
The Bible as God’s Word to His People
Consider the following statements from various New Testament authors:
Paul writes, “All Scripture is God-breathed” (2 Timothy 3:16)
Peter says, “Above all, you know this: No prophecy of Scripture comes from the prophet’s own interpretation, because no prophecy ever came by the will of man; instead, men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit” (2 Peter 1:20–21).
And the author of Hebrews tells us, “Long ago God spoke to the fathers by the prophet at different times and in different ways” (Hebrews 1:1)
Paul, Peter, and the author of Hebrews all recognize that God is the ultimate source of the Bible, not human beings. In other words, when we open the Bible, we are not reading mere human words. When we read the Bible, we are reading God’s word.
These New Testament authors are specifically referring to the Old Testament. What about the New Testament? The larger context of Hebrews 1 and 2 Peter can help us here.
In Hebrews 1:2, we read, “In these last days, God has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:2). In the words of John’s Gospel, Jesus is the word of God made flesh (John 1:14), and the New Testament is the authoritative witness to Jesus as the Word of God. Consider how Peter describes the relationship between the disciples and their testimony about Jesus,
For we did not follow cleverly contrived myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ; instead, we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. For he received honor and glory from God the Father when the voice came to him from the Majestic Glory, saying, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased.’ We ourselves heard this voice when it came from heaven while we were with him on the holy mountain. We also have the prophetic word strongly confirmed, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts (2 Peter 1:16–19).
As Peter puts it, the disciples’ information about Jesus, which we have in the New Testament, isn’t some cleverly contrived myth. The source of their information is the word of God in the words and work of Jesus, the Old Testament Scriptures, and the voice of God from heaven. The New Testament authors continue the Old Testament story as they see God speak afresh in his Son. To borrow language from how Peter describes the Old Testament, the New Testament Scriptures do not originate from the will of the disciples; instead, the disciples spoke from God. The whole Bible, both Old and New Testaments, is the Word of God! And when God speaks, he speaks with purpose.
The Purpose of Scripture: To Call, Equip, and Encourage
The multifaceted purpose of God’s word can be summarized in three categories—to call people to salvation by faith, equip people for obedience, and encourage people as they follow him. We will consider each of these briefly here, and I will expound on each of these purposes in future posts.
In 2 Timothy 3, Paul mentions two primary purposes for Scripture—to save people through faith in Jesus (2 Timothy 3:15) and to equip the people of God for every good work (2 Timothy 3:17). Other New Testament books confirm these purposes. For example, toward the end of his Gospel, John writes, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not written in this book. But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name” (John 20:30–31; see also John 5:39–40). Jesus even tells his disciples that all of Scripture points to him so that people might find forgiveness of sins in his name (Luke 24:27, 44–47).
In Ephesians 4:16, Paul mentions that God has given apostles, prophets, pastors, and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry.” In other words, those who proclaim the word have the same purpose as the word—equip the people of God for obedience.
One other text in the New Testament speaks of a purpose for all of Scripture. In Romans 15:4, Paul writes, “For whatever was written in the past was written for our instruction, so that we may have hope through endurance and through the encouragement from the Scriptures.” The Lord knows that as we try to follow him in this life, we will face suffering, struggles, and sin. He gives us his word to encourage us as we follow him, to give us hope that following him is worth it.
So what will you do with your knowledge of God’s word today? I encourage you to share whatever you’ve learned so that you might call someone to salvation through the good news of Jesus, equip a fellow saint for obedience, or encourage a brother or sister who needs hope.