while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. but as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. [2 timothy 3:13–17]
salvation and sanctification. scripture is sufficient for both of these things. in fact, it is necessary for both. the word of God saves and it refines.
salvation
the totality of scripture points to Jesus. while his name might not be in every chapter, every moment of the story talks of the need for him, tells of his work, or lifts him up in glory. either the stage is being set or he is standing on it. it is necessary for us to read genesis 3:15 in light of Jesus, therefore seeing him as the fulfillment of God’s promise for victory over the serpent. and the same must be true for all of scripture.
i will put enmity between you and the woman,
and between your offspring and her offspring;
he shall bruise your head,
and you shall bruise his heel.” [genesis 3:15]
scripture turns not only our minds, but our affections and our reliance to Jesus and this is necessary to faith in Christ Jesus which leads to salvation.
sanctification
scripture is more than just a list of do’s and don’ts. the word of God refines in such a way that the person of God might be brought to completeness. this is not because that person has memorized a list of every action to take in every circumstance. rather, the purpose is the refinement of the believers character – of their heart. Jesus taught that your actions alone do not determine your maturity, but your heart.
“you have heard that it was said, ‘you shall not commit adultery.’ but i say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart. [matthew 5:27–28]
breathed out by God
scripture does not lead to salvation and sanctification because it is magic. nor simply because it is factually accurate. it brings these things to fruition in people’s hearts because it is the very word of God. to hear scripture is to hear the voice of God.
as we talk about the presence of God, there is no more tangible element at our disposal than the bible for us to use to experience that type of intimate relationship with him. so today, sit in the presence of God, let him speak to you. scripture is profitable for all of these things – let those things be worked out in your heart and character today. be pointed to Jesus as the means of your salvation, and be refined in righteousness as the word reveals the holiness of God to you.
“God, meet me here today. speak life into dead places. restore the joy of my salvation and refine my heart. cleanse me of any impurity and produce maturity in such a way that equips me for the good works that you call me to.”
~ keith kozlowski