The Bible contains the Word of God, but is not itself the Word of God

Many modern Christians have adopted the notion that the Bible merely contains divine truth, but is not in itself inspired or authoritative. This idea appeals to human reason and doubt, allowing believers to pick and choose which parts they will follow, while discarding those they find difficult or offensive. Such thinking gives a false sense of control over God's revelation, reducing Scripture to moral guidance or historical record rather than the living, infallible Word of the Almighty. It leaves the soul vulnerable to error, because without the Bible as God's authoritative Word, there is no standard to judge right from wrong.

Scripture, however, teaches that the Bible is fully God-breathed and wholly trustworthy. "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness" (2 Timothy 3:16). Jesus Himself treated Scripture as the absolute authority, saying, "It is written" as the basis of His arguments and confrontations (Matthew 4:4,7,10). Peter affirms that the prophets spoke from God, and Paul repeatedly appeals to the authority of Scripture (2 Peter 1:20-21). To suggest the Bible merely contains God's Word, is to deny the very authority by which God communicates His will to man.