Is the New Testament, Scripture?  Part 1

Introduction

The claim is sometimes made that “scripture” as used in 2 Timothy 3: 16 refers exclusively to the writings of the Old Law.  The reasoning is that the writings of Moses and the prophets were the only scripture (inspired writings) available at the time Paul wrote these words and were the only scripture used in Timothy’s training, therefore “scripture,” as used here, cannot refer to the New Testament.

Related arguments claim that since the New Testament writings were not collected into a body until much later and that we cannot know what the first century church taught nor can we be certain what words (whether by verse, chapter or book) are inspired of God.  The primary reason for this lack of certainty, as the claim goes, is because men of questionable character were responsible for the collection and assimilation of “scripture” in later centuries.  Consequently, there are allegations of deletions or insertions these men made through their councils and synods to promote their own ideologies.

The consequences of these beliefs, when considered together, are enormous.  (1)  This reasoning prevents the New Testament writings from being placed in the category of “scripture” in any century and consequently restricts what can be taught as “doctrine” by believers today by limiting what is considered to be inspired and authoritative writings.  (2)  If New Testament scripture was not available to the early church and what was collected was altered over time, then the consequence is that “believers” today cannot know the truth of God and are, therefore, free to make doctrine to be whatever they want it to be.  There is no doctrine to guide them, allowing, them to bind and/or loose at will because no one can know what was in the original autographed writings.  This sets the foundation for religion to be anything anyone wants it to be and assumes God will accept whatever we throw His way.

Though these claims seem to be separate, they are somewhat related.  We will assess these claims together, beginning with the context of 2 Timothy 3: 10 - 17 and reviewing some of the consequences of these doctrines. 

WHAT IS DOCTRINE?

Paul writes, “But you have carefully followed my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, love, perseverance, persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra what persecutions I endured. And out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.  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.”  (NKJV) (to read more, click here).

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