SCRIPTURE REFERENCES » 2 Timothy 3:16

Catechism Insight – Doctrinal Standard #3

Doctrinal Standard WSC #3
Q. What does the bible primarily teach?
A. The Bible primarily teaches what man must believe about God and what God requires of man.
Scripture Memory “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV)

Insight

It is through the scriptures that God has spoken and revealed His will to mankind. It is our responsibility, through the help of the Holy Spirit, to study and understand the scriptures. The Bible was given by God to reveal truths about Him that could not be concluded from studying creation. Furthermore, scripture was given to make us wise for salvation, instruct us on how to live a life pleasing to God, correct our misunderstandings about mankind and God, and to rebuke us of our sinful actions.

What does God require of man? God requires man to realize that his greatest efforts of righteousness are like dirty rags before God. Man must trust in Jesus Christ’s death as a substitute for the punishment He deserves for his sins. Once the righteousness of Christ is placed on man, man must walk in obedience to the commands of the Lord with the help of the Holy Spirit.

G.I. Williamson in his book “The Westminster Shorter Catechesim” mentions that catechism questions 4-38 teaches what we must believe about God while questions 39-107 teach what God requires of man.

Discussion Questions

  • Why must we study scripture?
  • What would be the result of misunderstanding the truths about God or mankind?
  • Are there any other sources of truth about God or mankind?
  • Does God accept ignorance as a reasonable excuse for not knowing scripture?
  • How does the Bible apply to everyday life?
  • What does God require of man?


"Him we proclaim,
warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom,
that we may present everyone mature in Christ."
(Colossians 1:28, ESV)

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