Is the written word of God all a believer requires throughout their lifelong journey with Christ?
Reliance on scripture.
Is the written word of God all a believer requires throughout their lifelong journey with Christ? I would never lessen the value of God's written word. It remains just as relevant today as it was when first recorded.
I do not aim to debate what many consider contradictions within the Bible. That is beyond the scope of this blog. Instead, I want to objectively examine the extent to which we should rely on it.
When I first came to Christ, it was by studying scripture that I understood God’s nature, the concept of salvation, and deeper theological ideas. Thankfully, we live in a nation where the Bible is legal. Yet the question crossed my mind: what if I lived in a place where possessing a Bible meant death, as it does in places like North Korea? How could I strengthen my faith? Or consider living in an era before the scriptures were gathered into the form we have now, what would I read to grow in faith?
This idea made me consider the question, how could my whole faith rely so heavily on a tangible item like a book, either currently or throughout history?
This is the question I’m raising.
In truth, the whole Judeo-Christian heritage I was adopted into inherently revolves around the written word of God.
Additionally, many critical thinkers and deconstructionists have pointed out what they describe as contradictions.
For example, in Genesis 1:1-2:4, there are two differing creation accounts where the order of creation events does not fully align. Another example is found in the differing genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38, which present varying ancestral lines.For example, in Genesis 1:1-2:4, there are two differing creation accounts where the order of creation events does not fully align. Another example is found in the differing genealogies of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17 and Luke 3:23-38, which present varying ancestral lines.
This only confirms what we already understand: humans are imperfect, and language is inherently limited. Together, these factors make clear communication impossible without some degree of conflict. No piece of literature has ever been perfectly crafted to convey every idea flawlessly. Written language has significant limitations. Yet secular literature continues to hold value and belief despite these imperfections.
These points bring up the question: to what extent should believers depend on the written word of God? Notice I’m not asking if they should believe it or read it; that is a given. The question is how much they should rely on it for their walk. I recognize the vast academic work behind it and the centuries of theologians who have enhanced its understanding. I do not diminish their contributions. I only raise the question: is it all?
Is Bible infallible?
Many ideas I've heard throughout my Christian life I never deeply pondered. Among these is the assertion that the written word of God is infallible—in other words, without error. The question for me is, infallible in what sense? If we speak in a literary sense, absolutely not. It’s not infallible.
There are many instances of scripture that lose their meaning or become confusing when translated.
Examples include passages like 1 Corinthians 11:10, "For this cause ought the woman to have power on her head because of the angels." where the original Greek is debated even among scholars; Isaiah 7 14, which raises questions about the translation of the term often rendered as "virgin"; and the Gospel of John 1 1, where the phrase "the Word was God" has multiple interpretations that puzzle theologians and linguists alike.
However, if we consider intent and meaning, that is, despite literary flaws, and it conveys what God intended—then yes, it is infallible, provided God's intended message is communicated.
I've heard it said that scripture was guided by God's hand throughout the centuries and must therefore be His approved work. This remains an assumption, not a verifiable fact. However, it is not an unreasonable assumption if we believe in God's sovereignty.
I might even go further, saying God is the God of words and that every letter ever written serves His purpose—even that which is wicked. Not that He inspired wicked writing, but He carefully allows what will serve His ultimate goal. Scripture tells us that, "All things work together for good to those who love Him..." Clearly, both good and bad can be navigated by God so that what was intended for evil benefits His people.
Therefore, we can conclude that written text, especially God's word, is undeniably divinely inspired. Not perfectly written, but sufficiently conveying God's intent.
Side Note: Context is tremendously important. Many have taken scripture excerpts out of context and misapplied them, only to be disappointed by their effects in life.
The limitations of language.
Written or spoken language has inherent limitations. In everyday situations it is usually adequate, but for deeper subjects, thoughts, or ideas, words often fall short. Can words fully express feelings such as love? No one believes they do. The full range of human emotions can never be completely captured in writing. This is a limitation of words.
Even logical concepts sometimes struggle to find words that fully express their intentions. We often rely on visual aids to clarify meaning. This is nothing new; it happens daily, clearly demonstrating the limits of words.
So if written text cannot convey the full scope of meaning, can we confidently say that everything a believer needs to know is contained within scripture?
Going even deeper: what if scripture were taken away? Or, like John the Revelator, we found ourselves far from civilization without a Bible—could we still be believers alone on an island?
Scripture alone is insufficient.
Christ repeatedly emphasized to His disciples the importance of His leaving so that the Holy Spirit could come. He highlighted this many times.
John 16:7
Yet I tell you the truth: It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you.
Scripture is the starting point, not the destination. It is where we first gain knowledge and understanding of God, but ultimately, it is God’s Spirit that imparts the full range of knowledge and truth to us, clarifying even what appears to be contradictions.
It therefore should be understood that scripture is the springboard from which we will come into a relationship with God. But it is Gods spirit which feeds us our daily bread. We could say in connection with His written word His spirit gives us a fresh word but at very least there is a joint necessity for both. But the greater most important part is His spirits voice in our lives.
What the world can't be taken away.
The statement that “unless you read your Bible, you will be a weak Christian” deserves to be carefully examined. While Scripture is undeniably important, this claim can unintentionally suggest a dependence on something tangible—something external—that can, in reality, be taken away.
Jesus Himself lived in a way that challenges this assumption. He demonstrated a life not rooted in physical security or possessions.
Matthew 8:20
The Son of Man has nowhere to lay his head
Matthew 6:19
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth.
He emphasized that what is truly essential cannot be lost or removed.
If spiritual strength depended primarily on access to a physical Bible then believers in persecuted nations where Scripture is banned or confiscated would be at a permanent disadvantage. Yet history and testimony show the opposite: some of the strongest faith is found in places where access to Scripture is limited. This suggests that God has provided something deeper and more enduring. God anticipated this need and promised the Holy Spirit:
John 14:26
But the Helper, the Holy Spirit… will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you
While Scripture is a vital and authoritative guide, the foundation of the Christian life is not merely reading—it is relationship.
John 15:4
Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you”
Strength comes from abiding, not merely from accessing text. Notably, the Gospels never depict Jesus withdrawing to read Scripture in isolation, but they do frequently show Him withdrawing to pray and commune with God:
Mark 1:35
“Very early in the morning… Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed”
His pattern was clear—intimacy with the Father through prayer. This does not diminish the importance of Scripture.
2 Timothy 3:16
“All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching…”
But Scripture itself ultimately points us toward a living relationship with Christ, not dependence on a physical objects.
A Christian’s strength, then, is not determined solely by how often they read, but by how deeply they are connected to Christ through His Spirit.
The deeper importance.
There is a greater significance to relying on Gods spirit for revelation rather than solely on the written text. Scripture is essentially a literary and historic document from many centuries ago. As times and cultures evolve, fully grasping the complete context becomes difficult even when the scripture appears clear.
Consequently, an entire academic discipline is devoted to analyzing and interpreting ancient biblical text, which often leaves much open to varying interpretations without a final resolution. This presents a significant challenge.
I maintain that it is the spirit of God that provides complete clarity and profound understanding where the text alone is insufficient. This point cannot be emphasized enough. Much can be learned from simply reading the text, but that is only the beginning. Gods spirit unveils deeper insight and truth.
However, this is not frequently highlighted by scholars. It is mentioned casually rather than clearly in most instances. There is no focused emphasis on the necessity for Spirit led understanding and revelation of scripture. Indeed, academia does not concentrate on that, which I consider a shortcoming.
I believe this is largely due to the concern that anyone might claim to hear from God and present irrational ideas. While I recognize the need for caution, this is not truly a concern we as believers should dwell on.
There will be those with a genuine connection to God who receive true revelation. Yet, there will also be false prophets claiming to hear from God when they do not. These are issues beyond our control. This should not prevent us from sharing teachings for fear that some may misunderstand.
Jesus frequently spoke in ways that were challenging and unfiltered without providing detailed explanations, leaving it to the listeners to understand or not. He Jesus often put it, "those who have ears to hear let them hear."
For instance, He said, "If anyone comes to me and does not dislike his mother or brother and sister and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple."
This can very easily be taken the wrong way but Jesus never bothered to clarify His word.
Final thoughts
Let me emphasize again that I am not saying written scripture is unimportant or unneeded. It is an essential element in the life of a new believer, in nations where scripture is accessible.
Nevertheless, it is not the daily indispensable core that many claim it to be. God's spirit is the most vital element. Truly, it is the absolutely indispensable component. God gave us His Holy Spirit so that if the world strips us of everything, the one thing that can never be taken away is His spirit, which is the origin of all life, truth, and hope.
They can seize my possessions, the very shirt off my back, my bible, and place me in a dark place. Yet within that dark place I can remain firm in Christ and receive His word every day because it flows from His spirit. And that is something the world cannot take from me. This is how God meant it to be.