Scripture — Our Source of Truth
“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.”
— 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NKJV
The Bible stands as the final and unchanging authority for faith and practice. While human wisdom, tradition, and experience may offer insight, they must always be tested against the clear teaching of Scripture. God has spoken, and His Word is sufficient.
Why the New King James Version?
Throughout this site, the New King James Version (NKJV) is used as the primary translation for Scripture. The NKJV was chosen because it maintains a strong commitment to accuracy and faithfulness to the original Hebrew and Greek texts, while updating the language of the historic King James Version for modern readers. It offers a careful balance between readability and precision, making it well suited for careful study and teaching.
A Word About Other Translations
Other faithful translations are also respected and valued. The New Living Translation (NLT), for example, is excellent for readability and can be very helpful for gaining a clear overall understanding of a passage. Translations such as the ESV, NASB, and CSB are likewise appreciated as useful tools for study.
These translations are considered canonical — meaning they faithfully communicate the essential message of the Christian Scriptures. While there are differences in wording between faithful translations, they do not affect the core doctrines of the Christian faith.
What It Means to Be Canonical and What It Means to Be Christian
The word canonical refers to those writings that the historic Christian church has recognized as inspired by God and authoritative for faith and life. The 66 books of the Old and New Testaments have been received by the church across centuries and cultures as the complete and sufficient revelation of God.
To be Christian in the historic and biblical sense means more than simply admiring Jesus or trying to live by His teachings. It means believing the core truths that Scripture reveals about who Jesus is and what He has done. These essential beliefs include:
- The full deity and full humanity of Jesus Christ
- His virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death, and bodily resurrection
- Salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone
- The authority and sufficiency of Scripture
When a religious system affirms these core truths, it remains within the bounds of historic Christianity, even if there are differences in secondary matters. However, when a system denies or fundamentally alters these essential doctrines — such as redefining who Jesus is, adding new scriptures that contradict the Bible, or teaching a different way of salvation — it ceases to be Christian in any historic or biblical sense.
It is not unloving to recognize this distinction. It is necessary for clarity and for the protection of the gospel. The Christian faith is not infinitely flexible. There are boundaries established by Scripture itself.
Still Not Convinced?
Even after seeing that Scripture alone is our final authority, some may still look to other books or translations as equal or greater sources of truth. Two of the most prominent examples are the Book of Mormon and the New World Translation used by Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Qur’an is also often presented as divine revelation.
These writings claim to build upon or correct the Bible. However, when they are measured against Scripture, they reveal serious departures from the gospel that was once for all delivered to the saints.
The Book of Mormon presents itself as another testament of Jesus Christ and adds new scripture, new prophets, and new requirements for salvation. The New World Translation significantly alters key passages that affirm the deity and uniqueness of Christ. The Qur’an denies core biblical truths about the person and work of Jesus and offers a different path to God.
Each of these claims to honor Jesus while redefining who He is and what He accomplished. When tested by the clear teaching of Scripture, they lead away from the narrow way and onto a different road entirely.
If you are still not convinced that Scripture alone is sufficient and final, consider carefully what these writings add, change, or deny compared to the Bible.
Still not convinced? Dig deeper into the history and problems here.