(Excerpts from Francis Turretin)
Holy Scripture is absolutely necessary for us to know God rightly and to be saved.
Although God has shown something of Himself in creation and in our conscience, this light is not enough to lead us to salvation. Because of sin, our minds are darkened. We often misunderstand God, worship Him wrongly, or turn to idols. Therefore, human reason alone cannot guide us safely to the truth about God.
“The natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Creation tells us that God exists and that He is powerful and wise, but it does not tell us how sinners may be forgiven. Nature cannot teach us about Christ, grace, faith, or salvation. These saving truths must be revealed by God Himself in His Word.
“Faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17)
Even when God’s truth was once known, it was quickly corrupted by human traditions, errors, and lies. Without Scripture written and preserved, God’s truth would be lost or changed over time. The written Word guards the truth so it may remain pure for every generation.
“Your word, O LORD, is firmly fixed in the heavens.” (Psalm 119:89)
The Church cannot exist or be governed rightly without Scripture. God’s Word is the rule for faith, worship, and life. Without Scripture, the Church would follow human opinions rather than God’s will.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
God chose to reveal His will for salvation not through dreams or human wisdom, but through the Scriptures. The Bible clearly teaches us who Christ is, what He has done, and how we must respond in faith and obedience.
“These are written so that you may believe… and that by believing you may have life.” (John 20:31)
Scripture is necessary because:
Our reason is fallen and unreliable.
Nature cannot teach saving truth.
God’s truth must be preserved from corruption.
The Church needs a sure rule.
Salvation is revealed only in God’s written Word.
Therefore, Holy Scripture is not optional but essential for faith, life, and salvation.