The Sufficiency of Scripture and Modern Psychology -- By: Robert E. Hempy, Jr.
Journal: Chafer Theological Seminary Journal
Volume: CTSJ 04:1 (Jan 1998)
Article: The Sufficiency of Scripture and Modern Psychology
Author: Robert E. Hempy, Jr.
CTSJ 4:1 (January 1998) p. 10
The Sufficiency of
Scripture and Modern Psychology
[*Editor's note: Mr. Hempy received his B. A. degree from the University of Minnesota, and Th.M. degree from Talbot Theological Seminary. He is a public school teacher in Los Angeles and has taught at the seminary level.]
What do we mean when we say that Scripture is sufficient? Do we believe that the Word of God alone is sufficient to equip the believer to handle all the problems and exigencies of life? The Bible internally testifies that it is (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:3–11). What are the practical implications of this?
Historically, as a matter of orthodoxy, Protestant Christianity has held the position that Scripture is verbal-plenarily inspired, inerrant, authoritative, and sufficient.
The very words of Scripture are inspired of God and inerrant, referring to verbal inspiration (Matthew 4:4; 5:18). Inerrancy extends to every portion of Scripture, referring to plenary inspiration (2 Timothy 3:16). The Scriptures bear the very stamp of God as the ultimate Author—they are authoritative. While the teaching of the Bible may be foolishness to the unbeliever, the Holy Spirit convinces the believer that this is God's Word, not just the product of the human wisdom of man (cp. 1 Thessalonians 2:13).
Concerning the authority of Scripture, Peter compares his experience of witnessing the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:1–8; Mark 9:2–8; Luke 9:28–38; John 1:14) to the written Word of God. He calls God’s Word “the prophetic word [made] more sure” 2 Peter 1:16–19).
In other words, although being an eyewitness to the precursory revelation of the coming of Christ's Kingdom, as revealed in the Transfiguration, the written Word of God gives us a better seat in the stands so to speak. He goes on to teach that we
do well to pay attention [to it] as a lamp shining in a dark place (a figure for the recesses of our sinful self) until the day dawns and the morning star arises in your hearts (a figure for the indwelling of the character of Christ) (2 Peter 1:19).
In effe...
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