The Scriptures: God’s Perfect and Sufficient Word
The first article of the 1853 New Hampshire Baptist Confession of Faith establishes a foundational truth for the Christian life: God has spoken. In a world filled with competing voices, shifting opinions, and endless sources of information, Christians believe that the Holy Scriptures stand above them all as God’s perfect and trustworthy revelation.
The confession states that “the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired.” This means that while human authors penned the words of Scripture, they did so under the guidance and superintendence of the Holy Spirit. As Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is breathed out by God.” The Bible is not merely a collection of religious reflections or moral teachings; it is the very Word of God given through human authors.
Because God is its ultimate author, the Bible is described as “a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction.” Scripture reveals who God is, who we are, and how sinners can be reconciled to a holy God. The confession beautifully summarizes the Bible’s purpose by stating that it has “salvation for its end.” From Genesis to Revelation, the Scriptures tell one grand story of redemption that finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Every page points us toward God’s saving work through His Son.
The confession further declares that the Bible contains “truth without any mixture of error for its matter.” Since God cannot lie and does not make mistakes, His Word is completely trustworthy. Proverbs 30:5 reminds us, “Every word of God proves true.” This confidence in Scripture does not rest on human reasoning but on the character of the God who speaks. Christians can trust the Bible because they trust its Author.
The importance of Scripture extends beyond doctrine and theology. The confession teaches that the Bible reveals the principles by which God will judge us. God’s Word is not merely informative; it is authoritative. It confronts our sin, shapes our convictions, directs our decisions, and calls us to obedience. Every area of life—our families, work, relationships, priorities, and worship—is to be brought under the authority of God’s Word.
This is why the confession describes Scripture as “the true center of Christian union.” Genuine Christian unity is not built upon personalities, traditions, cultural preferences, or personal opinions. It is built upon the truth of God’s revealed Word. Believers from different backgrounds and generations are united by their shared submission to the Scriptures.
Finally, the confession reminds us that the Bible is “the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.” Every teaching, philosophy, trend, and worldview must be tested against Scripture. As 1 John 4:1 instructs, believers are called to “test the spirits” and discern truth from error.
More than 170 years after this confession was written, its message remains deeply relevant. In an age of confusion and uncertainty, Christians do not need a new revelation or a better philosophy. We need God’s Word. The Scriptures remain sufficient, trustworthy, and authoritative for all of life. They are God’s gracious gift to His people, revealing the way of salvation and providing everything necessary for faith and godliness.
Article 1: Of the Scriptures
We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.