The Bread Of Life

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

2 Timothy 3:16

The Bible was "given by inspiration of God."  In this respect, it is utterly unlike all other writings.  God taught the writers of it what to say.  God put into their minds thoughts and ideas.  God guided their pens in setting down those thoughts and ideas. When you read it, you are not reading the self-taught compositions of poor imperfect men like yourself, but the words of the eternal God.  When you hear it, you are not listening to the erring opinions of short-lived mortals, but to the unchanging mind of the King of kings.   

The men who were employed to compose the Bible, spoke not of themselves. They "spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost" (2 Peter 1:21)  All other books in the world, however good and useful in their way, are more or less defective.  The more you look at them--the more you see their defects and blemishes.  The Bible alone is absolutely perfect. From beginning to end, it is "the Word of God."

The man who has the Bible, and the Holy Spirit in his heart has everything which is absolutely needful to make him spiritually wise and mature.  He needs no priest to break the bread of life for him.  He needs no ancient traditions, no writings of the Fathers, no voice of the Church to guide him into all truth.  He has the well of truth open before him and what more can he want?   

Yes! though he is shut up alone in a prison, or cast on a desert island, though he never see a church, or minister, or sacrament again--if he has but the Bible, he has got the infallible guide, and needs no other.  If he has but the will to read that Bible rightly, it will certainly teach him the road that leads to Heaven.  It is here alone that infallibility resides.  It is not in any church.  It is not in the Councils.  It is not in ministers.  It is only in the written Word.

~ J.C. Ryle