Most of us who are Bible teachers usually teach from the Bible. But it is also important to teach about the Bible. Kevin DeYoung takes his readers on a journey through the doctrine of Scripture in his new book, Taking God At His Word. He was on my radio program to educate and inform us about God’s Word.

He begins with a love poem. He didn’t write it. God did. Psalm 119 is not only the longest chapter in the Bible; it is also the poem about the Bible and why we should love it. It also reminds us in various verses that we should love the Word, speak the Word, study the Word, store up the Word, and obey the Word.

He uses the acronym SCAN to illustrate some important truths concerning the doctrine of Scripture. First, there is the sufficiency of Scripture. The Bible contains everything we need for knowledge of salvation and godly living. We don’t need any other revelation and can reject the cultic ideas of “the Bible plus.”

Clarity is another attribute of God’s Word. The saving message of the gospel is clearly communicated and should be plainly taught. Those who hear it and read it can understand it. We don’t have to accept postmodern skepticism that argues that since we can’t know anything fully, we don’t know anything at all.

The authority of the Bible is also important. The last word in any discussion should go to God’s Word. We may not always understand how the Bible fits with the latest fads in science or biblical scholarship, but we should give the benefit to Scripture.

Necessity is the fourth attribute. We need God’s Word to tell us about Jesus Christ and how to be saved and how we should live. We may find knowledge in the world, but we find true wisdom in God’s Word.

His book is a powerful reminder that Scripture is inspired (God breathed) and is indeed profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.