The Inspired Scripture: An Analysis of 2 Timothy 3:16-17

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."

— 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Paul's letter to Timothy contains a fundamental declaration about the role of scripture in the lives of Christ’s disciples. In these verses, Paul testifies that all scripture comes from God and that its purpose is to guide mankind toward perfection and preparation for all good works. From the perspective of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, these verses not only affirm the divinity of the Bible but also establish eternal principles regarding revelation, teaching, and preparation for discipleship.

1. Scripture as Inspired Revelation

The first principle derived from 2 Timothy 3:16 is that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God." In the Church of Jesus Christ, we believe that God has spoken to His children throughout time through prophets and that these inspired records constitute scripture. This is not limited to the Bible alone but also includes other canonical books such as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and the Pearl of Great Price.

The Prophet Joseph Smith taught:

"We believe the Bible to be the word of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God." (Articles of Faith 8)

This statement emphasizes that scripture is sacred but that its interpretation and translation must be guided by the Holy Spirit to avoid distortions. In Doctrine and Covenants 68:4, the Lord declared:

"And whatsoever they shall speak when moved upon by the Holy Ghost shall be scripture, shall be the will of the Lord, shall be the mind of the Lord, shall be the word of the Lord, shall be the voice of the Lord, and the power of God unto salvation."

Here we learn that revelation continues today and that the words of modern prophets are also part of the Lord’s will for His people.

2. Scripture as a Source of Teaching

Paul states that scripture is "profitable for doctrine." In the Church of Jesus Christ, the scriptures are the foundation of all spiritual teaching and learning. In the Book of Mormon, Nephi testified:

"And it came to pass that I, Nephi, did exhort my brethren, with all diligence, to keep the commandments of the Lord. And it came to pass that I did exhort them to remember the Lord their Redeemer." (1 Nephi 15:25)

This principle applies to our daily lives. By reading and studying the scriptures regularly, we gain divine knowledge that helps us face life’s challenges with faith and understanding.

Church leaders have encouraged us to immerse ourselves in the word of God. President Russell M. Nelson said:

"Immerse yourselves in the scriptures and in the words of the living prophets. As you do, your testimony will be stronger and your conversion deeper."

3. Scripture as a Source of Reproof and Correction

Paul continues by saying that scripture is useful "for reproof, for correction." In a world where human opinions constantly change, God’s word provides us with an unchanging moral standard.

The Lord has declared in Doctrine and Covenants 1:38:

"What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled."

This principle is key in our Christian lives. While the world changes, God’s truth remains constant. Scripture reproves us when we stray from the path and corrects us so that we may return to the gospel way.

A clear example of this is the experience of the prophet Alma with his son Alma the Younger. In Mosiah 27, it is recorded how Alma the Younger was wayward and sought to destroy the Church, but he was reproved by an angel of the Lord. Through his repentance, he was corrected and transformed into a powerful servant of God.

4. Scripture as Instruction in Righteousness

The apostle Paul states that scripture instructs us "in righteousness." In gospel terms, righteousness means living according to God’s principles. In the Book of Mormon, Moroni taught:

"And by the power of the Holy Ghost ye may know the truth of all things." (Moroni 10:5)

By studying the scriptures with faith and prayer, we receive divine instruction that helps us live according to God’s will. In Doctrine and Covenants 88:118, we are commanded:

"And as all have not faith, seek ye diligently and teach one another words of wisdom; yea, seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom; seek learning, even by study and also by faith."

This means our spiritual learning must be constant and profound. It is not enough to read superficially; we must apply what we learn to our daily lives.

5. Scripture and Preparation for Every Good Work

Finally, 2 Timothy 3:17 concludes that the purpose of scripture is that the "man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." This concept of perfection does not mean that we must be flawless but that we must continually strive to follow Christ’s example.

The Savior taught in Matthew 5:48:

"Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect."

In the Church of Jesus Christ, we understand that perfection is a process achieved through Christ’s grace, repentance, and obedience to the scriptures. In 3 Nephi 12:48, the Savior reiterated this commandment to the Nephites, showing that His gospel is the same in all ages.

Conclusion: Applying 2 Timothy 3:16-17 to Our Lives

These verses contain essential principles that help us stay on the path of the gospel. We can apply their message in the following ways:

1. Study the scriptures daily to receive personal revelation and direction in our lives.

2. Accept the Lord’s correction when we stray and trust in His power to guide us back.

3. Seek righteousness by applying gospel principles in our daily decisions.

4. Prepare ourselves to serve God through faith and good works.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints teaches that the scriptures are God’s voice to us. By following their teachings, we become true disciples of Christ, prepared for every good work and with the hope of eternal life.