Qu'est-ce que la Bible ou l'Écriture ?

The Scripture refers to a collection of written texts deemed divinely inspired and inerrant, representing the Holy Spirit’s communication. These texts, numbering sixty-six, collectively form the Bible. Scripture serves as the sole infallible guide for faith and practice for believers, possessing perfect authority and sufficiency for all aspects of life and spirituality. This concept is encapsulated in the Westminster Confession of Faith, which asserts: “The whole counsel of God, concerning all things necessary for his own glory, man’s salvation, faith, and life, is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture: unto which nothing at any time is to be added” (Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 1, Section 6).

The term “scripture” is derived from the Latin “scrīptūra,” meaning “a writing” or “a composition.” Its roots connect to words like script, scribe, and inscription. In the New Testament, the Greek word γραφή (graphē) is translated as “scripture,” signifying “a writing” or “a thing written.” The biblical context, however, specifically refers to a distinguished body of sacred and authoritative texts. Thus, “scripture” precisely denotes the sacred writings of the Old and New Testaments.

Scripture is distinct from other writings in that it is supernaturally inspired by God, making it not merely human in origin but divinely authored. “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

The term “inspired” here literally means “God-breathed.” The English Standard Version translates this as “breathed out by God,” emphasizing that Scripture is not just a human account of divine actions and words but the direct utterance of God Himself. Jesus affirmed this perspective when addressing the Sadducees: “But regarding the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God: ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? He is not the God of the dead but of the living” (Matthew 22:31-32). In this passage, Jesus quotes Moses, underscoring that the Scriptures, though written long ago, remain God’s active communication to present-day readers. Therefore, a text’s designation as Scripture signifies that it is God’s timeless speech, relevant and authoritative for all generations.

The composition of Scripture spans numerous centuries and involves various human authors, each inspired by the Holy Spirit. These texts were written in different historical contexts, yet they collectively convey a unified message. The Old Testament, primarily written in Hebrew (with some portions in Aramaic), contains the Law (Torah), the Prophets (Nevi’im), and the Writings (Ketuvim). The New Testament, written in Greek, comprises the Gospels, the Acts of the Apostles, the Epistles, and the Book of Revelation.

The authority of Scripture is derived from its divine inspiration. It is considered the ultimate standard for truth, doctrine, and ethical conduct. Early church councils and synods discerned and affirmed the canon of Scripture—the list of books recognized as authoritative and inspired. This process was guided by several criteria, including apostolic authorship, consistency with existing doctrine, and widespread acceptance among early Christians.

Inerrancy refers to the belief that the Scriptures, in their original manuscripts, are without error in all they affirm, whether that be in matters of faith, history, or science. Conversely, infallibility means that Scripture is incapable of leading believers astray in matters of faith and practice. These doctrines uphold the reliability and trustworthiness of the Bible as God’s word.

Scripture plays a central role in the life of a Christian. It is used for teaching doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16). It is a source of comfort, guidance, and wisdom. Through regular reading and study of the Bible, believers grow in their knowledge of God, strengthen their faith, and are equipped for every good work.

Interpreting Scripture requires careful consideration of its historical and literary contexts. The practice of hermeneutics—the art and science of interpretation—helps readers understand the intended meaning of biblical texts. This involves examining each book’s genre, authorship, original audience, and purpose. The principle of Scripture interpreting Scripture is also crucial, where clearer passages illuminate more difficult ones.

Scripture is described as living and active, able to penetrate the depths of the human heart (Hebrews 4:12). It is not a static document but a dynamic means through which God continues to speak to His people. The Holy Spirit is essential in illuminating the Scriptures, enabling believers to understand and apply its truths to their lives.

While Scripture addresses the universal condition of humanity and offers a message of salvation to all, it also speaks to specific communities and individuals in particular historical contexts. This dual aspect reflects the comprehensive and personal nature of God’s revelation through the Bible.

Preserving Scripture through the centuries is a testimony to its divine origin. Despite numerous attempts to destroy or corrupt the biblical texts, they have been remarkably preserved through meticulous copying and translation efforts. Modern textual criticism aims to reconstruct the original manuscripts as closely as possible, ensuring the fidelity of contemporary translations.

The transformative power of Scripture is evident in its impact on individuals and societies. It has inspired countless acts of charity, justice, and reform throughout history. Personal testimonies about lives changed through encountering God’s word in the Bible underscore this transformative aspect, which underscores the vitality and relevance of Scripture for every generation.

In summary, Scripture is more than just a collection of ancient texts; it is God’s living and authoritative word, inspired by the Holy Spirit, inerrant and infallible, guiding believers in faith and practice, and continuing to speak to humanity with power and relevance.