The Completeness of Scripture

The Bible is a finished book. The doctrine of the Completeness of Scripture teaches that God’s special revelation to humanity has reached its intended conclusion. Nothing more needs to be added. Nothing should be taken away. Scripture is not a work in progress—it is a completed Word.

This doctrine flows from the identity of Jesus Christ as the final and fullest revelation of God. Hebrews 1:1–2 declares, “Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son.” With the coming of Christ, and the apostolic witness to His life, death, and resurrection, God has fully revealed His redemptive plan.

The Book of Revelation concludes with a sober warning, “If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book” (Rev. 22:18). While this warning applies specifically to Revelation, it reflects a principle found throughout Scripture (see Deut. 4:2; Prov. 30:6). God’s Word is not open to revision.

The canon of Scripture—the sixty-six books recognized as God’s inspired Word—is closed. The apostles, commissioned eyewitnesses of the risen Christ, completed their work under the Spirit’s direction. Jude 3 speaks of “the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.” Not evolving. Not expanding. Delivered once for all.

This doesn’t mean that God has stopped speaking altogether. He still guides, comforts, convicts, and calls. But He does so by His Spirit through His completed Word. New prophecies or revelations are not necessary because the truth has already been fully revealed in Scripture.

The Completeness of Scripture safeguards the church from error. It reminds us that we do not need new messages—we need to trust and obey the one God has already given. It helps us test every claim, every teaching, every spirit, by what God has already said (1 Jn. 4:1).

In a world hungry for novelty, the completeness of Scripture reminds us to return to the source. God has spoken fully and finally. His Word is enough—and it is done.

Verses for Further Reflection

• Hebrews 1:1–2
• Jude 3
• Revelation 22:18–19
• Deuteronomy 4:2