The Bible is the word of God. Therefore, we can be confident when we counsel from the Bible that we are sharing what is true. We are not giving our opinion; we are not speculating; we are not speaking with uncertainty; we are speaking what God has said. Because the Bible is God's written word it does what no other book can do: it identifies the root cause of all our problems – sin. Having identified the cause, the Bible also offers a solution. There is not a problem that arises in life for which we will not find the solution in God's word. We are not dependent upon a secular world that does not know God to supply us with answers.

The Bible is divine in origin. This is how Paul puts it: "From infancy you [Timothy] have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:15-17)

1. The scriptures are holy, setting them apart from all other writings. The scriptures are holy because they come from God.

2. The scriptures are able to make one wise. No other book can make one wise for salvation, which is found in Jesus Christ.

3. All scripture is God-breathed, that is, inspired of God. Just as God breathed life into Adam so God breathed life into the scriptures. This inspiration sets the Bible apart from all other books.

4. Scripture is useful for teaching. Through the scriptures, God instructs us in every area of life: our marriage, our role as parents, our general behaviour, our commitment to the life of the church and all the great doctrines: atonement, redemption, election, etc. Everything we need to know about God is taught in the scriptures.

5. Scripture is useful for rebuking. Through the word the Holy Spirit shows us where our life has gone wrong; whatever unholy motives we have will be exposed. The Bible is not shy in telling us when we are wrong.

6. Scripture is useful for correction. Through the scriptures we learn where we are going wrong. For example, if our understanding on some moral issue is wrong, then scripture will correct that error by showing us what is right.

7. Scripture is useful for training. Physical training keeps us fit and healthy. Likewise, the scriptures train us to be the type of person God would have us be. We become spiritually fit.

8. Through scripture we are equipped for every good work. Scripture equips us by instructing us, enlightening us, guiding us, and strengthening us for every good work. The scriptures make us complete, mature, fulfilled.

We all need counselling, direction and guidance in some areas of our life. God has given us his inspired word and the Holy Spirit to minister to us. The Bible is not a secular manual; it comes from holy men who "spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." (2 Peter 1:21) "The word of God," we are told, "is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12) Just look at what this tells us about scripture: it is living, active and sharp; it penetrates, divides and judges. No other book can do what the Bible can do and that is why we must trust its counsel in all situations and turn to those who are wise in the scriptures when we are in need of counsel.