Do we have all truth?
Introduction. The full question reads: "Do we have total truth revealed in the Bible, and how can we be sure?" This is a good question and worthy of our attention.
The scriptures speak of religious truth as total and definitive. Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8: 32). Notice Jesus' preceding statement, "...if ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed" (vs. 31). Hence, knowing the truth and continuing in Jesus' word are both required. Jesus exclaimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14: 6).
Jesus promised that the Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth. Jesus promised the apostles that the Spirit would teach them all things and would guide them into all truth (John 14: 26, 16: 13). Notice, this promise was to the original apostles. Either Jesus kept His promise, or He lied! Christians believe Jesus kept His word and that we have all the truth God intended us to have revealed via them in His word (cf. 2 Pet. 1: 3-4).
The sufficiency of scripture. Those to whom Peter wrote had purified their souls in obeying the truth which was the word of God (1 Pet. 1: 22-23). Paul wrote that scripture is sufficient for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3: 16). Such results in perfection (being complete, not sinless per 1 John 1) and being totally furnished unto all good works (vs. 17). Moreover, Christians are to contend for the once delivered faith (Jude 3).
Conclusion. Just think about how all truth being revealed to the apostles refutes the creeds of men and all claims of so-called latter day revelation! Any teaching adding or taking away from the truth revealed is sinful (Rev. 22: 18-19). As Paul warned, "If any man preach any other gospel unto you...let him be accursed" (Gal. 1: 6-9). Yes, we have all truth because Jesus said we would.
The scriptures speak of religious truth as total and definitive. Jesus said, "And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8: 32). Notice Jesus' preceding statement, "...if ye continue in My word, then are ye My disciples indeed" (vs. 31). Hence, knowing the truth and continuing in Jesus' word are both required. Jesus exclaimed, "I am the way, the truth, and the life..." (John 14: 6).
Jesus promised that the Spirit would guide the apostles into all truth. Jesus promised the apostles that the Spirit would teach them all things and would guide them into all truth (John 14: 26, 16: 13). Notice, this promise was to the original apostles. Either Jesus kept His promise, or He lied! Christians believe Jesus kept His word and that we have all the truth God intended us to have revealed via them in His word (cf. 2 Pet. 1: 3-4).
The sufficiency of scripture. Those to whom Peter wrote had purified their souls in obeying the truth which was the word of God (1 Pet. 1: 22-23). Paul wrote that scripture is sufficient for doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction in righteousness (2 Tim. 3: 16). Such results in perfection (being complete, not sinless per 1 John 1) and being totally furnished unto all good works (vs. 17). Moreover, Christians are to contend for the once delivered faith (Jude 3).
Conclusion. Just think about how all truth being revealed to the apostles refutes the creeds of men and all claims of so-called latter day revelation! Any teaching adding or taking away from the truth revealed is sinful (Rev. 22: 18-19). As Paul warned, "If any man preach any other gospel unto you...let him be accursed" (Gal. 1: 6-9). Yes, we have all truth because Jesus said we would.