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by Kevin Pauley
The completeness or sufficiency of the Scriptures
It rises from one end of the heavens and circles to their other end; nothing is hidden from its heat. The instruction of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making the inexperienced wise. - Psalm 19:6-7 HCSB
God’s instructions are perfect in the sense that they are the perfect theory of human good. They are “tamim,”[1] meaning complete, whole, entire, sound, healthful, unimpaired, innocent or possessing integrity.
They are perfectly designed to bring about human physical health. Barring persecution, and taking into account the decline in the quality of the gene pool, following the Scriptures will grant us the best possible chance at a long, high quality life. While the world declares certain sexual activity to be simply an “alternative lifestyle” out of one side of its mouth while simultaneously naming it “high risk activity” out of the other, the Word of God honestly warns us of the dangers of homosexual behavior.[2]
While the world promotes our “right” to a rich, high calorie diet, the Bible gives us the example of Daniel who turned down the rich foods from the king’s table in favor of a simple vegetarian diet.[3] It tells us in essence, “just because you can that doesn’t mean you should!”[4] “You should test all things and only hold on to what is actually good for you.”[5]
Hashem’s Spirit-inspired instructions give us insight into our psyche.[6] They can penetrate and divide the fine line between the soul and the spirit, the joint and the marrow. They can judge the ideas and thoughts of the human heart[7] and if obeyed, they will develop maturity and emotional balance in us.[8]
The problem lies in the fact that the things they require of us are difficult – even superhuman. What they tell us to do is well outside of our natural capacity, much less our comfort zone. “Consider trials a joy because their testing of your faith will produce endurance.”[9] “Don’t avenge yourselves; instead leave room for Nathan N'Qamah’s[10] wrath.” “Do nothing out of rivalry or conceit, but in humility consider others as more important than yourselves. Everyone should look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”[11]
The yetzer hara, our negative impulse, the inherent sin in us, shrinks from this high and holy standard and screams as its dark compulsions are challenged by the searing light of truth. Our fleshy natures consider God’s moral law their greatest enemy, that which stands in the way of our freedom and happiness and they drive us to turn away from the mirror of the Word[12] lest we see how ugly we truly are.
But if we will only accede to Hashem’s instructions we will discover that they are “good, pleasing and perfect.”[13] They are in fact the perfect theory of human good.
[1] tamim Strong’s #8549
[2] Leviticus 18:22; Romans 1:26-27; 1 Corinthians 6:9; 1 Timothy 1:10-11
[4] 1 Corinthians 6:12-13; 10:23
[10] “God Who Avenges Me”; Psalm 18:47
Kevin Pauley is a pastor and writer. He lives in Illinois with his wife, Lynn, their five children and two dogs. His internet address is Berea.
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