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Staying Grounded in the Original Text of Scripture

To be "grounded" in the original text of Scripture means to be firmly established and fixed on the foundation of its teachings, understanding its source, nature, and enduring authority [8, 9]. This concept emphasizes the importance of adhering to the foundational truths revealed in the Bible, which Christians consider to be the inspired Word of God [3, 7].

The term "Scripture" in the New Testament consistently refers to a definite collection of sacred books, primarily what Christians now call the Old Testament, regarded as divinely inspired [3]. Over time, this collection was enlarged as God revealed his will through various authors, resulting in a "completed Scripture" that includes both the Old and New Testaments [3]. The Bible itself asserts its divine origin, stating that it is "given by inspiration of God" (2 Timothy 3:16) and "breathed out by God’s own speech" [7, 9]. This divine inspiration does not negate the active involvement of human authors but affirms God's full responsibility for the text [9]. The Holy Spirit is also identified as the source of inspiration, moving men to speak from God (2 Peter 1:21) [7].

The importance of being grounded in Scripture is highlighted throughout the biblical text. For instance, Ephesians 6:14 exhorts believers to "stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH," implying that truth, as found in Scripture, is essential for spiritual stability [2]. Similarly, Colossians 1:23 speaks of believers being "grounded" and "settled," meaning fixed on a foundation and steadfast, so as not to be moved away by false teachings [8]. This steadfastness is rooted in the "hope of the gospel" which they have heard and which was preached [8].

The early church leaders understood the necessity of adhering to sound doctrine. Titus 1:9 describes the qualifications for an elder, stating that he must be "Keeping to the true word of the teaching, so that he may be able to give comfort by right teaching and overcome the arguments of the doubters" [4]. This underscores the practical application of being grounded in the original text: it enables believers to teach accurately and to refute error. The apostles themselves committed to "continue steadfast in prayer and the service of the Word" (Acts 6:4), demonstrating their dedication to the scriptural message [5].

The enduring nature of God's Word is a core aspect of being grounded in it. Isaiah 40:8 declares, "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth, but the word of our God shall stand for ever" [12]. The Apostle Peter, in explaining this verse, connects "the word of our God" with the Gospel preached to believers, suggesting that the eternal nature of God's word applies to the Christian message [12]. This permanence provides a stable foundation for faith and practice.

Being grounded in the original text also involves a continuous process of learning and growth. The author of Hebrews encourages believers to move beyond "the teaching of the first principles of Christ" and to "press on to perfection," rather than repeatedly laying the foundation of basic doctrines [1]. John Calvin interpreted this not as abandoning the foundation, but as progressing beyond elementary instruction, much like one does not continually lay the foundation of a house but builds upon it [10]. Adam Clarke, a Methodist commentator, similarly emphasized the need to "proceed from the first principles of the doctrine of Christ unto perfection, and not lay the foundation a second time" [11]. This implies that while the foundational truths remain constant, understanding and application should deepen over time.

Jesus himself affirmed the authority and necessity of searching the Scriptures. In John 5:39, he tells his audience to "Search the scriptures," indicating that they contain the path to eternal life and bear witness to him [13]. The Jamieson, Fausset & Brown Commentary notes that Christ's instruction highlights the right and duty of all to search the Scriptures, contrasting with later traditions that might restrict access or interpretation [13]. This emphasis on personal engagement with the text is crucial for being truly grounded.

The concept of "Scripture" as an infallible record of God's revealed will is central to this understanding [3]. It is referred to by various names, including "the Word," "Word of God," "Word of Christ," "Word of truth," "Holy Scriptures," and "Scripture of truth," all pointing to its divine origin and authority [7]. The Old Testament text, for example, was preserved on skins rolled into volumes, and its original character has largely been maintained [6].

Sources

  1. Hebrews “Therefore leaving the teaching of the first principles of Christ, let us press on to perfection—not laying again a foundation of repentance from dead works, of faith toward God, -- Hebrews 6:1”
  2. Ephesians “Ephesians 6:14 (NASB) — Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS,”
  3. Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Scripture — Invariably in the New Testament denotes that definite collection of sacred books, regarded as given by inspiration of God, which we usually call the Old Testament (2 Tim. 3:15, 16; John 20:9; Gal. 3:22; 2 Pet. 1:20). It was God's purpose thus to perpetuate his revealed will. From time to time he raised up men to commit to writing in an infallible record the revelation he gave. The "Scripture," or collection of sacred writings, was thus enlarged from time to time as God saw necessary. We have now a completed "Scripture," consisting of the Old and New Testa”
  4. Titus “Titus 1:9 (BBE) — Keeping to the true word of the teaching, so that he may be able to give comfort by right teaching and overcome the arguments of the doubters.”
  5. Acts “Acts 6:4 (LITV) — But we shall continue steadfast in prayer and the service of the Word!”
  6. Smith's Bible Dictionary “Smith's Bible Dictionary: Old Testament — I. TEXT OF THE OLD TESTAMENT.-- + History of the text. -A history of the text of the Old Testament should properly commence from the date of the completion of the canon. As regards the form in which the sacred writings were little doubt that the text was ordinarily were preserved, there can be written on skins, rolled up into volumes, like the modern synagogue rolls. (Psalms 40:7; Jeremiah 36:14; Ezekiel 2:9; Zechariah 5:1) The original character in which the text was expressed is that still preserved to us, with the exception of four letters, on the M”
  7. Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scriptures, The — Given by inspiration of God -- 2Ti 3:16. Given by inspiration of the Holy Spirit -- Ac 1:16; Heb 3:7; 2Pe 1:21. Christ sanctioned, by appealing to them -- Mt 4:4; Mr 12:10; Joh 7:42. Christ taught out of -- Lu 24:27. Are called the Word. -- Jas 1:21-23; 1Pe 2:2. Word of God. -- Lu 11:28; Heb 4:12. Word of Christ. -- Col 3:16. Word of truth. -- Jas 1:18. Holy Scriptures. -- Ro 1:2; 2Ti 3:15. Scripture of truth. -- Da 10:21. Book. -- Ps 40:7; Re 22:19. Book of the Lord. -- Isa 34:16. Book of the law. -- Ne 8:3; Ga 3:10. Law of the Lord. -- Ps 1:2; Isa”
  8. Colossians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Colossians 1:23: If--"Assuming that," &c.: not otherwise shall ye be so presented at His appearing (Col 1:22). grounded--Greek, "founded," "fixed on the foundation" (compare Note, see on Eph 3:17; Luk 6:48-49). settled--"steadfast." "Grounded" respects the foundation on which believers rest; "settled," their own steadfastness (Pe1 5:10). Co1 15:58 has the same Greek. not moved away--by the false teachers. the hope of the gospel-- (Eph 1:18). which ye have heard . . . which was preached to every creature . . . whereof I . . . am . . . a minister--Three arg”
  9. 2 Timothy (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 2 Timothy 3:16: 3:16-17 These verses elaborate on 3:15 by explaining Scripture’s effectiveness, its source, and the ways that it gives wisdom to live out our salvation. Paul was speaking of the Hebrew Scriptures (the Old Testament), but his statement can now apply to all Scripture, including the New Testament (see, e.g., 2 Pet 3:15-16). 3:16 The fact that Scripture is inspired by God (literally God-breathed, breathed out by God’s own speech; see also Heb 4:12-13; 2 Pet 1:20-21) does not negate the active involvement of the human authors. But it does affirm that God is fully re”
  10. Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 6 (introduction): WARNING AGAINST RETROGRADING, WHICH SOON LEADS TO APOSTASY; ENCOURAGEMENT TO STEADFASTNESS FROM GOD'S FAITHFULNESS TO HIS WORD AND OATH. (Heb 6:1-14) Therefore--Wherefore: seeing that ye ought not now to be still "babes" (Heb 5:11-14). leaving--getting further forward than the elementary "principles." "As in building a house one must never leave the foundation: yet to be always laboring in 'laying the foundation' would be ridiculous" [CALVIN]. the principles of the doctrine--Greek, "the word of the beginning," that is, the discussion ”
  11. Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 6 (introduction): We must proceed from the first principles of the doctrine of Christ unto perfection, and not lay the foundation a second time, Heb 6:1-3. Those who were once enlightened, and have been made partakers of the Holy Ghost and the various blessings of the Gospel, if they apostatize from Christ, and finally reject him as their Savior, cannot be renewed again to repentance, Heb 6:4-6. The double similitude of the ground blessed of God, and bearing fruit; and of that ground which is cursed of God, and bears briers and thorns, Heb 6:7, Heb 6:8. The apostle's con”
  12. Isaiah (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Isaiah 40:8: The grass withereth, the flower fadeth,.... Which is repeated, to raise attention to it, as being a matter of importance, and for the confirmation of it: but the word of our God shall stand for ever; the Apostle Peter adds, by way of explanation, and this is the word, which by the Gospel is preached unto you; who seems to distinguish the word from the Gospel, by which it is preached, and to intend Christ the essential Word; who stands or abides for ever as a divine Person; in his office as Mediator, being Prophet, Priest, and King for ever; in the efficacy of his ”
  13. John (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on John 5:39: Search the scriptures, &c.--"In the Scriptures ye find your charter of eternal life; go search them then, and you will find that I am the Great Burden of their testimony; yet ye will not come to Me for that life eternal which you profess to find there, and of which they tell you I am the appointed Dispenser." (Compare Act 17:11-12). How touching and gracious are these last words! Observe here (1) The honor which Christ gives to the Scriptures, as a record which all have a right and are bound to search--the reverse of which the Church of Rome teaches; (2)”
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