This word occurs but once in the Old Testament, where an angel speaks of 'the scripture of truth.' Daniel 10:21 . In the New Testament the various parts of the Old Testament are referred to as 'the scriptures'; they are the 'holy scriptures,' 2 Timothy 3:15; they must needs be fulfilled; they cannot be broken. John 10:35; Acts 17:2,11 . Some erred because they did not know the scriptures. Matthew 22:29 . And 'all scripture' is God-inspired, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that the man of God may be perfect, or complete, fully fitted to every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16,17 . It is in short a God-inspired and infallible revelation to man, and especially to those who are by grace in relationship with Him. As in a nation 'the records' are referred to as authority, so in the church, it is 'the scriptures' that bind the conscience, and should be an end of all controversy. To understand them the teaching of the Holy Spirit is needed, for "the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life."