SACRED
SCRIPTURE
Definition, Importance and
Divisions
Presented by Jinggle Selgas
Definition
The Sacred Scripture is the inspired Word of God in the words of men. This means
that while the human authors wrote the Scriptures using their own language, style,
and cultural context, they were guided and inspired by the Holy Spirit to convey God's
message accurately and faithfully.
"God is the author of Sacred Scripture. 'The divinely revealed realities, which are
contained and presented in the text of Sacred Scripture, have been written down
under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit'" (CCC 105).
Objectives..
1. To identify and categorize the books of the Sacred Scriptures
based on their division in the Old and New Testaments.
2. To deepen understanding of the significance and content of
each division.
3. To reflect on the thematic and theological importance of each
section in the context of salvation history.
Definition Cont...
This means that although the Sacred
Scriptures were written by human authors,
they were not solely the product of human
creativity or invention. Rather, the Holy Spirit
worked through these human authors, guiding
and inspiring them to write what God intended
to communicate to His people.
Definition Cont...
The phrase "in the words of men" emphasizes
the human aspect of the Sacred Scriptures. The
human authors used their own language,
vocabulary, and writing styles to convey God's
message. However, the Holy Spirit ensured that
their words accurately and faithfully conveyed
the divine truths that God wanted to reveal.
Importance of the Sacred
Scriptures
The Sacred Scriptures hold immense importance in the Catholic faith as
they are considered the inspired Word of God and a vital source of divine
revelation.
CCC paragraph 104 states: "In Sacred Scripture, the Church constantly
finds her nourishment and her strength, for she welcomes it not as a
human word, 'but as what it really is, the word of God' (1 Thessalonians
2:13)."
Importance
Revelation of God’s Plan Encounter With God
The Sacred Scriptures offer a means for
The Scriptures reveal God's plan of
believers to encounter God personally.
salvation for humanity. They provide
Through reading and meditating on the
insights into God's character, His
Scriptures, individuals can deepen their
relationship with His people, and His
relationship with God, grow in faith, and
desire for their salvation. .
Formation of Faith experience His presence and guidance.
Sources of truth
The Scriptures provide a solid foundation
The Sacred Scriptures are a reliable
for understanding and living out the faith.
and authoritative source of divine
By studying the Scriptures, believers gain
truth. They contain God's revealed
knowledge of God's teachings, and the
truths necessary for salvation.
examples of faith..
Importance Cont...
05 06
Guiding Moral Life Liturgical and Devotional Use
The Scriptures provide moral guidance The Sacred Scriptures are central to the
and principles for believers to live a liturgical life of the Church. They are proclaimed
virtuous and righteous life. They offer and reflected upon during Mass, the Liturgy of
ethical teachings, commandments, and the Hours, and other liturgical celebrations.
examples of virtue that shape the moral Additionally, the Scriptures are a rich source for
conscience of individuals and guide their personal prayer, meditation, and spiritual
actions in accordance with God's will. reading, allowing individuals to deepen their
spiritual life.
Divisions and
Classifications
he Sacred Scriptures are divided into two main
divisions: the Old Testament and the New
Testament. Each division has its own classification
of books. Here are the main divisions and
classifications:
Classifications of Books in
the Old Testament
01 02 03
Pentateuch (Torah) Historical Books Wisdom Books
Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 Job, Psalms, Proverbs,
Numbers, Deuteronomy & 2 Kings, 1 & 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon,
Nehemiah, Tobit, Judith, Esther Wisdom, Sirach, Ecclesiasticus
04
Prophets
a. Major Prophets: - Isaiah - Jeremiah - Lamentations - Ezekiel - Daniel
b. Minor Prophets: - Hosea - Joel - Amos - Obadiah - Jonah - Micah - Nahum -
Habakkuk - Zephaniah - Haggai - Zechariah - Malachi
The Deuterocanonical
The Deuterocanonical books are a set of texts that are included in the Old
Testament of the Catholic Bible but are not found in the Hebrew Bible. These
books are considered canonical by the Catholic Church and are recognized
as part of Sacred Scripture. The term "Deuterocanonical" comes from the
Greek word "deuteros," meaning "second," and "canon," meaning "rule" or
"standard," indicating that these books hold a secondary status in terms of
their acceptance in the broader Christian tradition.
The Deuterocanonical
In the Catholic canon deuterocanonical books were included. The
Catholic Church recognized these books as part of the Scriptures to
be accepted as inspired. The main reason for this acceptance is that
these books were widely used in the Christian tradition and have
been part of the Septuagint. These are the books included in this
canon.
The Deuterocanonical: The Books
1. Tobit: A story about a pious Israelite named Tobit and his son Tobias, emphasizing themes of faith,
prayer, and divine providence.
2. Judith: The account of a courageous widow who saves Israel from an invading army through her
bravery and cunning.
3. Wisdom: A philosophical reflection on wisdom, righteousness, and the nature of God, often
attributed to Solomon.
4. Sirach (Ecclesiasticus): A collection of ethical teachings and maxims that provide practical advice
for living a good life.
5. Baruch: A letter attributed to Baruch, the secretary of Jeremiah, which includes reflections on the
Babylonian exile and a call to repentance.
6. Letter of Jeremiah: Often considered a separate book, this is a letter warning the exiled Israelites
against idolatry.
The Deuterocanonical: The Books
7. Additions to Esther: Additional passages that expand on the Book of Esther, including
prayers and the decree of the king.
8. Additions to Daniel: This includes three specific stories:
▪ The Prayer of Azariah and the Song of the Three Young Men
• Susanna
• Bel and the Dragon
9. 1 Maccabees: A historical account of the Maccabean revolt against the Seleucid
Empire and the fight for Jewish independence.
10. 2 Maccabees: A summary of the events of 1 Maccabees, with a focus on the
theological implications of the Maccabean struggle and the importance of martyrdom.
Classifications of Books in
the New Testament
01 02 03
Gospels Acts of the Apostles Pauline Epistles
Matthew, Mark, Luke, John This book, written by Luke, recounts the early Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians,
history of the Church, focusing on the actions Galatians, Ephesians,
and teachings of the apostles. Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2
04 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy,
Apostolic Epistles Titus, Philemon
Hebrews, James, 1 Peter, 2 Peter, 1 John, 2 John, 3 John, Jude
Activity: Thematic Reflection
• Choose one book from the list above (Pentateuch, Historical Books,
Wisdom Books, Prophetic Books, Gospels, Pauline Letters, Catholic
Letters, Revelation). For each selected book, answer the following:
• Summary: Write a brief summary (3-5 sentences) of the chosen book’s content.
• Key Themes: Identify two key themes or messages from the book.
• Personal Reflection: Reflect on how the themes or teachings of this book apply to your
own life or how they impact your understanding of faith.
THANK YOU