Biblical
Authority
Is the BiBLE thE SOURCE of All TRUTH?
When writing about a topic like “Biblical Authority” it is important to set the proper context so that the reader is aware of the starting point. This article does not attempt to provide secular or historical evidence to support the authenticity or authority of the Bible. A topic like that is much better suited for a multi-week in-person class that provides opportunity for open discussion, visual aids, and personal research time. Therefore, as you continue into this article, please know that we are building on the assumption that the reader believes in the God of the Bible and does not question the authenticity of the scriptures contained within it.
The goal of this article is to demonstrate 1) That the Bible is the inspired word of God, even though it was written by the hands of men. 2) That the Bible is the only authority by which we should measure morality, derive our worship practices, and guide our Christian lives. 3) That the truths found in the Bible are timeless, not bound by any given culture or time.
How do we know the Bible is the word of God?
We read scriptures throughout the Bible that make it clear that God has spoken to men since the beginning of time. God has delivered his truth in many ways, including direct communication [Adam, Abraham, Noah…], through visions/dreams [Isaiah, David, Daniel, Jacob, Joseph…], through the Holy Spirit [directly on the Apostles – Acts 2] and finally through the inspired words found in the Bible.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” – 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (ESV)
“And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – 2 Peter 1:19-21 (ESV)
“For I would have you know, brothers, that the gospel that was preached by me is not man’s gospel. For I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ” – Galatians 1:11-12 (ESV)
What about other traditions or doctrines?
The Bible is the one and only authority in our lives; there are no other doctrines, traditions, popes, priests, ministers, etc. who are on equal ground with the inspired Word. We see many warnings throughout the Bible of those who might lead men astray, adding to or taking away from the written Word.
“For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” – 1 Timothy 2:5 (ESV)
“You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you” – Deuteronomy 4:2 (ESV)
“Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.” – Proverbs 30:5-6 (ESV)
“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.” – Galatians 1:6-9 (ESV)
“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit, according to human tradition, according to the elemental spirits of the world, and not according to Christ.” – Colossians 2:8 (ESV)
Men seeking their own traditions over God’s word is not a new concept. The Bible is full of stories where men are attempting to supplant the word of God. Some examples include the rebuke of the Pharisees in Mark 7:1-8, rebuke of the Jewish Christians in Acts 15, and the stern letter to the church found in Galatians 3.
Is the Bible still applicable to use today?
Throughout time there have always been those who believe some of the truths we find in scripture were not applicable in their culture for one reason or another. This is very prevalent today where biblical truths are explained away or outright dismissed under the guise that the writers were influenced by their culture, and it is no longer applicable. However, we must resist the urge to shape God’s word into what we want it to say for the sake of making it more palatable for our current culture or to suit our own personal needs.
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect” – Romans 12:2 (ESV)
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” – Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.” – Matthew 24:35 (ESV)
“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever” – Hebrews 13:8 (ESV)
“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” – Psalm 119:160 (ESV)
God’s unchanging word is for all peoples and all times. His truths, delivered to us through the inspired word found in the Bible, are for our instruction; providing us a glimpse of His enteral Glory and to serve as a guide to our salvation and to a happy/healthy life.