Bible Authority

2 Timothy 3:16-17 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

 

Ligonier Ministries has partnered with LifeWay Research to survey the beliefs of Americans on a number of theological and ethical issues. Like past surveys, the 2020 State of Theology survey reveals some encouraging results, but it also reveals confusion and a lack of theological knowledge among evangelicals. But not on this one! 94% surveyed agreed. 

 

Isaiah 40:8 “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”

 

The twenty-fifth survey question inquires of people’s belief that the Bible has the authority to tells us what we must do. To understand why this statement must be affirmed by all faithful Christians, one must understand what the Bible is. Paul explains this in his second letter to Timothy: “All Scripture is breathed out by God”. The word translated “breathed out by God” is theopneustos. It literally means “God- breathed” - given by inspiration of God. In other words, the Bible is the very Word of God. The Bible has the authority to tell us what to do because Almighty God has the authority to tell us what to do. 

 

Psalm 146:6 “Who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them; Who keeps truth forever.”

 

It should go without saying that God has the authority to tell us what to do. He is the Creator of heaven and earth. Genesis 1:1 “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” He upholds our very existence. Hebrews 1:3 “who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” He is King and Lord. Psalm 47:6-7 “Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth; Sing praises with understanding.” We are, therefore, His creatures and subjects and owe Him obedience. The living God is also infinitely good. Psalm 34:8 “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!”

 

Psalm 119:68 “You are good, and do good; Teach me Your statutes.”

 

Because the psalmist recognized the perfect goodness of God, he asked God to teach him His statutes. The psalmist knew that his Creator had the authority to tell him what to do, and he knew that what God told him to do was good. Jesus also made it abundantly clear that man is to live by every word that comes from the mouth of God. Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.

 

1 Thessalonians 2:13 “For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.”