#7--Authority of Scripture

I have written about the supernatural nature of Scripture, focusing on the revelatory nature of God's Word. I have also written about how humanity "got the message" [so to speak] of God's revelation. Through the process of "inspiration," God directed men to write down what He revealed to them.

Authority of Scripture

Today, let us consider the authority of Scripture. The Bible claims to be authoritative because it reveals God's decrees and laws.

  • The Scriptures are the commandments of the Lord (1 Co. 14:37; Heb. 1:2). Since God created humanity, we must obey the old and New Testaments as God's orders to us. The primary revelation "in these last days" is Jesus. Jesus demonstrated by His life, as well through his words, the love of the Father. The New Testament writings of Paul, Peter, and others serve as part of this Written revelation concerning Jesus that helps to clarify Jesus' sacrificial role and to prepare the Church for Jesus' return.
  • Over one-third of the Bible consists of prophecies [messages from God delivered by His designated personnel to individuals, nations, or groups from God (Rev. 22:18-19). These prophetic messages from God are authoritative and should not be ignored or distorted. If anyone distorts or adds to a prophecy, the one who instigates those changes that man will be cursed. If a man negates God's words, God will remove his name from the Book of Life [Revelation 22:18-19].
  • The Power of God (Matthew 22:29) The Scriptures contain the power and authority of God to transform anyone who calls upon the Name of Jesus. However, a person must study and correctly apply the Scriptures to receive a supernatural manifestation of God's power being released into their lives.
  • The Building Blocks of Scripture (Ephesians 2:20). Scripture is built line upon line, precept upon precept (Isaiah 28:9-10, 13). The prophets spoke with God's authority of the coming Messiah, and the Apostles spread the good news of Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection. Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith. His life demonstrated God's will, and His death and resurrection revealed God's authority and power.
  • The Spirit of Truth (John 16:13) The Holy Spirit leads the believer into all truth. The believer can rightly divide the Scripture through the guidance of the Holy Spirit and the Spirit's teaching. The Spirit, however, never contradicts the Scripture but explains it to man. (He can do this since the Spirit was responsible for the Scripture's composition.)
  • The Mysterious Sign of Jonas (Matthew 12:40) Man is not to seek after miraculous signs to know God's will but is to study His Word instead. The Bible revealed God's purpose by predicting Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. The risen Christ, "the Sign of Jonas," confirmed the validity of God's Word. However, the Scriptures' authority is based on Its being God's inspired Word, not on any miraculous occurrence.
  • The Unbreakable Scriptures (John 10:34-35). The Word of God is unchangeable and unbreakable. If a person misunderstands or misapplies the Scripture, the problem is with the believer, not the Scripture.
  • The Scriptures Are Truth. The Word of God is eternal truth. It can sanctify the believer and transform one out of darkness into light.
Close

50% Complete

Two Step

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua.