Scripture is the God-breathed and inspired word of God. It is the perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct. As such, we can rely upon its authority. Adam Barnett concludes our Why series by exploring why the Bible is authoritative.
Scripture is the God-breathed and inspired word of God. It is the perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct. As such, we can rely upon its authority. Adam Barnett concludes our Why series by exploring why the Bible is authoritative.
Why is the Bible Authoritative?
Why? | Week 4
January 27, 2019 | Adam Barnett
“Our danger lies in questioning too little rather than too much. After all, our questions can be the voice of God.”
— Caroline Westerhoff
"We confess God’s Word, the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament, as the only perfect rule for faith, doctrine, and conduct.”
1 | Scripture includes the Old and New Testaments.
2 | Scripture is the perfect rule for faith.
3 | Scripture is the perfect rule for doctrine.
We can’t add to Scripture with our experiences and we can’t subtract from Scripture with our skepticism.
4 | Scripture is the perfect rule for conduct.
2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.
1 | The Bible is unique.
2 | The Bible is widely accepted.
3 | The Bible claims to be authoritative.
2 Peter 1:20-21 (NIV)
Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
Direct Revelation
The actual words of God are recorded by the prophets
Inspiration
The Holy Spirit guided the prophets as they wrote; therefore, it is Divine Truth
4 | The Bible welcomes our challenge.
5 | The authority of the Bible requires faith.
"True doctrine is crucial if the church is to remain in sound health and fulfill its mission." — Dr. Jonathan Wilson