Doctrine & Disciplines of the Bible
The Bible is true and reliable in all the matters it addresses, as it is God’s voice. The Bible teaches that God has ultimate and final authority over human behavior through His sufficient words. This means that the Bible’s teachings are the highest and last word on how we should live, think, and believe. The Bible possesses the privilege of commanding what God’s people are to do, be, and believe, giving God the right to establish laws, give orders, and demand obedience.
The Bible is not merely a book but is considered to be the very voice of God. In Doctrine & Disciplines of the Bible, Part Four – Inerrancy & Infallibility of the Scriptures, we established that the Bible is accurate and reliable in all the matters it addresses. The Bible is God’s voice, and He speaks through it to His people, guiding them in their thoughts, beliefs, words, and actions.
The authority and sufficiency of Scripture are essential aspects of the Christian faith, as they reflect the nature of God’s relationship with His people. God’s sufficient words have ultimate, comprehensive, and final authority, commanding human behavior in a way that aligns with His character and will. Therefore, the Bible can command our thoughts, desires, beliefs, words, actions, and behavior. This applies to all Christians, regardless of their background, denomination, or level of faith.
The Bible is the ultimate authority that brings intrinsic authority as it contains the very words of God. It is inspired, inerrant, and infallible, and its supremacy qualifies it as a functional, instrumental, conferred, and traditional guidebook in every aspect of life. By affirming the authority of Scripture, the believer acknowledges that the Bible possesses the privilege to command what God’s people are to do, be, and believe, giving God the right to establish laws, give orders, and demand obedience.
Resting in the authority of Scripture brings numerous benefits. It provides not just guidance, but a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. It offers not just comfort, but a soothing balm for the soul. It imparts not just wisdom, but a profound understanding of God’s character and will. The Bible is not just a book, but a powerful tool that can transform lives, offering hope, assurance, and peace in all circumstances.
It’s essential to look to the Scriptures with the same view as Jesus and the biblical writers, understanding that they are authoritative and without error. The Bible’s authority is not just a human construct, but grounded in its divine inspiration, which means it is the Word of God and not merely the words of human authors. Therefore, to disbelieve or disobey any word of Scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God, a truth that should instill in us a deep sense of reverence and confidence in its authority.
Christians are not just called, but urged with a sense of urgency, to stand for biblical truth in every aspect of life, even when it contradicts societal norms or expectations. The Bible’s authority should not be undermined by society’s low view of it. Instead, Christians are called to trust in God’s Word, valuing it over the opinions of others, and standing firm in their faith.
In conclusion, the Bible’s authority and sufficiency are crucial aspects of the Christian faith, as they reflect God’s nature and character. The Bible is not merely a book but the very voice of God, inspiring and guiding His people in their thoughts, beliefs, words, and actions. By affirming the authority of Scripture, Christians acknowledge that the Bible is the ultimate guidebook for their lives, providing guidance, comfort, wisdom, and hope in all circumstances. This affirmation not only strengthens our faith but also helps us navigate life’s challenges, make wise decisions, and live in a way that pleases God.
All sources for this series are listed here: https://debbieswindell.wordpress.com/2019/05/30/excited-to-share/
Debbie Swindell 