The Divine Origin of Scripture
The authority of the Bible is fundamentally derived from its divine origin. 2 Timothy 3:16 asserts, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness." This passage indicates that the Scriptures are not merely human words but are inspired by Jehovah, making them an authoritative source for faith and practice. The concept of inspiration implies that while human authors penned the Scriptures, the ultimate authorship belongs to Jehovah, who guided their writings through the Holy Spirit.
Scripture's Self-Attestation
The Bible attests to its own authority in several passages. For instance, 2 Peter 1:20-21 explains, "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." This highlights that the messages in the Bible are not the product of human knowledge or interpretation but directly come from Jehovah.
Moreover, Jesus Christ Himself affirmed the authority of the Scriptures. In John 10:35, He stated, "Scripture cannot be broken," underscoring the inviolability and enduring reliability of the biblical text. Jesus' endorsement of the Old Testament Scriptures as truth, and His use of these texts to teach and correct others, reinforces the Bible's authority.
The Prophetic Accuracy of the Bible
The authoritative nature of the Bible is also evidenced by its prophetic accuracy. Isaiah 46:9-10 declares, "Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, 'My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.'" Historical fulfillments of biblical prophecies, such as the fall of Babylon predicted by Isaiah and Jeremiah and the precise details regarding the life and death of Jesus Christ, validate the Scriptures as a reliable source of divine truth.
The Bible's Transformative Power
The transformative impact of the Scriptures on individual lives and societies throughout history also testifies to its authority. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word of God as "alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." The ability of the Bible to convict individuals, leading to repentance and spiritual renewal, demonstrates its inherent power and authority.
Furthermore, the endurance of the Bible through centuries of scrutiny, persecution, and criticism attests to its authoritative status. Despite numerous attempts throughout history to discredit or destroy the Scriptures, they remain the most widely distributed and read book globally, influencing countless lives.
Adherence to Biblical Teachings
The call for Christians to adhere to the teachings of the Bible is rooted in its authority. James 1:22 encourages believers, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." The expected obedience to the Scriptures underscores the belief that they are not just historical or moral guidelines but the authoritative word of Jehovah that commands submission and action.
The authority of the Bible is integral to Christian faith and practice. It serves as the ultimate standard by which all teachings and doctrines should be judged. This authority is not derived from the church or human institutions but from its divine inspiration, prophetic accuracy, transformative power, and the endorsement by Jesus Christ Himself. As such, the Bible remains the foundational text for believers, offering guidance, correction, and encouragement in their spiritual journey.
About the Author
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is the CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored more than 220 books and is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).