THE AUTHORITY OF SCRIPTURE:

What is Scripture? Scripture is contained in the Bible, as the collection of 66 books, written through around 40 men, over a period of roughly 1500 years. How was the Bible written? Well, the Bible itself tells us that “men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” (2Peter1:21b) This means that the Bible is not a product of human effort, but is the very Word of God.

All Scripture is inspired by God. It is His perfect, timeless Word, complete and without error. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us that “all Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work”. And Hebrews 4:12 let’s us know that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart”. Since Scripture is the very Word of God and without error, and since God is creator – over and above all, then whatever the Bible says is an authority over our lives. 

Sometimes when we’re studying God’s Word, we might read something that makes us a little uncomfortable. Sometimes we might initially not like what we read, or we may feel confused by a portion of Scripture, or even angry. During these times, we may be tempted to disregard or reinterpret certain portions of Scripture to suit our tastes or the current culture better. During these times, it’s good to remember that God is God and we are not. He is high above us in every way. His understanding is unfathomable. He is good and He does good, and whatever is in His Word is good. It’s our job to submit to His Word, and not the other way around. As belivers, we are called to learn, accept, believe, and obey what has been written.

 Along these same lines, there may be times when you don’t like what I share during our time together. It might go against popular, cultural Christianity, it may sound politically incorrect, or maybe it will challenge a belief you’ve long held. If this happens, I challenge you to continue studying the Scriptures for yourself, checking everything I, and anyone else, says against what Scripture says.  
I’d love to hear your questions and I’m open to comments and discussion rooted in an acceptance of the authority of Scripture and the understanding that Scripture doesn’t contradict itself. Truth is important. It’s worth seeking, it’s worth fighting for, and it’s certainly worth the discomfort that inevitably occurs when it comes against error.

I hope to talk with you more on the topic of Scripture at a later time, but this is enough for now. I’m already looking forward to next time!