The Authority and Power of the Bible (Part 1)

Today’s reading is Section 2 of the Lausanne Covenant - The Authority and Power of the Bible. Read Here.

We affirm the divine inspiration, truthfulness and authority of both Old and New Testament Scriptures in their entirety as the only written word of God, without error in all that it affirms, and the only infallible rule of faith and practice.

The Authority of the Bible

Prominence is given to biblical authority because both evangelism and helping new believers grow require teaching that is rich in biblical content.

Scripture is ‘the Word of God’ (Hebrews 1:1-2; 1 Thessalonians 2:13). It is his ‘written Word’, recorded so that later generations could learn from it (Romans 15:4; 1 Corinthians 10:11). And it is his ‘only’ written Word. Three words describe Scripture:

• Inspiration: This does not mean that God breathed into already-written words, or into the writers who wrote them, but rather that the words themselves were ‘God-breathed’ (2 Timothy 3:16). Of course, they were also the words of those who spoke and wrote freely. Yet these people were ‘moved by the Holy Spirit’ (2 Peter 1:21) so completely that it could be said: ‘the mouth of the Lord has spoken it’ (Isaiah 40:5).
• Truthfulness: Since Scripture is God’s Word written, it is true (Numbers 23:19; John 17:17). And since it is true, it is without error in all that it affirms.
• Authority: The divine inspiration of Scripture secures its truthfulness, and because Scripture is truth from God, it has authority. While different churches may have their own creeds, confessions and traditions to govern their teaching and practice, Scripture is the only infallible standard. And this comes from its authority and inspiration. Jesus himself submitted to the Old Testament Scriptures and prepared for the New Testament by appointing the apostles (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

Reflection:

How does the Bible’s inspiration, truthfulness, and authority shape the way you live and share your faith?

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for your Word. Help me trust it fully, live by it, and share its truth with others.