The Bible: Authority by Ps Michael Podhaczky

The Bible’s own authority is based on the infallibility of the Bible. The whole Bible is God’s Word, which is authoritative for humanity at all times.[1] It is the final authority of truth, for life, and also for the faith of the Christ follower. It endures as the Word of God to the nation of Israel and Christ-followers at all times up until this day. It is important to grasp that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God. Observe that Peter in (2 Peter 3:16), understood Paul’s writings to be God’s Word, calling it “Scripture” - (2 Peter 3:14-18).

Its significance may be questioned, suggesting that it is irrelevant and outdated, but this is not the case. The Bible is the Word of God to us that strengthens our faith. As correctly pointed out,

“How do we know that Scripture is the Word of God? How do we know this with that total conviction that brings the child of God into humble submission to the Word? How do we know this truth so that we are willing to lay down our lives for it? Because some skilled and knowledgeable redaction critic has proved it with an involved argument from literary and historical sources? God forbid. We know this by faith. Faith believes the Scriptures and the testimony of the Scriptures. Faith alone bows in humble submission to God’s Word.”[2]

The Bible does not need anyone to give it their authoritative backing. It is from God, so it has His authority. On the Bible conveying its own authority as the Word of God, it has been stated,

“…the normative authority of Holy Scripture is the authority of God Himself and is attested by Jesus Christ, the Lord of the Church.”[3]

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[1] God Speaks: A Workbook of The Bible. (Highbury, London: Grace Publication Trust, 1980), 2/4.

[2] Hanko, Herman C. “Issues in Hermeneutics.” http://www.prca.org/articles/issues_in_hermeneutics.html (21^st May 2018).

[3] “Chicago Statement on Biblical Hermeneutics: Article 1.” http://www.bible-researcher.com/chicago2.html (21^st May 2018). Cf. also “The Supernatural Origin of Biblical Texts.” http://www.bereanpublishers.com/the-supernatural-origin-of-biblical-texts/ (21^st May 2018).