The authority of Scripture is a foundational doctrine of the Christian faith. It establishes the Bible as the supreme standard for what we believe and how we live. The Word of God speaks with divine authority because it is breathed out by God Himself, and therefore it carries His truth, power, and majesty. This doctrine is rooted in the Bible’s self-testimony, has been defended throughout church history, and is clearly articulated in the Reformed tradition, particularly in Chapter 1 of the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). For a church in Greenville, South Carolina, committed to proclaiming the truth of God’s Word, the doctrine of Scripture’s authority provides an unshakable foundation for its mission and ministry.
What Is the Authority of Scripture?
The authority of Scripture means that the Bible, as the Word of God, has the final say in all matters of faith and practice. As WCF 1.4 states:
“The authority of the Holy Scripture, for which it ought to be believed and obeyed, dependeth not upon the testimony of any man, or Church; but wholly upon God (who is truth itself), the author thereof: and therefore it is to be received, because it is the Word of God.”
This statement highlights two essential truths about the authority of Scripture:
- Its Source: The authority of Scripture is derived from God, who is truth itself (John 17:17; Titus 1:2). Because Scripture is inspired by God (2 Tim. 3:16), it carries the weight of His authority.
- Our Response: As the Word of God, Scripture must be believed and obeyed. Its commands, promises, and teachings are binding on all people.
Unlike human traditions or opinions, which are fallible and subject to change, Scripture is infallible and unchanging. It is the supreme authority to which all other authorities must submit (Isa. 8:20; Acts 17:11).
Biblical Evidence for the Authority of Scripture
The Bible itself repeatedly affirms its divine authority. In the Old Testament, the prophets declared, “Thus saith the LORD” (e.g., Isa. 1:10; Jer. 1:4), emphasizing that their words were not their own but God’s. The psalmist recognized the perfection and power of God’s Word, writing, “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple” (Ps. 19:7).
Jesus affirmed the authority of Scripture during His earthly ministry. He referred to the Old Testament as the Word of God and consistently upheld its teachings. For example, in Matthew 5:18, He declared, “Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” Jesus also demonstrated Scripture’s authority in resisting Satan’s temptations, responding each time with the phrase, “It is written” (Matt. 4:4, 7, 10).
The apostles recognized the authority of Scripture and relied on it as the foundation for their teaching. Paul described the Bible as “the oracles of God” (Rom. 3:2) and taught that it is “profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim. 3:16). Peter, writing of the prophetic Word, called it “a more sure word of prophecy” (2 Pet. 1:19) and affirmed that “holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Pet. 1:21).
The Westminster Confession and the Authority of Scripture
The Reformed tradition has consistently upheld the authority of Scripture. Chapter 1 of the Westminster Confession of Faith provides a robust summary of this doctrine. Paragraph 5 of the Confession highlights the evidences of Scripture’s divine origin, including “the heavenliness of the matter, the efficacy of the doctrine, the majesty of the style, the consent of all the parts, the scope of the whole (which is, to give all glory to God), the full discovery it makes of the only way of man’s salvation, [and] the many other incomparable excellencies.”
While these evidences are compelling, the ultimate basis for Scripture’s authority is the inward work of the Holy Spirit. As the Confession states, “Our full persuasion and assurance of the infallible truth and divine authority thereof, is from the inward work of the Holy Spirit bearing witness by and with the Word in our hearts” (WCF 1.5).
This inward testimony of the Spirit enables believers to recognize the voice of their Shepherd in the pages of Scripture (John 10:27).
The Authority of Scripture in Practice
The authority of Scripture is not merely a theological concept; it has profound implications for how the church and individual believers live and function.
1. For Doctrine
The authority of Scripture establishes it as the supreme standard for determining truth. Every doctrine must be tested against the Bible. As Paul exhorted the Galatians, “But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8).
In Greenville, where diverse theological perspectives and cultural ideologies abound, the church must remain firmly grounded in Scripture. By holding fast to God’s Word, it can discern truth from error and faithfully proclaim the gospel.
2. For Worship
The authority of Scripture governs how we worship God. Jesus taught that true worship must be “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). The Reformed principle of worship, known as the regulative principle, holds that only what is commanded in Scripture should be included in worship. This ensures that worship is God-centered and not shaped by human preferences.
3. For Daily Living
The authority of Scripture extends to every aspect of life. It provides guidance for relationships, work, finances, and moral decision-making. As the psalmist wrote, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Ps. 119:105). For believers in Greenville, the Bible offers wisdom for navigating the challenges of daily life in a way that honors God.
4. For Mission
The authority of Scripture compels the church to fulfill its mission. Jesus commissioned His disciples, saying, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matt. 28:19-20). The church’s evangelism, discipleship, and service must be rooted in and guided by the Word of God.
Challenges to the Authority of Scripture
Throughout history, the authority of Scripture has been challenged. In Jesus’ day, the Pharisees added their traditions to God’s Word, undermining its authority (Matt. 15:3-9). During the Reformation, the Reformers rejected the Roman Catholic Church’s elevation of tradition and papal authority alongside Scripture. Today, similar challenges arise from secular ideologies, subjective interpretations, and the tendency to prioritize personal experience over biblical truth.
Legalism undermines Scripture’s authority by adding human rules, while antinomianism rejects its authority by dismissing God’s commands. Both errors fail to honor the Bible as the supreme standard for faith and practice.
Encouragement for Believers
The authority of Scripture is a profound encouragement for believers. It assures us that God has spoken clearly and authoritatively, providing a sure foundation for our faith. In Greenville and beyond, the church can stand confidently on God’s Word, knowing that it is unchanging and sufficient to address every need.
This doctrine also calls us to submit to Scripture in every area of life. As James exhorts, “Be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves” (James 1:22). By living under the authority of God’s Word, we demonstrate our love for Him and bear witness to the transforming power of the gospel.
Conclusion
The doctrine of the authority of Scripture is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. It affirms that the Bible, as the inspired Word of God, is the final authority for faith and life. Rooted in the character of God and affirmed by Scripture itself, this doctrine provides a sure foundation for the church’s worship, mission, and witness.
For a church in Greenville, South Carolina, this truth is especially relevant as it seeks to proclaim God’s unchanging Word in a rapidly changing world. May we echo the psalmist’s declaration: “Forever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Ps. 119:89), and may we live faithfully under the authority of Scripture, trusting in its power to guide, transform, and glorify God.