Authority || The Bible
Inspired, Trustworthy, and Final Authority for Life and Godliness
In a culture filled with countless voices and shifting standards, the Holy Bible stands unshakably firm through all time and history. As believers, we affirm that in its original writing, the Bible is inspired, dependable, and without error. It is not just a religious text; it is the final authority in how we live our lives and our primary source of orthodoxy (right belief) and orthopraxy (right practice).
The Scriptures themselves declare this foundational truth:
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (NIV)
Every word of the Bible carries the very breath of God. It teaches us truth, corrects our missteps, shapes our character, and equips us for every good work. We are not left to guess what God desires of us; He has revealed it fully and faithfully in His Word.
Peter reinforces this understanding by reminding us:
“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.” — 2 Peter 1:20-21 (NIV)
The Bible is not a man-made collection of opinions but a divine revelation, transmitted through human authors who were moved by the Holy Spirit. Its authority is not partial or negotiable — it is total and complete.
In His high priestly prayer, Jesus Himself affirmed:
“Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth.”— John 17:17 (NIV)
God’s Word is not merely true; it is truth itself. It is the measuring stick against which all ideas, beliefs, and practices must be tested. It sanctifies us — setting us apart for God’s purposes — and shapes the entirety of our lives.
The Authority, Sufficiency, and Impact of Scripture
The authority of the Bible means that it speaks with the voice of God Himself. We are called not merely to respect it but to submit to it, allowing it to mold our thinking, our values, our decisions, and our actions.
Its sufficiency means that Scripture contains everything we need for salvation, for faithful living, and for understanding God’s will. It doesn’t require supplements, additions, or human philosophies to be relevant. It stands complete — a perfect guide for a believer’s journey.
The impact of trusting in the authority and sufficiency of Scripture is profound. Faith becomes anchored, not tossed by every trend. Practice becomes consistent, not subject to personal whims or cultural pressures. Life becomes purpose-driven, shaped daily by the unchanging Word of God.
A Picture of the Bible’s Role: The Coach’s Playbook
Imagine a team preparing for a championship game. The coach provides a playbook — a collection of strategies, movements, and principles designed to bring out the best in every player and ensure the team works together seamlessly.
Now, picture what would happen if each player decided to ignore the playbook and make up their own rules on the field. Chaos would follow. The team would fall apart. Victory would slip away.
The Bible is God’s playbook for our lives. It doesn’t just teach us how to “win” in life — it shows us how to live faithfully, honor God, and fulfill our calling together as the Body of Christ. When we follow God’s instructions, each of us is better equipped, better prepared, and positioned to flourish individually and as a community of believers.
Because we deeply believe in the Bible’s inspiration, dependability, and authority. We encourage you to explore more by engaging with additional Resources.