Scripture's Authority

  Scripture's authority rests on the belief that the Bible is God's Word. How God describes and defines His Word becomes the basis for our belief. Scripture only has meaning as you give it authority. But, you can't pick and choose which verses, which parts you will accept. It must be accepted in its entirety. It is viable, effective and all encompassing only as you submit to its authority. The critical issue: How do you view scripture? Is the Bible God's Word infallible and irrefutable? Is it God speaking to us, to you now, though written by inspiration by God to man for man?

  There are verses in scripture that warn. There are verses that direct. Some comfort. Some provide deeper understanding as we ponder them. However, we have to begin with our initial premise – do we believe that Scripture IS the Word of God given through inspiration to man? Without that foundation and until and unless the Word is seen as the infallible, inspired Word of God, there is no foundation for discussion. 2 Timothy 3:16.17:

      "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
       for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man
       of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 
That scripture tells us: 1. how scripture comes - inspiration of God, 2. what its use is - reproof, correction, instruction; and 3. its purpose - that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped.  

  For me, one of my most important understanding and appreciation is found in Hebrews 6:13, "For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself..." and in verse 18 we are told, "... it is impossible for God to lie..." This was a 'crossing the t's and dotting the i's' revelation and stamped it pertinence, relevance, and basis for applicability. 

  The interesting dimension that emerges is ‘interpretation’. There’s enough controversy over man’s interpretation to cause sufficient problems. But prior to considering specific verses, how do we define ‘God’s Word’? And even before we get to our definition, how does God view His Word? 

      "So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return
       to Me void, But if shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in
       the thing for which I sent it."  (55:10)
Revelations, though, put the final point for my belief in and reliance on God's Word. It is a warning.

     "...If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that
      are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of
      the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book
      of Life..." (22:18-19)
For me, that puts a period to all arguments. I have the choice to believe or not but that does not invalidate God's Word. If the Word is all that it says it is then our focus should be on understanding and applying His Word.

  Looking at just those few scriptures we have learned how God defines His word... very explicitly. Actually, He continues to talk about His Word throughout scripture. Examples: Genesis 8:3 we are told that, “...man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” Lives… by every… fairly all encompassing.  Without question from the beginning (Genesis) to the end (Revelation) God has placed His Word above everything. Isaiah 40:8, “…the word of our God stands forever.”  

   Obviously I could cite other scriptures that state how important the Word is. But the point is – what do you believe? Will you accept the authority of the Word? I'm not asking you to necessarily 'like' every word or understand every word, I'm just asking if you believe and accept it as ultimate and total authority? Is the Bible personal - God speaking to You?!