We live in a culture that openly rejects and rebels against proper authority. The latest manifestation of this trend was the “occupy” demonstrations. Some of the protesters did not like the fact that they are expected to pay back money loaned to them for their college education, so they rebelled against taxpayers who funded the program that loaned them the money. Some didn’t like capitalism, so they rejected the authority of business owners and investors to make decisions that are best for their companies. Some didn’t like representative government, so they rebelled against the idea of participating in the election process. The bottom line is they didn’t recognize and respect authority.
The timeless Word of God is the supreme authority for all of humanity. Whether recognized as such or not, the fact remains that God has given mankind absolute truth in the Bible. Certainly, believers should recognize, respect, and regard the authority of the Holy Scriptures.
There are several evidences of the authority of the Word of God:
The Evidence of its Authorship
God gave the Bible word for word through human writers that we might know Him. As we read it we learn the mind and the heart of God.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” 2 Timothy 3:16
“Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” 2 Peter 1:20–21
The Evidence of its Power
The message of the Bible has formed nations and restored individual lives. It gives direction for men to aspire to, and simple truths for a child to grasp. The Bible affects all who receive it in profound ways.
“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The Evidence of its Perfection
The Word of God is without error. It is totally accurate; completely true in all its statements. It is absolute truth. The Bible makes declarative statements about its perfection. So, it is either totally true or completely false.
“The law of the LORD is perfect…” Psalm 19:7
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.” Proverbs 30:5
“The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.” Psalm 12:6
The Evidence of its Endurance
For centuries many have tried to dismantle, destroy, deride, and dilute God’s Word. But, the Bible remains the best-seller every year. Governments have seized it, dictators have burned it, and scoffers have ridiculed it. Yet, still today, millions of people read it for comfort, guidance, and hope.
“For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.” 1 Peter 1:24–25
The Evidence of its Impact
No other writing has impacted humanity as the Bible has. No other book has the personal impact on one who reads and studies it as the Bible has.
“Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces?” Jeremiah 23:29
“For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction are the way of life: Proverbs 6:23
