The AUTHORITY of the WORD of GOD

We live in a culture that has been, for a couple generations, openly rejecting and rebelling against proper authority. The latest manifestation of this trend is the “occupy” demonstrations. More accurate would be to refer to them as the “occupy” squatters. These spoiled vagrants throw their violent temper-tantrums in an illogical protest of … uh, what? Well, that depends on who you ask.

Some don’t like the fact that they are expected to pay back money loaned to them for their college education so they rebel against tax-payers who funded the program that loaned them the money. Some don’t like capitalism so they reject the authority of business owners and investors to make decisions that are best for their own companies. Some don’t like to be told they can’t camp-out in a public space and smoke marijuana all day, so they rebel against the police who patiently attempt to enforce the law. Some don’t like representative government so they rebel against the idea of participating in the election process. The bottom line is they don’t recognize or 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 authority is in 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. 2Timothy 3:16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God … 2Peter 1:20-21 Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. [21] 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.

The authority is in its power. The message of the Bible has formed nations and restored individual lives. It gives direction for humanity to aspire and simple truths for a child to grasp. The Bible affects all who receive it – in profound ways. Hebrews 4:12 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.

The authority is in 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 the perfection of the itself. So, it is either totally true or a complete scam. Psalm 19:7 The law of the LORD is perfect,… Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Psalm 12:6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.

The authority is in its endurance. For centuries many have tried to dismantle it, destroy it, deride it and dilute it. But, the Bible remains the best-seller every year. Governments have seized it. Dictators have burned it. Scoffers have ridiculed it. Yet, still today, millions of people read it for comfort, guidance, and hope. 2Peter 1:24-25 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: [25] But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

The authority is in its impact. No other writing as impacted humanity as the Bible has. No other book as the personal impact on one who reads and studies it as the Bible has. What a staggering thought, when you open the Bible you are opening the voice of God. Jeremiah 23:29 Is not my word like as a fire? saith the LORD; and like a hammer that breaketh the rock in pieces? Proverbs 6:23 For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light; and reproofs of instruction [are] the way of life: