Biblical Authority

Definition of Authority

"the Bible, as the expression of God's will to us, possesses the right supremely to define what we are to believe and how we are to conduct ourselves." (Erickson 241

Recall the definition of inspiration: “The process by which God worked through human authors to produce divinely authoritative and inerrant writings” (Geisler/Nix, 39). The Bible is NOT authoritative because it is inerrant, though that does give credibility to its validity as an authority. The Bible is authoritative because it is God’s inspired word to humanity.

A phrase that became popular during the time of the Reformation was Sola Scriptura. Translated this means "The Scriptures Only." This phrase became popular as Martin Luther challenged the Roman Catholic church's view of Scripture interpretation which included tradition and the successive popes as equivalent interpreters along with the Holy Scriptures. The first point we want to note as we begin our discussion of the Authority of the Bible is that the Bible is the only infallible, inerrant, inspired source for our faith and practice.

This is in contrast to the teaching of the Roman Catholic Church as expressed in Vatican II:

• "It is clear, therefore, that sacred tradition, sacred Scripture, and the teaching authority of the Scripture, and the teaching authority of the Church, in accord with God's most wise design, are so linked and joined together that one cannot stand without the others, and that all together and each in its own way under the action of the one Holy Spirit contribute effectively to the salvation of souls."
  (Walter M. Abbott, ed. The Documents of Vatican II. New York: Herden and Herden, 1966, p. 118.)

While Sola Scriptura may not be the most important concept in our theology of Revelation and Scripture, it is certainly one of the key, vital, integral doctrines for us as evangelicals.

Sola Scriptura as opposed to:

• Tradition
• Clergy (1 Peter 2:9)
• Science/Reason - "Science" should inform our understanding of Scripture. However, this does not mean that it overrides our view of Scripture. If there is a question between "science" and Scripture, Scripture remains supreme.
• "Holy Spirit" (?) - The "Holy Spirit" will never lead you to do something that is contrary to Scripture!

Objective vs. Subjective Authority

"The written word, correctly interpreted, is the objective basis of authority. The inward illuminating and persuading work of the Holy Spirit is the subjective dimension."
(Erickson, Christian Theology, 252).

The written word is objective Truth. If it sits on a desk, a shelf, or in your hands, the text of Scripture does not change as is authoritative because it is God's Word. The fact that each and every person comes to Scripture with their own personalities, biases, life experiences and history, means that every individual interpretation of that objective truth (God's Word) is subjective. However, in the original autographs, the inspired Word of God, there was one meaning to the text. The study of Scripture through proper principles of interpretation is to understand that one, correct meaning of the objective text.

We can come to one of two extreme conclusions if we agree to the above.

• I have studied the Scripture properly and therefore and I have the correct interpretation. While this is possible, we must not as individuals be dogmatic about our interpretation. Because we are fallible human beings, we could be wrong! Unfortunately, some of Christian history has turned "dogmatics" from a noun (a statement of what you believe) to an adjective which conveys arrogance.
• There is no way to know the objective truth of Scripture. It is all subjective and so there's no authority in Scripture. This extreme view is also ludicrous not only philosophically, but pragmatically (eg. hockey scores, games).

Admittedly we cannot be 100% certain that our understanding and/or interpretation of Scripture is 100% correct. That is why as we study God's Word and consider Scripture we must come with humble hearts, open to the illuminating work of God's Holy Spirit, asking Him to show us as clearly as possible His will. 

Historical vs. Normative Authority

Sometimes in interpretation this is referred to as descriptive (historical) or prescriptive (normative). As we have already mentioned, just because the Bible describes an activity that took place does not mean that we as believers are under the authority of Scripture to go and do likewise. Let us consider the following examples:

• Genesis 4:8
• 1 Samuel 1:1-11
• etc...

Small group discussion: Is this text historical (descriptive) or normative (prescriptive)?

The Extent of the Bible's Authority

Sola Scriptura does not mean that the Bible is the only source of information or truth (eg. The Scriptures do not tell you why the Edmonton Oilers lost to the San Jose Sharks 3-0 last night). The Scriptures tell you the laws of physics or principles of rocket science. However, the Scriptures are authoritative on a broad range of subjects. Scripture tells us some of the areas the Bible's authority extends to (See 2 Timothy 3:16-17).

• The Bible's Authority is for Daily Christian Living (Psalm 119:105)
  Sometimes in our eager study of the key theological concepts of the Bible, we forget that the Bible is authoritative for our everyday life as Christians. Many of the decisions we make each day are addressed in various ways in Scripture. God has something to say about the little details of life. In daily decisions, God's Word speaks to us. (Examples: Eating? Drinking? Purchases?)
• The Bible's Authority is for Ethical Decision Making
  We face modern ethical problems like abortion, euthanasia, and even cloning. The Bible, though written 2000 years ago, is not silent on these areas. The principles of Scripture are an authoritative guide for us in dealing with ethical issues. (Examples: Abortion, Euthanasia, Cloning, Homosexuality, etc.)
• The Bible's Authority is for the Church
  There are many different problems we face in our churches. The Bible has answers for these questions and difficulties. The Church is to be God's representative to the world of Jesus Christ. If we are to truly represent Christ well, the best place to find our answers is in His Word.
  
  The pastor is not the authority in your church. He or she may be responsible for the leadership of the church, and the preaching of the Word. But no human person, including the pastor, is authoritative in the same sense of Scripture. Just like one of your teachers here at PBC, one man or woman's word should not be the guiding light for your life. Certainly, they have studied the Scriptures carefully and attempted to give you an accurate interpretation of God's Word. But like the Berean Christians in Acts 17:10-12, you are responsible to search out the Scriptures for yourself, to see if what is being said is indeed true. Only God's Word is authoritative. (Examples: Worship, Women in ministry, Type of Church leadership)
  
• The Bible's Authority is for Theology
  
• The Bible's authority is also for the Church.
  While the church is not the interpreter of Scripture, the community of believers guards the interpretation of Scripture from heresy. As mentioned, this is commanded in the New Testament. The Church is to make sure that weird and wonderful heresies are not taught. The Church is to guard the doctrines of the faith. The individual believer should always interpret the Bible in the context of the Church, the Christian community. When you come up with a novel, creative, interpretation of Scripture, that contradicts what the Church has taught for 2000 years, there is a problem. Chances are, you are wrong. It is possible that you are right. But if your new wisdom on a certain passage cannot be explained from Scripture to other believers within the community of faith, you've got a heresy, not a great enlightenment.

Bibliography
Walter M. Abbott, ed. The Documents of Vatican II. New York: Herden and Herden, 1966.
Millard J. Erickson. Christian Theology. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1985.

This page was last updated October 25, 2000.
© Copyright 1999-2000 Prairie Bible Institute & Steven C. Ibbotson
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