BASIC UNDERSTANDING OF THE BIBLE –BY LEARNING HOWTHE BIBLE AUTHORIZES III
The Bible demonstrates God’s communication to humanity, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and thus serves as the ultimate standard of authority in all matters. Hebrews 1:1-4 establishes this foundation, illustrating that God spoke to humanity in various ways throughout history, culminating in the authoritative words of His Son, Jesus Christ. This revelation in Scripture is not only historically significant but remains a guiding force in discerning God’s will.
This divine communication can be likened to a father’s letter, left for his children to follow in his absence, reflecting his values, expectations, and instructions. Just as the children rely on this letter, believers look to the Bible as God’s "letter" to guide them in life and faith. According to 1 Corinthians 2:10-13, the Holy Spirit conveys God’s thoughts, confirming that the words of the Bible are divinely directed and not products of human wisdom. Therefore, as 2 Timothy 3:16-17 asserts, Scripture is profitable for all doctrine and fully equips believers for righteous living, making it a complete and unalterable source of authority.
Furthermore, the delegation of divine authority is structured through God, Jesus, and the apostles. God, the Creator, exercises His authority over creation, and as Matthew 28:18 affirms, He granted this authority to Jesus, His Son. Jesus then entrusted the apostles, empowering them to share His teachings without error, guided by the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). This means that the apostles’ teachings hold divine authority, as evidenced in Galatians 1:6-9, where deviations from the gospel are condemned. Their words, received as the very words of God, provide a complete and unchanging foundation for faith. This delegation ensures that the Scriptures remain an authoritative, sufficient, and timeless guide for life, and believers are cautioned to reject teachings that diverge from biblical truths (Revelation 22:18-19, 2 Peter 1:3). The Bible stands as the final authority, fully equipping believers for all spiritual needs.
