The Bible: Our Authority

The sixty-six books contained in the Bible constitute a single, complete document that holds the exclusive distinction of being the word of God. The Bible is the only book available in the world today that can correctly claim to be the written message of God to man. It is completely free from error or contradiction, and as God’s revelation, it contains the only message available today that will sufficiently enlighten the mind, encourage the fainthearted, expose the sinner, and save the soul.

There are several undeniable evidences that uphold the Bible’s claim to be the inspired word of God. The sixty-six individual books of the Bible were written by approximately 40 different people who lived over a period of approximately 1,600 years; yet when combined, these books compose a single, uniform, and consistent message.

The Bible contains many detailed predictions of events that were to occur many years later than the time the predictions were made. No prediction of prophecy has ever failed to transpire in exactly the manner in which it was predicted.

The Bible has survived for ages under the attacks and attempts by evil forces to destroy its influence and eradicate its existence in the world. The sheer longevity of these ancient texts declares the supernatural preservation and divine approval of its contents. Eternal providence alone can account for this fact.

These and many other evidences testify in unison that the Bible is indeed the inspired word of God. The very nature of the book proves it could only come from God.

Since the Bible is God’s infallible word, it is the only document that can authoritatively and decisively answer the most important questions posed by man: Where did I come from? Why am I here? What is my purpose? Where am I going? The apostle Paul wrote, “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” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). In answer to the questions mentioned, the Bible teaches that the world and mankind are the result of the supernatural creative work of the eternal God (Genesis 1). Our primary purpose for existence is to glorify our creator through obedience to his word (Isaiah 43:7; Ephesians 3:21). Furthermore, each individual will stand before his Creator at the end of time to be judged according to the way he lived in this world (2 Corinthians 5:10). We will be judged according to our conformity to the word of God (John 12:48).

The Bible is the only authoritative document for religion and morality. We are not to accept as spiritually binding any other information in addition to the truths of the Bible (1 Corinthians 4:6), nor may we choose to disregard any of the truths that are taught therein (Deuteronomy 4:2). For this reason, we must view the Bible as the final word on all questions of life.