TIRED OF HEARING ABOUT BIBLE AUTHORITY?
Joe R. Price

It is out of vogue these days to teach and preach on Bible authority. The belief that the Bible is a divine blueprint to be followed in all we believe, teach and practice is being challenged by some and scoffed at by others. Today, folks want to hear about "interpersonal relationships," improving self-esteem and dealing with the stresses of life. Please do not misunderstand. There is a place for Bible study regarding these subjects. But Bible study of these (and many similar topics) will fall on deaf ears if one is not first taught to have preeminent respect for what the Bible teaches on all things! Without a solid understanding and appreciation of Bible authority in our lives, we will miss the true essence of Christianity.

The Bible is the means God has chosen to communicate His will to man. To know God's will for our lives we must go to the Bible, the inspired scriptures, to discover it (1 Cor. 2:10-13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2:15). Upon arriving at an understanding of what has been written, we are encouraged to obey it (Eph. 3:3-5; 5:17; Matt. 7:21,24-27). When we obey divine truth we are honoring the authority of Christ which rules over us (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17).

When our teachings or practices fail to conform to the revelation of truth, we forfeit our fellowship with Christ (2 Jno. 9). Hence, it is imperative that we secure our faith in the word of God. Only then will our confidence in eternal life be genuine (1 Jno. 5:13; Rom. 10:17).

We should never grow weary of hearing about Bible authority. We must know how divine authority is established and applied. Many have fallen into error because of a failure to properly understand the scriptural principles surrounding the subject of authority. Yes, we need to improve our relationships and we must know how to deal with life's stresses. The Bible teaches us how. But unless we first honor Bible authority, our efforts will be eternally futile.