Day 4: The Bible is an Authoritative Book

So far, we've discovered three answers to the question, “Why read the Bible?” 

We should read it because: 

• the Bible is God's book, written for us
• the Bible is a revealing book, written to help us know God personally
• and the Bible is an inspired book, every word given by God himself

Here's a fourth fact: We should study the Bible because it is an authoritative book. 

Now we discover another guiding principle for Bible study: we must obey what we learn in God's word. 

The Bible accomplishes God's purpose for it only when we are obedient to the truths we find there. Three facts help us better understand what the authority of the Bible means for us and for our study of Scripture.

The Bible claims authority

The Scriptures consistently claim authority for their truths. Since it was inspired by God, the Bible communicates the authoritative words of the Lord. 

Recall 2 Timothy 3:16–17: "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."

Biblical authority transcends time

The Scriptures were authoritative for their first readers, but they are still God's authority for our lives today. 

Notice Isaiah 40:8: "The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever." And Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Biblical authority is life-transforming

Power is not much good unless it serves a good purpose. The purpose of biblical authority is clear: to transform your life through a personal encounter with Jesus Christ. 

The Scriptures are empowered by the Holy Spirit to reveal Jesus to you in a life-changing way.

Do you believe the Bible’s authority still holds true for Christians today? 

Do the words of the Bible have authority in your life? 

And how have you experienced a transformed life as a result of its words?