Biblical Authority

The Bible is the product of prophetic, inspired revelation from God. It answers life’s big questions and is God’s unique means of revealing Himself to the human race. Through Scripture, we learn the meaning of human existence, the character and will of God, and God’s purpose for our lives. The Bible is the gold standard of truth, the authority by which we must make life choices. It is the foundation of the Christian’s worldview and the basis of all revealed truth. It is the Christian’s rule of faith and practice.

We can either accept or reject God’s Word, and we need not go to the extreme of burning our Bibles, as King Jehoiakim did (see Jer. 36:22–27) in rejecting it. Ignoring it, even while professing to believe in it, can be just as problematic. When we discover and accept God’s Word, we can, like King Josiah, be transformed and lead others to God (see 2 Kings 22:10–13).

Today, people often approach Scripture by looking for its faults or ridiculing it. Some see the Bible as out of step with contemporary mores (it usually is, and ought to be, too). Many deride it because it contradicts “scientific” or cultural trends.

In Christianity, the Bible is often used only to support a particular theological position rather than as a means for personal spiritual growth and reformation. Others interpret the Bible in such a way that it is denied any historical or practical authority over their daily lives.

One of the easiest, and perhaps most common, ways of rejecting biblical authority is to ignore the Bible and not take the time to read and then apply Scripture to our lives.

In ancient times, writing material was scarce and expensive. Furthermore, many people could not read, so the spoken Word of God through His prophets was essential.

Under the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s Word, whether spoken or written, can penetrate the heart to reveal sin and bring reformation and restoration. The Word calls us to repentance and obedience (Acts 5:29; see also Heb. 4:12). And that’s often the reason many people who should know better reject it. They don’t like its claims on their lives.

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Additional Reading: Selected Quotes from Ellen G. White

Those who are placed in positions of trust must have the authority of action, but they are never to use this authority as a power to refuse help to the needy and helpless. It is never to be exercised to discourage or depress one struggling soul. Let those to whom have been given positions of influence ever remember that God desires them to carry out the mind of Christ. . . .
True godliness is measured by the work done. Profession is nothing; position is nothing; a character like the character of Christ is the evidence we are to bear that God has sent His Son into the world. Those who profess to be Christians, yet do not act as Christ would were He in their place, greatly injure the cause of God. They misrepresent their Saviour, and are standing under false colors.
The true disciple, in whose heart Christ abides, shows forth to the world Christ’s love for humanity. He is God’s helping hand. The glow of spiritual health thrills his whole being as he receives from the Saviour grace to give to others. . . .
Pure and undefiled religion is not a sentiment, but a doing of works of love and mercy. This religion is necessary to health and happiness. It enters the polluted soul-temple, and with a scourge drives out the sinful intruder. Taking the throne, it consecrates all by its presence, illuminating the heart with the bright beams of the Sun of Righteousness. It opens the windows of the soul heavenward, letting in the sunshine of God’s love. With it comes serenity and composure. Physical, mental, and moral strength increase, because the atmosphere of heaven, as a living, active agency, fills the soul. . . .
When Christians do not reveal Christ, of what value are they? Are they not like savorless salt, “good for nothing”? But when they reveal in their lives the saving properties of the truth, poor, sin-hardened souls are not left to perish in corruption. Good works are seen; for the living principles of righteousness cannot be hidden. The gospel acted is like salt which contains all its savor. It is powerful in the saving of souls.—This Day With God, p. 25.

I beseech of you to look away from yourself unto Christ, and live. Put your trust in the One who loves human agencies. Let your dependence be wholly on Christ. He is able to save to the uttermost all who come unto Him. Believe, believe that Christ will pardon all your transgressions and forgive all your sins. Humble yourself as a little child, and Christ will receive you and bless you and strengthen you. Do not think unbelief or talk unbelief, but take God at His word, and leave yourself in His hands, to be taught and led of Him. . . .
Comfort your heart, . . . by believing that the Lord wants you to be saved, and that you are His child. Do not think that your mind must be in a certain state of feeling or else you are not accepted of God. Your faith must rely not on feeling, but on the promises of God. Walk by faith in a “Thus saith the Lord.” Rest your case with the Lord, and believe in His Word. Believe, oh, believe the Word of the Lord, and walk by faith, not by sight. Consecrate yourself anew to God. Be loyal and true to a “Thus saith the Lord,” and stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ doth make you free.—The Upward Look, p. 37.