The authority of God’s Word

The authority of God’s Word

The Christian’s guide is the Word of God.It is a “lamp unto our feet and a light unto our path” (Psalm 119:105).But this is not really the case for many Christians and in most cases it happens without them being aware of it.I’ve been speaking to a lot of Christians and I’ve realised that most of their practice aren't based on what the Bible says but on what their pastors and other people they esteem highly say and this is dangerous because men is ever likely to err.

Secondly,when we become Christians,opinions of men shouldn’t  determine how we live;but the word of God. When Jesus was tempted in the desert he mentioned that “man shall not live by bread alone,but by every word that comes from the mouth of God”(Matthew 4:4).So,we understand that the Word of God is not only useful for morning and evening devotion but it is crucial for the survival of the Christian.

But how important is it? 2 Timothy 3:16-17 gives an answer:

“ 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

ALL SCRIPTURE IS INSPIRED BY GOD

It is crucial to understand that the Word of God wasn’t written out of boredom nor is it a good book for a good read;but it is the direct word of God.It is God speaking through the word.

Looking at the Scripture above it’s important to note that “all” Scripture is inspired by God. I’ve come across Christians who claim that the Old Testament was done away with.But this is untrue because the New Testament makes us aware that the Bible as whole is inspired by God and that fact means one part cannot be more important than the other.

In fact,we see that the Old Testament is quite crucial in that it tells us about the origin of the earth and of mankind (Genesis 1-2),it tells us about how sin entered (Genesis 3) and it tells us about the first Christians and how God  led them.We also learn about God’s moral law and we also find prophecy about Jesus’ first advent and his mission (Isaiah) and we also find prophecy concerning the end times that which we live in (Daniel).

In fact, we cannot fully understand the New Testament without reference to the Old Testament. We see how Jesus often quoted the Old Testament –which means it was not made absolete.In fact,we find that Paul and other writers often recited the Old Testament.So, the Old Testament is the key to unlocking the New Testament.For example,Revelation goes hand in hand with the Book of Daniel and they are both end time prophecy.

In fact,we learn that one of the purpose of the Old Testament is this :

“Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.” (1 Corinthians 10:11).We find many lessons from the Israelites and as spiritual Israel we can learn from them.In fact,we often draw inspiration from those who have been faithful to God,like Daniel,Joseph,Abraham and many others.

Also, most of the doctrines we hold as Christians are found in the Old Testament:God as the Creator,the Godhead,the fall of Lucifer (now known as the devil),the state of the dead,the Sabbath, the moral law and the sanctuary message which is very important in us understanding the plan of salvation and what Jesus is doing presently is all found in the Old Testament.

But t I must highlight:some of the things that were practised by the people mentioned in the Old Testament are no longer practised now since it’s not present truth (1 Peter 1:12) for this time. Present truth is a specific truth that relates to the people of that time from God.For example:During Noah’s time,the present truth was that people had to get into the ark to be saved from the flood that was going to destroy the world.

We also know that during the time prior Jesus’ death,for the people to receive forgiveness of their sins, they had to bring a goat or pigeon and confess their sins and kill it.But nowadays we no longer need to do that so since Christ died.We only need to pray directly to God to obtain forgiveness for our sins (1 John 1:9). The other present truth we hold is that Jesus is coming again (Matthew 24) and we find the doctrine in other passages in New Testament.

So,the only difference between the new and the old testament is that some doctrines or practices were done away with since they were nailed at the cross through Jesus’ death and were pointing to Christ's death (Colossians 2:16-21)-this being the ceremonial laws and the festivals which the Israelites celebrated.But it’s important to note that the Moral law (thou shalt not kill,the Sabbath,etc) were not done away with and Jesus and His disciples continued to do them and so should we.

SCRIPTURE IS PROFITABLE FOR DOCTRINE

One of the signs  that signifies Jesus’ soon coming is false teachers who teach people false teachings/doctrines (2 Peter 2:1;Matthew 7:15) and the only safety for the Christian is in knowing the Word of God for Himself. We are admonished to “study the Scriptures”.

From 2 Timothy 3:16-17 we also learn that the Word of God contains doctrines for Christians.So,if we need to know what we believe in,we should not consult pastors,websites,blogs but God’s Word.Also,since there are so many false doctrines going around,we can use God’s to prove if they are true or false.

So,if we want to know whether we are being obedient to God and hold the right teachings we need not go far.The answers are found in His Word.

“ To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.” (Isaiah 8:20)

SCRIPTURE CRUCIAL FOR REPROOF AND CORRECTION

Every household has rules to ensure that it runs smoothly.Often the parents set ground rules to ensure the well-being of their children and so that there is a clear distinction between right and wrong.God,as our loving Father has done the same for us.As a loving father who has the best thoughts towards us,he has made known what is right and wrong.God is not a God of confusion and His word clearly marks out what pleases God and what doesn’t.

So,if we want to know if we’re pleasing God we don’t need to consult a pastor or a certain church,we can get all the information directly from His Word.

SCRIPTURE PIVOTAL FOR INSTRUCTION IN RIGHTEOUSNESS AND THOROUGHLY FURNISHED IN GOOD WORKS

When God created mankind,he made him in His own image and in his own likeness.One of the defining traits of God is that he is holy (Isaiah 43:15) and when he created us,we were also holy.But when sin entered,the human heart became immune to righteousness (Romans 8:7).But God in his love,throught the death of Christ is trying to renew His image in us (Ephesians 4:23-24;Colossians 3:10).

God has commanded us to “be perfect as he is” and God has made it clear how we can achieve holiness in every aspect of our lives.It is through the aid of the Holy Spirit that we are able to achieve this.God tells how we can glorify Him and has given instructions (moral law and other commands) to ensure we can achieve this.