The Bible’s Authority: Why Scripture Is Our Final Guide
- Orpheus J. Heyward explains that Scripture is authoritative because it is inspired by God and intended to shape conviction and character.
- Referencing both the Old and New Testaments, the article shows how God’s Word instructs believers in truth, salvation, and godly living.
- By highlighting Jesus and the apostles, the teaching emphasizes why Christians are called to conform their lives to biblical authority.
How is God’s Word authoritative for our lives? We believe that God’s Word is authoritative because it is inspired and provides us with convictions regarding how to live, shaping our character and governing our thoughts and practices. When we read the Bible, it does not function merely as a book of content. Rather, it helps formulate our convictions and leads us to a proper expression of our character.
When we read Scripture, we find that the Old Testament was written for our learning. In Romans 15:4, the Bible says that the Old Testament gives us comfort and hope in times of need. The same Bible also indicates that the Old Testament is able to make us wise unto salvation. Even in reading the Old Testament, we find that it is authoritative.
The New Testament is equally authoritative, having been penned by the apostles and those who were close companions of the apostles. Acts 2:42 says that the early Christians continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine, or that they were devoted to the apostles’ teaching. The 1st-century church intentionally formed its life around the teachings of the apostles. Peter even referred to the writings and words of the apostles as the commandments of the Lord, as recorded in 2 Peter 3:1–2. 
“The Bible helps formulate our convictions and leads us to a proper expression of our character.”
When we read the New Testament, we see that there was an expectation that believers would conform their lives to the words and writings of Scripture. A practical example is found in Philippians 2, where the apostle Paul points to Jesus Christ as the authoritative model for Christian living. The apostles’ words explain the example of Jesus, and believers were expected to shape their lives after that example. In a context marked by strife, vainglory, and self-centeredness, Paul commands, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus.”
Paul goes on to describe Christ, who, though He was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He made Himself of no reputation, took upon Himself the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men. Being found in human form, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. Through this example, Paul calls believers to imitate Christ’s humility.
What is Paul doing? As an apostle, he is directing attention to the example of Jesus Christ so that believers will form their character and convictions after what Jesus accomplished on Calvary’s cross. Ultimately, he is teaching the characteristic of humility. The command is, “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,” and through that command Paul is shaping both conviction and character.
“When we read the New Testament, we see that there was an expectation that believers would conform their lives to the words and writings of Scripture.”
As you read through the Bible, remember that it is intended to be an authoritative document designed to conform your life to the will and way of God. Peter says in 2 Peter 1:3 that God has given us all things that pertain to life and godliness. The Bible is not merely designed to give you content; it is designed to give you conviction and to shape your character.
This is Question #5 in Orpheus J. Heyward’s God’s Word: The Inspiration and Authority of Scripture. For the full book, click HERE
