Does the Bible Have Authority?

 Written by Pastor Kyle Bostock- Foundations in Worldview Bible Teacher (Grade 9) & Pastor of North Summit Church

Does the Bible Have Authority?

Every society—and every individual—must answer a foundational question: "By what standard?" What guides our decisions about right and wrong, shapes our governance, and defines how we live together? As Christians, we believe Scripture provides these answers. But why should we trust the Bible's authority?

In Foundations class, we're exploring this crucial question: Is the Bible truly trustworthy?

The Case for Scripture's Authority

Submitting to any authority requires faith in that authority. For Christians, the chain of authority is clear: Jesus is Lord, and God conveys His will most clearly through Scripture. But this isn't blind faith—both internal and external evidence demonstrate the Bible's reliability.

Internal Evidence: What the Bible Claims About Itself

The writers of both Testaments didn't merely offer advice or tell inspiring stories. They claimed to communicate God's authoritative revelation. God inspired these authors, who then expressed divine truth through their own unique writing styles. Jesus himself confirmed the Old Testament's veracity, declaring that it was written about Him. This internal testimony matters—the Bible doesn't just happen to be authoritative; it claims that authority by design.

External Evidence: History Confirms the Text

Non-biblical sources and archaeological discoveries consistently verify the Bible's historical accuracy. Ancient non-Christian writers and early church fathers authenticate basic facts about Jesus and the apostles' writings. The Dead Sea Scrolls and numerous early New Testament manuscripts reveal how carefully these texts were preserved across centuries. By examining the apostolicity, orthodoxy, and pedigree of books claiming scriptural status, we can trust the canon handed down to us through the Church.

Why This Matters

God's authority isn't confined to "religious" matters—it extends over all of life: culture, government, knowledge, emotions, and entertainment. Understanding biblical authority helps us navigate every sphere of existence.

Here's something we're emphasizing with students: Asking questions of authorities, including God, isn't rebellion—it's how we grow intellectually and spiritually. The key is approaching those questions with humility rather than skepticism.

The Takeaway

God invites our obedience not because He needs control, but because He designed us to flourish under His loving authority. When we trust Scripture, we're not limiting ourselves—we're stepping into the fullness of what we were created to be.

We're not just studying whether the Bible can be trusted. We're discovering why trusting it transforms everything.