Definition and Scope
The concept of Scripture as authority refers to the belief that the Bible, as the inspired Word of God, holds ultimate authority over all aspects of faith and practice. This authority is derived from its divine origin, as the Bible is considered the revelation of God's will to humanity. The authority of Scripture encompasses its role in teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness (2 Timothy 3:16).

Biblical Foundation
The Bible itself attests to its authoritative nature. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , it is written, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage underscores the divine inspiration of Scripture and its comprehensive role in guiding believers.

The authority of Scripture is further emphasized in 2 Peter 1:20-21 : "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever brought about through human initiative, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." This highlights the divine origin of the biblical texts, affirming that they are not merely human words but are delivered through the Holy Spirit.

Jesus and the Authority of Scripture
Jesus Christ Himself affirmed the authority of Scripture. In Matthew 5:17-18 , He declared, "Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. Truly I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot, not a stroke of a pen, will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." Jesus' respect for the Scriptures as authoritative is evident in His teachings and His fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.

Moreover, Jesus used Scripture as the basis for His teachings and responses to challenges. In Matthew 4:4 , during His temptation in the wilderness, Jesus responded to Satan by quoting Deuteronomy 8:3: "But Jesus answered, 'It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'" This demonstrates His reliance on Scripture as the ultimate authority in spiritual matters.

The Role of Scripture in the Early Church
The early church recognized the authority of Scripture in guiding doctrine and practice. The apostles frequently referenced the Old Testament as the foundation for their teachings and the validation of Jesus' messianic role. Acts 17:11 commends the Bereans for their noble character, as they "received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if these teachings were true." This practice underscores the early church's commitment to Scripture as the standard for truth.

Scripture and Tradition
While Scripture holds primary authority, the role of tradition is also acknowledged within the church. However, tradition is viewed as subordinate to Scripture and must be evaluated in light of biblical teachings. Mark 7:8-9 records Jesus' rebuke of the Pharisees for elevating human traditions above God's commandments: "You have disregarded the commandment of God to keep the tradition of men. He went on to say, 'You neatly set aside the commandment of God to maintain your own tradition.'"

Application in the Life of Believers
For believers, the authority of Scripture is foundational to their faith and daily living. It serves as the ultimate guide for moral conduct, spiritual growth, and doctrinal understanding. Psalm 119:105 beautifully captures this sentiment: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." Believers are called to submit to the authority of Scripture, allowing it to shape their beliefs, actions, and worldview.

Conclusion
The authority of Scripture is a central tenet of the Christian faith, affirming the Bible as the divinely inspired and infallible Word of God. It is the ultimate standard for truth, providing guidance and instruction for all aspects of life and faith.