Authority of Scripture

The authority of Scripture is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, asserting that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and serves as the ultimate guide for faith and practice. This belief is rooted in the conviction that the Scriptures are divinely inspired and infallible, providing a reliable and authoritative source for understanding God's will and purpose for humanity.

The Bible itself attests to its divine origin and authority. In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 , the Apostle Paul writes, "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 belief that Scripture is not merely a human product but is breathed out by God, making it authoritative for teaching and guiding believers.

The authority of Scripture is further emphasized in 2 Peter 1:20-21 , which states, "Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture comes from one’s own interpretation. For no such prophecy was ever brought forth by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit." This highlights the divine inspiration of the biblical authors, who were guided by the Holy Spirit to convey God's message accurately.

Throughout the Bible, the authority of God's Word is affirmed. In the Old Testament, the psalmist declares, "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path" (Psalm 119:105), illustrating the guiding and illuminating power of Scripture. Jesus Himself affirmed the authority of Scripture, stating in Matthew 5:18 , "For 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."

Apostolic Teaching

Apostolic teaching refers to the doctrines and instructions given by the apostles, who were chosen by Jesus Christ to be His witnesses and to establish the early Church. The authority of apostolic teaching is derived from the apostles' direct commission by Christ and their role in conveying His teachings to the Church.

The New Testament records the apostles' teachings, which form the foundation of Christian doctrine. In Acts 2:42 , the early believers "devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." This devotion underscores the centrality of apostolic teaching in the life of the early Church.

The apostles were entrusted with the message of the Gospel and were empowered by the Holy Spirit to teach and lead the Church. In John 14:26 , Jesus promises His disciples, "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have told you." This assurance of divine guidance underscores the reliability and authority of apostolic teaching.

The apostle Paul, in particular, emphasized the importance of adhering to the teachings he received from Christ. In Galatians 1:11-12 , he writes, "For I certify to you, brothers, that the gospel I preached is not devised by man. I did not receive it from any man, nor was I taught it; rather, I received it by revelation from Jesus Christ." This highlights the divine origin of Paul's message and its authority for the Church.

Apostolic teaching is also seen as a safeguard against false doctrines. In 2 Thessalonians 2:15 , Paul exhorts the believers, "Therefore, brothers, stand firm and cling to the traditions we taught you, whether by speech or by letter." This call to hold fast to apostolic tradition underscores its role in preserving the integrity of the Christian faith.

In summary, the authority of Scripture and apostolic teaching are integral to the Christian faith, providing a divinely inspired foundation for doctrine, instruction, and the life of the Church. These sources of authority continue to guide and shape the beliefs and practices of believers today.