The Bible: The Inspired Word of God
When it comes to faith, many of us find solace and guidance in the scriptures - both the Old and New Testaments. But what exactly constitutes these scriptures and how can we decipher their true meaning? The Bible, as believed by millions, is the word of God that has been revealed to humankind. It's not just a religious book, but an infallible, authoritative rule of faith and conduct (1 Thess. 2:13;2 Tim. 3:15-17; 2 Pet. 1:21). Let's delve deeper into why we consider the Bible a divine document and explore the three types of religious authorities.
The Authoritative Rule
One common question that perplexes many is "How can I know which is the true religion?" The root of this question lies in discerning the authoritative rule, that is, understanding where true religious authority comes from. There are three primary sources: human reason, the Church, and God’s Word.
Human Reason
Rationalism, the belief that human intelligence and reason are the ultimate authority, is quite common in our contemporary society. Proponents of rationalism hold faith in the limitless power of human reason, confident that with time, our ingenious minds will unlock the mysteries of the universe and provide solutions for a utopian existence.
Science is the manifestation of rationalism as it seeks to understand and solve the intricacies of the universe. Now, while science has undisputedly made magnificent strides in understanding our world, it does reach a limit when trying to explain phenomena that cannot be weighed or measured such as the human soul or miracles. For instance, individuals born blind can understand the concepts behind colors or light waves, but they cannot truly comprehend the beauty of a sunset or the hues of a butterfly wing. Herein lies the limitation of human reason being considered a supreme authority.
Our ancestors too, trusted their reason and in turn, attempted to defy God in building the city and tower of Babel (Genesis 11). Although faith in one's reasoning capacity is not inherently wrong, taking it as the final religious authority can lead to a chaotic and confusing path, much like the one portrayed in the Book of Judges.
The Church
Another belief holds that the Church, built on apostolic succession, is the ultimate authority. Advocates of this view claim that the authority transmitted from Jesus Christ to the apostles and thereafter, throughout the centuries, grants the Church an exalted and unique position. But whether the Church can truly be considered the final authority is a topic of contentious debate.
However, prioritizing the Church over the Bible is an idea that emerged only near the end of the second century A.D. At a time when disputes and quarrels among various ecclesiastical institutions have become commonplace, many hearts seek an authority higher than an earthly religious organization.
God’s Word
This leaves the Word of God as a trustworthy and infallible authority. This viewpoint is anchored in the belief that God intends to communicate with His creatures. As Hebrews 1:1-2 states, “In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son". We understand that the Bible is that very Word of God that guides us toward salvation.
The Revelation of God to Humankind
Does God convey his message solely through the Bible, or are there other avenues of His revelation? Apart from the Bible, His Word, God communicates with humankind via creation and conscience - two platforms that fall under "natural revelation". Romans 1:20 refers to how we can learn about God from nature: "Since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse."
In the same vein, the Bible speaks of how God communicates through conscience (Romans 2:14-15). Even those who refute the Bible are led by their conscience to judge between right and wrong, further proving the existence of an authority that transcends individuals and circumstances. However, as with human reason or the Church, relying solely on natural revelation for redemption falls short, since the Bible is the singular source that proffers the divine truth of God invading the human condition to provide a path to redemption.
In our quest for spiritual guidance, it becomes evident that the only steadfast, infallible rule of faith is the Bible - the inspired word of God. Having evolved across ages, translated into multiple languages, and having guided billions, it remains a beacon of hope and a compass in our spiritual journey. Undeniably, God has spoken, not just through the universe He created, but intrinsically within all of us, urging us, ever so gently, to seek Him through His word.