The Infallibility and Authority of Scripture (ACBC exam question #2)

 2.       What is the relationship between infallibility and authority?

The connection between God’s Word, the Bible being infallible, and authoritative is very positive.  Unlike human authority which is fallible, God’s authority is infallible.  This gives us confidence, and ought to ignite in us a complete willingness to submit to His authority outlined in His Word, the Bible, knowing He and His Word are infallible.  

Infallible means 100% true, and reliable.  As humans we are all sinners (Romans 3:23).  God However is holy, and perfect; “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent; Has He said, and will He not do it?  Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Deuteronomy 23:19)  He alone is infallible, and therefore, His Word is also.  “Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)  

Authority is defined as, “the power to determine, adjudicate, or otherwise settle issues or disputes; jurisdiction; the right to control, command, or determine.”¹  Who is an authority in your life?  The local police?  The government?  A boss at work? Yes, yes, and yes.  Are they absolutely perfect? No. Who are they responsible to?  “Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves. For rulers are not a cause of fear for good behavior, but for evil. Do you want to have no fear of authority? Do what is good and you will have praise from the same; for it is a minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid; for it does not bear the sword for nothing; for it is a minister of God, an avenger who brings wrath on the one who practices evil. Therefore it is necessary to be in subjection, not only because of wrath, but also for conscience’ sake.” (Romans 13:1-5) It brings peace knowing that there is an all-knowing God whose authority is fully just, and that nothing escapes Him.

Jesus defended the authority of Scripture against Satan as he tempted Him by replying; “But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’”  (Matthew 4:4) In this passage we clearly see Jesus affirming that the Bible is from God, and authoritative for life.  If Christ used the Bible in dealing with temptation (and in teaching often referred to the Old Testament-see Matthew 12:3, 5; 19:4; 22:31; Mark 12:10, 26; Luke 6:3), and credited it’s authority, surely we as believers ought to do the same.      

¹ www.dictionary.com