The Authority of The Scriptures

Albert E. Farley

The Holy Bible, containing the 39 books of the Old Testament and the 27 books of the New, is, without any doubt, the most printed book in history. It is, without doubt, the most possessed or owned book in the world. There are more copies of the Holy Bible in the world than of any other book. It has been read more than any other book.

Why, then, is the Holy Bible the most neglected book in the world? Why is it the most abused, perverted, twisted, misused, misquoted, misrepresented, misapplied, and misunderstood? Why is it that multiplied millions of people who claim to follow it are wholly divided in their religious faiths and in their practices of worship and service?

Dear reader, would you please allow me to quote some scriptures from the Bible that are pertinent to these questions and observations? Jesus Christ said, in quoting the prophet Isaiah, "These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:8, 9 (Isaiah 29:13). Many people claim to follow the Bible, but, actually, they are following the doctrines and commandments of men. Whom are we trying to fool? God is not mocked.

Where must we go to find the doctrines and the commandments of God? The apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

Paul also wrote, "Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables." 2 Timothy 4:2-4. What is the basis for most of the so-called "gospel" preaching from the pulpits of modern-day denominational Protestantism and Catholicism? If the denominations were teaching the Holy Word of God, there would be no denominations no Protestants or Catholics! Why? Because the Holy Word of God does not teach them. In fact, the Holy Bible condemns them. John 17:17-21, 1 Corinthians 1, Galatians 1:6-12, and Ephesians 4:1-6. God is not the author of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33.

Friends, the Holy Scriptures are sufficient and complete. Almighty God, the Father, is over all. 1 Corinthians 11:3. The Father gave all authority in heaven and on earth to Christ. Matthew 28:18. Today, the Father speaks through His Son. Matthew 17:1-5; Hebrews 1:1, 2. Jesus selected and taught His apostles. He gave them the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 10:1-4; 16:19; 18:18; John 20:21-23. He gave them the charge to preach to every creature on earth. Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16. The Father sent the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, bring all things to their remembrance, and show them things to come. John 14:16; 16:7-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:15.

Christ's apostles received the Holy Spirit on the day called Pentecost, and they spoke as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2. The Holy Spirit guided the writing of the books of the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13. These books are our authority. 2 Peter 4:11. Receive with meekness the implanted word that is able to save your soul. James 1:21.

Today, the churches of Christ plead with you to look into the perfect law of liberty and continue in it. It is this law that can make us all one in Christ, and it is this law that will judge us in the last day. James 1:25; 2:12; John 12:48; Revelation 20:12.

 

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