The Life And Times Of A. B. Simpson

The Authority Of Scripture

Why does the Church give the authority that it does to the Scriptures?

Historically, the Church has acknowledged the central authority of the Scriptures for its faith and practice but the question, “Why?” is a good one. If the Church cannot answer this question well, it not only undermines its own reputation but that of the Scriptures as well.

Authority, of any type, comes in two different kinds. The first is that kind of authority which is based on the character and/or credentials of the one making a statement or performing an action. That is, that which gives a particular statement or action authority does not reside in the nature of the statement or action itself but on the character and qualifications of the person doing the speaking or acting. This is extrinsic authority. In this case, if you accept a statement or action as true or binding, it is not because the statement itself has convinced you of its own truthfulness or rightness. Rather, it is considered authoritative because the person making the statement or performing the action is obviously qualified to make it. As an example, if you are sick, you may go to a doctor. He/she may then diagnose your condition, tell you what is wrong, and prescribe some remedy. Chances are that you are quite unable and unqualified to judge for yourself whether his diagnosis is correct or whether his/her prescription is likely to work. Yet, because of his/her medical credentials, you consider his/her diagnosis authoritative and follow the prescription.

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