Biblical Authority in Christian Epistemology and Theology
Biblical authority, in Christian epistemology and theology, refers to the conviction that the Bible is the true source of all authority in matters of doctrine and practice [9]. This authority is understood to derive from God himself, who is described as the Divine Being, often referred to by the Hebrew terms 'El, 'Eloah, and 'Elohim, or Jehovah [1]. The concept of God's absolute authority is foundational, as He is recognized as the creator of heaven and earth, against whom all creatures are powerless [6].
The Bible presents God as possessing ultimate power and majesty. For instance, the "voice of the Lord" is described as powerful and full of majesty, a concept that extends to the Gospel message itself, which is seen as powerful for conversion and salvation [2]. Jesus Christ, during his earthly ministry, spoke and taught with authority, and this authority is understood as power delegated from the Father [2, 3]. His ascension is viewed as his exaltation to a position of authority over all creation [5]. This divine authority extends to matters of life and death, as the Lord has ultimate control over these aspects [8].
The authority of God is not merely a theological abstraction but has practical implications for believers. Christians are called to be holy because God himself is holy, and this command implies that God also provides the power to obey it [9]. The "word of truth" and the "power of God" are central to Christian life, enabling believers to stand firm through righteousness, which is depicted as a complete spiritual armor [4]. Through faith in Christ, believers gain boldness and access into God's presence [7].
The recognition of biblical authority means that the Scriptures are not merely human writings but are understood to convey God's will and truth. This perspective shapes how Christians approach understanding God, humanity, and the world, grounding their beliefs and actions in what they perceive as divinely revealed truth [9].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: God — (A.S. and Dutch God; Dan. Gud; Ger. Gott), the name of the Divine Being. It is the rendering (1) of the Hebrew 'El, from a word meaning to be strong; (2) of 'Eloah_, plural _'Elohim. The singular form, Eloah, is used only in poetry. The plural form is more commonly used in all parts of the Bible, The Hebrew word Jehovah (q.v.), the only other word generally employed to denote the Supreme Being, is uniformly rendered in the Authorized Version by "LORD," printed in small capitals. The existence of God is taken for granted in the Bible. There is nowhere any argume”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 29:4: The voice of the Lord is powerful,.... Or "with power" (a); as thunder, in the effect of it, shows; and so is the Gospel, when it comes, not in word only, but is attended with the power of God to the conversion and salvation of souls; it is then quick and powerful, Heb 4:12; and the word of Christ personal, when here on earth, was with power, Luk 4:32; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty; Christ, in his state of humiliation, spake and taught as one having authority; and now, in the ministration of his Gospel by his servants, he goes forth with glory and majesty”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 28:18: 28:18 Jesus’ authority is power delegated from the Father (see 7:29; 9:6-8; 21:23-27; 26:64; John 3:35).”
- 2 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 2 Corinthians 6:7: By the word of truth, by the power of God--rather, "IN . . . in," &c. As to "the word of truth" (compare Co2 4:2; Col 1:5), and "the (miraculous) power of God" (Co2 4:7); Co1 2:4, "in demonstration of the Spirit and of power." by the armour--Greek, "through" or "by means of the armor." "Righteousness," which is the breastplate alone in Eph 6:13-17, here is made the whole Christian panoply (compare Co2 10:4). on . . . right . . . and . . . left--that is, guarding on every side.”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 24:51: 24:51 Cp. 2 Kgs 2:11. Jesus’ ascension was his exaltation to a position of authority over all creation (see Acts 2:32-36; 5:31; Eph 1:19-23; Phil 2:9-11; Heb 1:13).”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 4:24: they lifted up their voice--the assembled disciples, on hearing Peter's report. with one accord--the breasts of all present echoing every word of this sublime prayer. Lord--(See on Luk 2:29). Applied to God, the term expresses absolute authority. God which hast made heaven and earth--against whom, therefore, all creatures are powerless.”
- Ephesians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Ephesians 3:12: Translate, "our boldness and our access (Eph 2:18) in confidence through our faith in Him." ALFORD quotes as an instance, Rom 8:38, &c. "THE access" (Greek) implies the formal introduction into the presence of a monarch.”
- James (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on James 4:15: 4:15 The Lord has authority over life and death (Deut 32:39; 1 Sam 2:6; Matt 10:28).”
- 1 Peter (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Peter 1:16: Scripture is the true source of all authority in questions of doctrine and practice. Be ye . . . for I am--It is I with whom ye have to do. Ye are mine. Therefore abstain from Gentile pollutions. We are too prone to have respect unto men [CALVIN]. As I am the fountain of holiness, being holy in My essence, be ye therefore zealous to be partakers of holiness, that ye may be as I also am [DIDYMUS]. God is essentially holy: the creature is holy in so far as it is sanctified by God. God, in giving the command, is willing to give also the power to obey i”