Biblical Authority in Evangelical Denominations and Theology
Biblical authority, in evangelical denominations and theology, refers to the belief that the Bible is the inspired Word of God and therefore serves as the ultimate and infallible rule for faith and life. This authority stems from the understanding that God himself is the source of all power and dominion [1, 2]. The Bible consistently presents God as the supreme authority, whose word carries inherent power and whose commands are to be obeyed [7, 8].
The concept of authority is frequently seen in the Bible, often linked to power and dominion. For instance, the Hebrew word 'El, a name for God, derives from a word meaning "to be strong" [1]. Similarly, the name Ucal is associated with "power" and "prevalency" [2]. The Bible takes God's existence for granted and does not argue for it [1]. Instead, it demonstrates God's authority through his actions and pronouncements. The "word of a king" is described as having power and dominion, a concept applied to God's word, which is "quick and powerful" and accompanied by divine power for salvation [7, 8].
Jesus Christ is presented as possessing ultimate authority, which is understood as power delegated from the Father [3]. This authority extends over all creation, including life and death [4, 6]. For example, Jesus' ascension is described as his exaltation to a position of authority over all creation [6]. He also delegated authority to his disciples, empowering them for their mission [9]. Even figures like angels and human rulers are sometimes referred to as "gods" in Scripture, not because they are divine, but because they exercise divinely delegated power under God [5].
Evangelical theology emphasizes that the authority of Scripture is paramount. This means that the Bible is not merely a collection of human writings but is God's authoritative communication to humanity. Consequently, its teachings are considered binding and true. This perspective often leads to the conviction that believers should not follow the errors of human tradition, even those of respected figures, but rather adhere to "the authority of Scripture and of God" [10]. The Bible's authority is seen as comprehensive, guiding believers in matters of doctrine, ethics, and daily living.
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”
- Hitchcock's Bible Names “Hitchcock's Bible Names: Ucal — power, prevalency”
- 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).”
- 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 Corinthians (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on 1 Corinthians 8:5: "For even supposing there are (exist) gods so called (Th2 2:4), whether in heaven (as the sun, moon, and stars) or in earth (as deified kings, beasts, &c.), as there be (a recognized fact, Deu 10:17; Psa 135:5; Psa 136:2) gods many and lords many." Angels and men in authority are termed gods in Scripture, as exercising a divinely delegated power under God (compare Exo 22:9, with Exo 22:28; Psa 82:1, Psa 82:6; Joh 10:34-35).”
- 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).”
- Ecclesiastes (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Ecclesiastes 8:4: Where the word of a king is, there is power,.... Or "dominion" (z). Authority goes along with his word of command; and there is an inferior magistracy, a subordinate power under him, ready to execute his will upon the rebellious and disobedient. Jarchi interprets it, the word of the holy blessed God; and the Targum, the word of that King who rules over all the world; where his word of doctrine comes, not in word only, it is with power: his written word is quick and powerful; the word of his Gospel preached is the power of God to salvation; or is accompanied with ”
- 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”
- Luke (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Luke 9 (introduction): MISSION OF THE TWELVE APOSTLES. (Luk 9:1-6) power and authority--He both qualified and authorized them.”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 9:14: (Jer 7:24). Baalim--plural of Baal, to express his supposed manifold powers. fathers taught them-- (Gal 1:14; Pe1 1:18). We are not to follow the errors of the fathers, but the authority of Scripture and of God [JEROME].”