1. God has Spoken: A Study of Bible Authority
The Nature of Bible Authority

2. God Has Revealed a Pattern
“…make all things according to the pattern shown you…” Hebrews 8:5
“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.” Timothy 1:13

3. Understanding Bible Authority is Fundamental
Bible authority is established by commands, apostolic approved examples & necessary inferences
To know the Scriptures & have the faith to properly apply them (since we will be judged by them) 2 Cor. 5:10-11
In order to avoid sinful extremes

4. [Blueprints to build a house]
Two Kinds of Authority
[Blueprints to build a house]
GENERIC
Includes all things needed to build the house (tools, etc.)
SPECIFIC
Excludes all things not specified in the blueprints

5. Generic Authority (Rev. 22:19)
INCLUSIVE
“go” Matt. 28:19
HOW?
God did not specify CHOICE
CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options
Walk
Ride
Fly
Sail

6. Generic Authority (Rev. 22:19)
INCLUSIVE
“assemble” Heb. 10:25
WHERE?
Tent
Home
Rental
Meeting house
God did not specify CHOICE
CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options

7. Generic Authority (Rev. 22:19)
INCLUSIVE
“apparel” 1 Tim. 2:9
WHAT?
God did not specify CHOICE
CHOICE ALLOWED from variety of options
Dress
Blouse
Pants
Robe

8. Specific Authority (Rev. 22:18)
EXCLUSIVE
“ark” Gen. 6:14
GOPHER WOOD
Pine
Oak
Ash
Elm
No CHOICE given
Only specified action APPROVED
NOT

9. Specific Authority (Rev. 22:18)
EXCLUSIVE
“music” Eph. 5:19
SING
No CHOICE given
Only specified action APPROVED
Playing an instrument
NOT

10. Specific Authority (Rev. 22:18)
EXCLUSIVE
“Lord’s Supper” 1 Cor. 11:23-26
Unl. bread
Fruit of vine
Beans & cornbread
Burger & coke
No CHOICE given
Only specified action APPROVED
NOT

11. Specific Authority (Rev. 22:18)
EXCLUSIVE
“apparel” 1 Tim. 2:9
MODEST
Bikini
Halter
Mini-skirt
Etc.
No CHOICE given
Only specified action APPROVED
NOT

12. Allowed unless specifically condemned
Extremes to Avoid
Allowed unless specifically condemned
“It doesn’t say not to!” (Silence is consent)
Approval based on God’s silence
Instrumental music in worship
Infant baptism
God’s silence constrains, Heb. 7:13-14
Looses where God binds 1 Cor. 4:6

13. Only allowed if specifically approved
Extremes to Avoid
Only allowed if specifically approved
No generic authority & necessary inferences
Used to forbid such things as:
Organized Bible classes
Multiple containers for Lord’s Supper
Not consistent, Rom. 2:1
Binds where God looses

14. Positive Authority is Necessary
Pattern of Sound Words
Positive Authority is Necessary
To please God, Heb. 13:21
No deviation, Joshua 1:7-8
According to “this word,” Isaiah 8:20
Test all things (by a standard), 1 Ths. 5:21
Not beyond what is written, 1 Cor. 4:6
Not beyond doctrine of Christ, 2 Jno. 9

15. Christ’s Authority Col. 3:17 (Acts 4:9-12)
Generically or Specifically Revealed
Christ’s authority to be saved is specific:
Believe Jesus is Son of God, Jno. 8:23-24
Confess faith in Him, Rom. 10:9-10
Repent of your sins, Acts 17:30
Be baptized for the remission of sins, Acts 2:38; 22:16