Four Characteristics of Scripture: (1) Authority

Back to blogging through Grudem!

Below are the headings and arguments for the authority of scripture from chapter four of Grudem's systematic theology.

"All the words in scripture are God's words in such a way that to disbelieve or disobey any word of scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God"


1. All the words in scripture are God's words

(1) This is what the Bible claims for itself

• "Thus says the Lord" - found throughout the Old Testament


• The Old Testament is thought of as God'swords in the New Testament (See 2 Timothy 3.16)


• New Testament writings thought of as God's words (2 Peter 3.16;1 Timothy 5.18)

(2) When we read the scriptures the Holy Spirit convinces us that it is God's word (John 10.27; 1 Corinthians 2.14)

(3)Other evidence is useful but not finally convincing, e.g. evidence of fulfilled prophecies, historical accuracy etc.

(4) The words of scripture are self-attesting

We cannot appeal to a higher authority to prove scripture is the word of God. That would indicate that scripture is not the highest authority.

(5) The objection that this is a circular argument

"...all argumens for an absolute authority must ultimately appeal to that auhtority for proof otherwise the authority would not be an absolute or highest authority"

(6) Dictation is not the sole means by which God communicated His revelation (e.g. Luke 1.1-3)

2. To disbelieve or disobey any word of scripture is to disbelieve or disobey God

3. Scripture is entirely truthful