Scripture Is Our Supreme and Final Authority

Where do people usually go to learn truth? Some admit that truth is found in the Scriptures, however, many include the caveat that they will "stick to their own interpretation" of Scripture. This is now occurring at an alarming rate in various Christian denominations. That is truly unfortunate.

Then, we also have people who think that no particular religion has "an absolute lock on the truth." Sounds intellectual, tolerant and politically correct, doesn't it?

The trouble is, differing religions do not agree on issues central to the Gospel of Christ. All religious "roads" do not lead to salvation!

True Christianity is not just a religion. It is unique in the fact that it is more important than that. It is a demonstration of faith in, plus an individual relationship with, the One and Only Savior, Jesus Christ.

When someone tells you that they want to "stick to their own interpretation(s) of the Bible," what they are really choosing to do is superimpose a meaning onto the text rather than taking the objective stance and drawing the meaning out of the text of Scripture (exegesis).

The intended meaning (the only true meaning) of the Bible is to be discovered by the reader, was determined by the Author, and was written down by the writer through the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. Anyone can attempt to make the Scriptures say what they want them to say, but the fact is that the Bible teaches that Scripture alone (sola scriptura) is the supreme and infallible authority for the church (the term here representing all believers everywhere) and the individual believer (see John 10:35; Matthew 5:18; Luke 16:17).

John 10:35 - If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken;

Matthew 5:18 - For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.

Luke 16:17 - And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass, than one tittle of the law to fail.

These are Jesus' own words on this subject!

Jesus used Scripture as the final court of appeal in every matter under dispute (see Mark 7:13).

In fact, Mark 7:13 also gives us a warning about what to avoid when matters are in dispute. The verse goes even further because it tells us that various "traditions," and "many such like things [that] they do" make the word of God of none effect!

Mark 7:13 - Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.

To the Sadducees He said, "You are in error because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God." (Matthew 22:29).

The same admonition is needed for people to heed today! Many are in error because of these two things:

1. They do not know the Scriptures.
2. They do not know God nor the power of God.

How can we know the Scriptures? Read and study the Bible. Most importantly, discover how vividly the Bible reveals the person of Jesus Christ! Both are needed!

Knowing the Scriptures only does not do it! Jesus told the religious leaders:

John 5:39 - Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

John 15:26 - But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, [even] the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me:

Look at all of these verses and what they tell us about the power of God!

Mat 22:29 Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Mar 12:24 And Jesus answering said unto them, Do ye not therefore err, because ye know not the scriptures, neither the power of God?

Luk 9:43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God. But while they wondered every one at all things which Jesus did, he said unto his disciples,

Luk 22:69 Hereafter shall the Son of man sit on the right hand of the power of God.

Act 8:10 To whom they all gave heed, from the least to the greatest, saying, This man is the great power of God.

Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

1Cr 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

1Cr 1:24 But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

1Cr 2:5 That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Conclusion: Want to know the power of God?

Know Jesus!

1Pe 1:5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.