The Authoritative Rule

The Authoritative Rule: Scripture as Authority

This doctrine emphasizes that the scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, serve as the ultimate authority for faith and conduct within the Assemblies of God. It underscores the belief that the Bible is not merely a collection of human writings but is divinely inspired, providing a comprehensive guide for believers.

Scriptural Basis and Necessity

  • The Bible provides a concrete basis for beliefs, ensuring that faith is grounded in a tangible and reliable source.

  • While salvation is possible through belief in Jesus Christ, the scriptures offer a valuable and investigable form of understanding, allowing believers to deepen their knowledge and relationship with God.

  • The Word of God, comprising all 66 books, forms the bedrock of doctrine, establishing a unified and coherent theological framework.

Definition of the Doctrine

  • Inspiration: The scriptures of both the Old and New Testaments are verbally inspired by God and represent God's revelation to humanity.

    • Not just the New Testament, the Old Testament is equally inspired, affirming the continuity and consistency of God's message throughout history.

    • Verbal inspiration means every word in the original manuscripts (Greek for the New Testament, Hebrew for the Old) was superintended by God and needed no correction, highlighting the meticulous care with which God communicated His word.

  • Revelation: God intended to reveal His word to mankind, ensuring that His message is accessible and understandable to all.

    • The translation of the scripture into different languages emphasizes God's intention for all to have access to his word, breaking down linguistic barriers and cultural divides.

  • Infallibility: The scriptures are incapable of error when understood in context, providing a trustworthy source of truth and guidance.

    • Taking scripture out of context can lead to error, underscoring the importance of careful study and interpretation.

  • Authoritative Rule: The scriptures serve as the standard for comparison and validation, ensuring that all teachings and practices align with God's revealed truth.

    • Authority stems from God as the author, not from human assertion, grounding the Bible's authority in its divine origin.

Twofold Authority

  • Faith: The scriptures are authoritative for what believers hold to be true about God, shaping their understanding of His character, attributes, and purposes.

    • Experiences, teachings, and knowledge are subject to the authority of God's word, ensuring that all aspects of belief are rooted in scripture.

  • Conduct: The scriptures are authoritative for how believers should live their lives, guiding their actions, attitudes, and relationships.

    • Lifestyle should align with descriptions in the New Testament books such as Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians, providing practical examples of how to live out one's faith.

Scriptural Support

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:13: Paul emphasizes that the Thessalonians received the message as the word of God, which works effectively in believers.

    • Highlights the transformative power of God's word, demonstrating its ability to change lives and shape communities.

  • 2 Timothy 3:15-17: Timothy's knowledge of scripture from infancy provided wisdom for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.

    • All scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, equipping believers for a life of service and obedience.

    • Equips believers for every good work, empowering them to make a positive impact in the world.

  • 2 Peter 1:20-21: Prophecy did not come from human interpretation but from men speaking from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

    • Peter asserts that he and Paul were eyewitnesses to Christ. Predictive prophecy validates the divine origin of the scriptures, offering compelling evidence of their supernatural source.

    • The prophecies about Jesus, some dating back 500 to 1000 years before his birth, give confidence in the value of studying the word of God, inspiring believers to delve deeper into its truths.

Practical Implications

  • The Bible serves as a tool for self-correction, guiding believers in the truth of God's word, helping them to identify and overcome errors in their thinking and behavior.

  • The scriptures shape our understanding of God's nature, revealing Him as holy, loving, merciful, full of grace and truth, fostering a deeper appreciation for His character and attributes.

  • Even with extensive teaching experience, the Bible remains the authority and standard for understanding and teaching about God, ensuring that all instruction is grounded in scripture and reflects God's revealed truth.