I would argue that we all have some source we turn to as our Authority. Something/one that we turn to when we need support for what we are saying and doing. And yes, I have written on this subject many times, it’s because I feel we all need to know our foundation and why. Do we live on a strong foundation or a shifting sands one?
For the Christian, we have been given our manual, our instructions. It’s not there for us to argue with. It really doesn’t matter if we like it or not… or even if we completely understand. The point is that what’s said is there – not by whimsy or man’s thoughts. Simply, the Bible IS the Word and it is all complete, inspired by God, The Creator, and not subject to the interpretation of man. I will grant you that we may not completely understand nor define the words in the same way… but there’s really no place for argument or negotiations.
“All Scripture is God-breathed [given by divine inspiration] and is profitable for instruction, for conviction [of sin], for correction [of error and restoration to obedience], for training in righteousness [learning to live in conformity to God’s will, both publicly and privately—behaving honorably with personal integrity and moral courage]; so that the man of God may be complete and proficient, outfitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17, AMP)
The WHAT of scripture – profitable: for instruction, for conviction, for correction, for training. The WHY: to be complete and proficient, outfitted and THOROUGHLY equipped. To me this speaks of process – a continuation of the what in order to do the why. It speaks of a firm foundation. You can’t accept only those scriptures you like and ignore the ones you don’t. Either you accept the Bible in its entirety or not. Picking and choosing doesn’t apply. And, not to be too blunt, but if you don’t accept His Word… how can you be a Christian? If we call ourselves Christians, then we have no option but to not only believe but to act according to the word!
How do I know? Look at how Jesus responded with the word to everything that the devil said to try to entice Him. That was His defense against the challenge by the devil. He continually said… “It is written…”, Matthew 4: 1-7 tells us of the temptation. Remember too that this temptation occurred after Jesus had gone without food for 40 days! Our choice always – to accept, to reject.
How much more do we need this kind of strong foundation… This attitude of defeating the devil by scripture should be OUR approach. We are able to refute the arguments of the devil (and do remember he probably knows scripture better than any of us) and… stand. If we don’t have a response (1 Peter 3:15), then we need to study scripture so that we always can reply… confidently. Our personal foundation – what we know, what we believe, how we share us and our beliefs – rest on the foundation of God’s Word.
