Considering the nature of how the Scripture is crafted, through the breath and inspiration of God, it is natural that God, the creator, and sustainer of all creation, is then lord of all. To truly understand the authority of Scripture one must understand then the nature of God. God is the ultimate authority. He is the sustainer of all creation. His very nature is the essence of love, truth, justice, and mercy. If such a being authors Scripture, then it suffices to say that his words are authoritative. In the journal article “The Authority of Scripture and the Triune God” Angus Paddison argues, “The beginning and end of any study of Scripture’s authority is therefore the conviction that authority is indispensable for Christianity.”[1] This begs the question, “why?” The authority of Scripture is indispensable for the Christian because it is to the Scripture that the Christian conforms to their life. It is through the Scripture that God reveals his nature. It is through the revealed word of God, Jesus Christ, that we are being conformed to through the indwelling Spirit. If the authority of Scripture is denied, then all of Scripture should be questioned.
When embarking on any bible study or reading, it must be approached with the understanding that the words you are reading are recorded under the authority of God. This means that you must humbly and prayerfully approach Scripture with the understanding that you are therefore submitting yourself to their authority. This is helpful in times when you approach texts that tell you to love your enemy and to forgive those who have hurt you.
Reading Scripture with this in mind helps you to understand that the purpose of the Bible is to speak to you with authority on matters such as doctrine, reproof, correction, and instruction (2 Timothy 3:16). This is particularly beneficial for ministers. They can rest assured that if they are faithful in their proclamation of Scripture, they carry the full weight of the authority of God.
[1] Angus Paddison, “The Authority of Scripture and the Triune God”, Internation Journal of Systematic Theology. 13 no. 2: 448-462.