Authority of Scripture
Scripture is authoritative for faith and practice.
This doctrine defines Christian orthodoxy. Denial places one outside the historic faith.
What the traditions say
The Chicago Statement on Biblical Inerrancy (1978) is the definitive evangelical articulation: Scripture is inerrant in all it affirms.
Scripture is the norma normans (the norm that norms all other norms). Confessions are authoritative only insofar as they faithfully expound Scripture.
The Fathers treated Scripture as divinely authoritative, though always read within the Rule of Faith and the Church's living tradition.
Sola Scriptura: Scripture alone is the final authority. The Westminster Confession I.1: "The whole counsel of God...is either expressly set down in Scripture, or by good and necessary consequence may be deduced from Scripture."
Scripture is authoritative but not alone — it must be interpreted within Sacred Tradition and the Magisterium. Dei Verbum (Vatican II) affirms Scripture's authority within this framework.
Scripture is the supreme written witness but cannot be separated from the Holy Tradition in which it lives and breathes. The Church precedes and interprets the text.
Scripture has historical and literary authority as an ancient text but not divine authority. It is studied with the same critical tools as any other ancient literature.
Key scriptures
- 2Pet 1:21 — For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
- 2Tim 3:16 — All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
- Heb 4:12 — For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
- Ps 119:105 — Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.