Chapter 7 – The Dependability of God’s Word: Authoritative 1
Chapter SEVEN- Erickson
G ’s Word - A
What we have Seen So Far!
1. : God choses to disclose His person and purposes
•General Revelation - (God reveals Himself in a general way to all men at all times
– i.e., Creation & Conscience)
•Special Revelation - (God reveals Himself in special ways to specific people at
specific times – dreams, theophany, The Scripture)
2. : God is the Source of “breathed-out” Scriptures!
3. : The Bible, absolutely true, without error is reliable
4. : Biblical truth is God’s word to humanity I/we/all submit to it’s rule
I. Biblical Authority
A. “By authority we mean the right to command and/or ”
B. “External authority is often refused recognition and obedience in favor of accepting one’s own
judgement as final. This takes an extreme form in some varieties of postmodernism, where every
opinion is of equal value to every other, and suggesting that one is objectively more adequate
than another is considered intolerant.”
Erickson, Millard J. Introducing Christian Doctrine. Baker Academic, 2015. p70
C. “Because the Bible conveys God’s message, it carries
God himself would command
if he were speaking to us .”
Erickson, Millard J. Introducing Christian Doctrine. Baker Academic, 2015. p70
Chapter 7 – The Dependability of God’s Word: Authoritative 2
Considering the quote above: (Discuss)
1. What is one’s answer to the “charge” of intolerance?
2. Does the Bible teach this type of “exclusivity”?
3. How does this impact evangelism and the mission of the church?
4. How does this apply in regard other cultures or religions?
D. The Supreme Authority of the Bible - II Timothy 3:16-17
[2Ti 3:16-17 KJV] 16 All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is]
profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:
17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
1. For : to be used to present the systematic teachings of
the truths relating to God Himself.
2. For : the Bible (in collaboration with the Holy Spirit) is
used to convict us of the wrong in our lives.
3. For : Bible instructs in the way we should live and the
way we should go.
4. For in Righteousness : God’s Word provides the
necessary details which will allow the Christian to become fully equipped for every
good work (v 17)
E. The Bible’s authority would Exceed that of the Following:
1. Over Human Reason – (Isa 1:18; Rom 12:1-2, Prov 3:5-7)
2. Over the Church – (Eph 1:22; 2:19-20; 4:15-16; Col 1:18; 2:9 Rev 2-3)
3. Over Tradition – (Matt 15:6; Col 2:8)
4. Over Popes & Preachers – (John 17:17; Acts 17:11; II Tim 4:2)
5. Over Feelings & Experiences – (Psa 27:13; 77:1-10; Job 4:12-16 42:7; Ps 119:133; 10;
105; John 15:7; I Tim 4:16; II Tim 2:15; Matt 4:4)
Willmington, Harold. 12 Essential Doctrines: Systematic Theology. New Revolution Press, 2014. pp20-22
Chapter 7 – The Dependability of God’s Word: Authoritative 3
II. The Internal Working of the Holy Spirit Erickson p70-71
Why we need the Holy Spirit
1. There is an ontological difference between God and humans. He cannot be
fully understood by our finite minds.
2. We require certainty with respect to divine matters. This is especially true with
such spiritual things that impact eternal destiny
3. Human beings are limited as a result of sinfulness of the human race. (Matt
13:13- 15, Mark 8:18, Rom 1:21, Rom 11:8)
III. The Continuing Work of the Holy Spirit Erickson
p.72 John Chapters 14-16
A. The Holy Spirit will teach believers all things (Jn 14:26)
B. The Holy Spirit will witness to Jesus (Jn 15:26-27)
C. The Holy Spirit will convict of sin, righteousness, and judgment (Jn 16:7-11)
D. The Holy Spirit will guide believers into all the truth (Jn 16:13-14)
IV. The Bible and Reason Erickson p.74
A. Apologetics is the rational examination and evaluation of the evidence or a belief system
to ascertain if true or not.
“Apologetics is the seasoning, the Gospel is the main course. You do not want too much of
the seasoning or it will make the main course insipid.
Apologetics does not dominate our message; it undergirds our message.
Argument doesn’t save people, but it certainly clears the obstacles so they can take a direct
look at the Cross.
Support the argument justifiably, but recognize it is Jesus Christ who you need to lift up, and
it is the Holy Spirit who brings about change within the human heart. An argument may
remove doubt, but only the Holy Spirit can convict of truth.” Ravi Zacharias
B. The Legislative gives us the content and code of conduct
Chapter 7 – The Dependability of God’s Word: Authoritative 4
C. The Judiciary helps determine and interpret (makes sense) what the legislative ‘means’
by what it asserts as true!
D. The Supreme Legislative Authority determines what is binding and normative for
all believers. This is the Bible!
V. The Power of the Word of God
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged
sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and
attitudes of the heart.
“The more knowledge you gain about God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit from studying the Bible
– the stronger and deeper your personal relationship will become with the Three of Them.”
“The Word of God - The Power That Is in the Word of God.” Accessed September 10, 2019. https://www.bible-
knowledge.com/power-of-the-word-of-god/.
1. All of Scripture is Given to Us By Inspiration From God the Father
•“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof,
for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete,
thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16)
•“… knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for
prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved
by the Holy Spirit.” (2 Peter 1:20)
2. The Word of God is Living and Powerful
•“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword,
piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
•“So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but
it shall accomplish what I please, and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”
(Isaiah 55:11)
•“Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “And like a hammer that breaks the rock
in pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29)
•“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you
are spirit, and they are life” (John 6:63)
•“This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has given me life.” (Psalm 119:50)
•“Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing
of my heart …” (Jeremiah 15:16)
Chapter 7 – The Dependability of God’s Word: Authoritative 5
•“How sweet are Your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!”
(Psalm 119:103)
•But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by
every word that proceeds from the mouth of God.’ ” (Matthew 4:4)
•“… as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if
indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” (1 Peter 2:2)
3. The Word of God is Pure Solid Truth
•“Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. Do not add
to His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:5)
•“The words of the Lord are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified
seven times.” (Psalm 12:6)
•“For the word of the Lord is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves
righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the Lord.” (Psalm 33:4)
•“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
4. The Word of God Can Sanctify You
•“Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
•” … that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, that He
might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing,
but that it should be holy and without blemish.” (Ephesians 5:26)
•“How can a young man cleanse his way? By taking heed according to Your word. With
my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your
word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord!
Teach me Your statutes.” (Psalm 119:9-12)
•“You are already clean because of the word which I have spoken to you.” (John 15:3)
•” … and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your
souls.” (James 1:21)
•“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word
of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in
truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.” (1 Thessalonians
2:13)
5. The Word of God Will Give You Knowledge and Wisdom
•“… but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.” (2
Peter 3:18)
•“And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.”
(Luke 24:45)
•“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My Name, He will teach
you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you.” (John
14:26)
•“However, when He, the Spirit of Truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth …”
Chapter 7 – The Dependability of God’s Word: Authoritative 6
(John 16:13)
Chapter 7 – The Dependability of God’s Word: Authoritative 7
•Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My
disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”
(John 8:31)
•“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing
one another …” (Colossians 3:16)
•“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path … The entrance of Your words
gives light; it gives understanding to the simple … Direct my steps by Your word, and let
no iniquity have dominion over me.” (Psalm 119:105, 130, 133)
•“My son, give attention to My words; incline your ear to My sayings. Do not let them
depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart; for they are life to those
who find them, and health to all their flesh.” (Proverbs 4:20)
6. The Word of God Will Stand Forever
•“… for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to the point of chains; but the word
of God is not chained.” (2 Timothy 2:9)
•“Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven. Your faithfulness endures to
all generations …” (Psalm 119:89)
•“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)
“The Word of God - The Power That Is in the Word of God.” Accessed September 10, 2019. https://www.bible-
knowledge.com/power-of-the-word-of-god/.
Chapter 7 – The Dependability of God’s Word: Authoritative 8
https://lifewayresearch.com/2017/04/25/lifeway-research-americans-are-fond-of-the-bible-dont-
actually-read-it
Illustration: Steeping Tea!
Steeping is the soaking in liquid (usually water) of a solid so as
to extract flavors or to soften it. The specific process
of teas being prepared for drinking by leaving the leaves in
heated water to release the flavor and nutrients is known
as steeping.
