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What does the Bible say about its own authority?

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The Bible teaches that Scripture carries its own divine authority because it is God-breathed, true, and enduring, not dependent on human approval. Second Timothy 3:16 declares that all Scripture is inspired by God and equips his people for faithful living. Second Peter 1:20-21 explains that prophecy did not arise from human will, but from men carried along by the Holy Spirit. God’s Word stands forever, as Isaiah 40:8 affirms, and Psalm 19:7-11 praises its perfection, trustworthiness, and power to give wisdom. Jesus upheld the unbreakable authority of Scripture in Matthew 5:18 and John 10:35. Therefore, believers receive, obey, and test all teaching by God’s sufficient Word.

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • 2 Timothy 3:16 20 votes

    Every writing inspired by God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for instruction which is in righteousness,

  • 2 Peter 1:20-21 15 votes

    [20] knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of private interpretation. [21] For no prophecy ever came by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke, being moved by the Holy Spirit.

  • Isaiah 40:8 9 votes

    The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand forever.

  • Psalms 19:7-11 7 votes

    [7] Yahweh's law is perfect, restoring the soul. Yahweh's testimony is sure, making wise the simple. [8] Yahweh's precepts are right, rejoicing the heart. Yahweh's commandment is pure, enlightening the eyes. [9] The fear of Yahweh is clean, enduring forever. Yahweh's ordinances are true, and righteous altogether. [10] More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the extract of the honeycomb. [11] Moreover by them is your servant warned. In keeping them there is great reward.

  • 2 John 1:9 5 votes

    Whoever transgresses and doesn't remain in the teaching of Christ, doesn't have God. He who remains in the teaching, the same has both the Father and the Son.

  • Matthew 5:18 5 votes

    For most assuredly, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not even one smallest letter or one tiny pen stroke shall in any way pass away from the law, until all things are accomplished.

  • John 10:35 5 votes

    If he called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the Scripture can't be broken),

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