God Speaks, We Listen: Scripture’s Authority at Redeemer
Theology Tuesday #5
What gives Scripture its authority in our lives? If you look at the world around us, you’ll find countless sources—social media personalities, political figures, motivational gurus—all competing to shape our thinking. But at Redeemer, we believe God’s Word stands above them all. According to our doctrinal statement, Scripture’s authority isn’t rooted in human opinion or a church’s decree; it’s “entirely on God Himself.”
Think of it this way: when you read the Bible, you’re not just perusing ancient literature; you’re hearing the voice of Almighty God. He’s the One who inspired the writers (2 Timothy 3:16), guided their words, and preserved His message through the ages. So, when we open Scripture, we’re encountering God’s sovereign authorship. That’s a big deal! Instead of treating it as an optional opinion piece, we submit to it, trusting that the Lord of the universe knows better than we do.
James 1:22 says, “Be doers of the word, and not hearers only.” This challenges us to obey God’s Word precisely because it carries divine weight. We’re not free to dismiss or revise it based on personal preferences. If the Bible speaks on an issue—whether it’s love and forgiveness, ethical living, or life in the local church—Redeemer bows to that directive. Our leadership, teaching, and community life revolve around Scripture because we see it as the final say on what we believe and how we behave.
Why not rely on church authority or tradition alone? Historically, God’s people have learned that even the best leaders can err. Human institutions can drift if they lose sight of Scripture’s centrality. By keeping God’s Word at the top, we protect ourselves from these pitfalls and unite around His revealed truth. That’s not to say we dismiss church traditions or creeds entirely, but rather that all these resources must ultimately align with biblical authority.
So, if you ever wonder why we preach verse by verse, encourage personal Bible reading, or frame major decisions by asking, “What does Scripture say?”—it’s because we believe God’s Word commands us—Redeemer bows to Him alone. We trust that He’s still speaking through these inspired pages, confronting sin, comforting the weary, and pointing us to Christ.
Next Tuesday, we’ll dive deeper into how God’s Word resonates in our hearts through the Spirit’s inward testimony (Chapter I, Section 5), revealing the majesty of Scripture and rooting our confidence in its truth. Until then, remember that this Book you hold is no ordinary text; it’s the King’s decree, worthy of our honor and ready to transform our lives.
