Biblical Authority and the Uniqueness of Christ

 

Summary

In this sermon, I explored the profound themes of biblical authority and the uniqueness of Jesus Christ as the sole Savior. These are not just theological concepts but foundational truths that shape our faith and understanding of God. The Bible stands as the only divine authority, a book authored by the Holy Spirit over centuries, yet perfectly unified and inerrant. It is not merely a collection of human wisdom but the very words of God, offering clarity, sufficiency, and truth. This divine revelation is the bedrock of our convictions and the lens through which we view the world.

The authority of Scripture is not just an abstract idea but a lived reality for believers. Even new Christians, without extensive apologetic training, inherently trust the Bible as God's Word. This confidence is a work of the Holy Spirit, who instills in us a longing for the 'life milk' of Scripture. Yet, while believers hold this subjective assurance, it is crucial to also understand and articulate objective reasons for our faith, especially when engaging with those who do not share this confidence.

One of the most compelling evidences of the Bible's divine authorship is prophecy, particularly the prophecy found in Isaiah 53. This chapter, written 700 years before Christ, details the suffering and atoning work of the Messiah with such precision that it stands as a testament to the divine nature of Scripture. It answers the ultimate question of how a sinner can be reconciled to a holy God, presenting the doctrine of substitutionary atonement in a way that rivals the New Testament epistles.

Isaiah 53 is not just a prophecy of the cross but a future confession of Israel, recognizing the Messiah they once rejected. This chapter reveals the depth of God's redemptive plan and the certainty of His promises. It is a powerful reminder that the Bible is not just a historical document but a living testimony to God's unfolding story of salvation.

Key Takeaways:

- The Bible is the sole divine authority, inspired by the Holy Spirit, and perfectly unified despite being written over centuries. It is not just a book of human wisdom but the very words of God, offering clarity, sufficiency, and truth. This divine revelation is the foundation of our convictions and the lens through which we view the world. [04:45]

- Believers inherently trust the Bible as God's Word, a confidence instilled by the Holy Spirit. This trust is not based on extensive apologetic training but on a spiritual awakening that creates a longing for the 'life milk' of Scripture. This subjective assurance is crucial, but we must also articulate objective reasons for our faith to engage with those who do not share this confidence. [08:19]

- Prophecy, particularly Isaiah 53, stands as a powerful testament to the divine nature of Scripture. Written 700 years before Christ, it details the Messiah's suffering and atoning work with precision, answering the ultimate question of how a sinner can be reconciled to a holy God. This chapter reveals the depth of God's redemptive plan and the certainty of His promises. [23:41]

- Isaiah 53 is not just a prophecy of the cross but a future confession of Israel, recognizing the Messiah they once rejected. This chapter highlights the certainty of God's promises and the unfolding story of salvation, demonstrating the Bible's divine authorship and authority. [38:08]

- The divine nature of Scripture is evident in its complex and detailed prophecies, which only God could disclose. Isaiah 53, in particular, stands as a testament to the Bible's divine authorship, revealing the depth of God's redemptive plan and the certainty of His promises. This chapter is a powerful reminder that the Bible is not just a historical document but a living testimony to God's unfolding story of salvation. [56:57]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction and Personal Reflections
- [01:10] - The Authority of the Bible and Jesus as Savior
- [02:40] - The Bedrock of Truth: Biblical Authority
- [03:15] - The Fundamental Disagreement: Authority
- [04:45] - The Inspired and Inerrant Word of God
- [06:14] - Confidence in Scripture Among Believers
- [08:19] - Strengthening Our Confidence in the Bible
- [09:40] - The Bible's Claims of Truth and Inerrancy
- [11:46] - Jesus' View of Scripture
- [15:08] - External Proofs of Scripture's Authority
- [18:07] - Experience and Archaeology as Validation
- [21:55] - Prophecy: The Most Impactful Evidence
- [23:41] - Isaiah 53: The First Gospel
- [38:08] - Israel's Future Confession
- [56:57] - Divine Affirmation and Conclusion

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Isaiah 53

Observation Questions:
1. What does Isaiah 53 reveal about the nature and purpose of the Messiah's suffering? How is this prophecy fulfilled in the New Testament? [23:41]
2. How does the sermon describe the authority of the Bible and its divine authorship? What evidence is provided to support this claim? [04:45]
3. According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in a believer's confidence in the Bible? [06:14]
4. How does the sermon explain the future confession of Israel as described in Isaiah 53? [38:08]

Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Isaiah 53 serve as a testament to the divine nature of Scripture, according to the sermon? [23:41]
2. How does the concept of substitutionary atonement in Isaiah 53 compare to the teachings found in the New Testament epistles? [26:30]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of understanding and articulating objective reasons for our faith? [08:19]
4. How does the sermon interpret the future salvation of Israel as prophesied in Isaiah 53? What implications does this have for our understanding of God's promises? [38:08]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your personal view of the Bible's authority. How does the sermon challenge or affirm your beliefs about Scripture? [04:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of both subjective assurance and objective reasons for faith. How can you strengthen your understanding of the Bible's authority to engage with those who do not share your confidence? [08:19]
3. Isaiah 53 presents a powerful image of the Messiah's suffering and atonement. How does this chapter impact your understanding of Jesus' sacrifice and its significance in your life? [23:41]
4. Consider the role of prophecy in affirming the divine nature of Scripture. How does the fulfillment of prophecy in your own life strengthen your faith? [21:55]
5. The sermon discusses the future confession of Israel and the unfolding story of salvation. How does this perspective influence your view of God's redemptive plan and your role in it? [38:08]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper longing for the 'life milk' of Scripture in your daily life, as described in the sermon? [06:14]
7. Reflect on a time when you experienced a spiritual awakening or renewal. How did the Holy Spirit play a role in that experience, and how can you remain open to His guidance in the future? [06:14]

Devotional

Day 1: The Bible as Divine Authority
The Bible is not just a collection of human wisdom but the very words of God, inspired by the Holy Spirit and perfectly unified despite being written over centuries. It offers clarity, sufficiency, and truth, serving as the foundation of our convictions and the lens through which we view the world. This divine revelation is the sole authority for believers, guiding them in faith and practice. The Bible's authority is not an abstract idea but a lived reality, as believers inherently trust it as God's Word. This confidence is a work of the Holy Spirit, who instills in us a longing for the 'life milk' of Scripture. [04:45]

"For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you allow the Bible to be the guiding authority in your daily decisions and actions today?


Day 2: Trusting the Bible Through Spiritual Awakening
Believers inherently trust the Bible as God's Word, a confidence instilled by the Holy Spirit. This trust is not based on extensive apologetic training but on a spiritual awakening that creates a longing for the 'life milk' of Scripture. While this subjective assurance is crucial, it is also important to articulate objective reasons for our faith, especially when engaging with those who do not share this confidence. Understanding and expressing the reasons for our faith can strengthen our own belief and help us share the gospel effectively with others. [08:19]

"All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." (2 Timothy 3:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: How can you articulate one objective reason for your faith in the Bible to someone who may not share your beliefs?


Day 3: Prophecy as Evidence of Divine Authorship
Prophecy, particularly Isaiah 53, stands as a powerful testament to the divine nature of Scripture. Written 700 years before Christ, it details the Messiah's suffering and atoning work with precision, answering the ultimate question of how a sinner can be reconciled to a holy God. This chapter reveals the depth of God's redemptive plan and the certainty of His promises, demonstrating the Bible's divine authorship and authority. Prophecies like these are not just historical records but living testimonies to God's unfolding story of salvation. [23:41]

"Surely the Lord God does nothing without revealing his secret to his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7, ESV)

Reflection: How does the fulfillment of biblical prophecy strengthen your faith in God's promises today?


Day 4: Israel's Future Confession and God's Promises
Isaiah 53 is not just a prophecy of the cross but a future confession of Israel, recognizing the Messiah they once rejected. This chapter highlights the certainty of God's promises and the unfolding story of salvation, demonstrating the Bible's divine authorship and authority. It serves as a powerful reminder that the Bible is not just a historical document but a living testimony to God's redemptive plan. The certainty of God's promises provides hope and assurance to believers, encouraging them to trust in His faithfulness. [38:08]

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, ESV)

Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to hold onto today, and how can it impact your perspective on current challenges?


Day 5: The Living Testimony of Scripture
The divine nature of Scripture is evident in its complex and detailed prophecies, which only God could disclose. Isaiah 53, in particular, stands as a testament to the Bible's divine authorship, revealing the depth of God's redemptive plan and the certainty of His promises. This chapter is a powerful reminder that the Bible is not just a historical document but a living testimony to God's unfolding story of salvation. Believers are called to engage with Scripture not just as a text to be studied but as a living word that transforms lives and reveals God's heart. [56:57]

"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope." (Romans 15:4, ESV)

Reflection: How can you engage with Scripture today in a way that allows it to transform your heart and mind?

Quotes

Well, thank you very much, Chris, and a special thanks to R.C. for including me in this. Thank you, my friend. You are unfortunately out of sight, being down there in Florida and me in California, but you're never out of mind. Daily I am thankful for you and the impact you've had on me and so many, for the clarity of the true faith. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you for including me this week. [00:00:03]

I want to say two things: I want to say that the Bible is the only source of divine truth, and Jesus is the only Savior. I don't care what the questions are, those are going to be the answers. So I'm just always looking -- I said to Larry so many times, "Well, I don't know about that, but I do know Jesus is the only Savior and the Bible is the only authority." It's an old formula. [00:01:28]

The issue of biblical authority is the bedrock of truth, so we're going to talk about that a little bit, and I hope that the approach I'm taking to this will be an encouragement to you. There are so many, many ways to speak to the issue of biblical authority, but let me just kind of introduce it a little bit and then I'm going to take you to a place you might not expect me to take you and we'll really work a little bit on enriching our understanding of biblical authority from, perhaps, an unexpected point of Scripture. [00:02:47]

Our authority is God and He has spoken in one book, the Bible. One book. That is what we believe. That is what we affirm. That's where our convictions come from. And we reason out of the convictions that are provided for us on the pages of Holy Scripture. We believe in an inspired Bible. We believe that it was authored by the Holy Spirit over a period of 1,500 plus years by 40 different authors, but it has perfect unity. [00:04:19]

We believe in its inerrancy, that, in the original autographs, every word came from God. We believe in its perspicuity, its clarity. It is a revelation, not an obfuscation. We believe in its sufficiency, that it is sufficient to accomplish everything that God intended it to accomplish; and, in fact, it will because it never returns to Him void but always accomplishes the purpose to which He has sent it. [00:05:00]

There is, in the heart of a true believer, a confidence in Scripture. They believe the Bible. They believe the Word of God is true. I've had a most interesting experience: for 43 years I taught through the whole New Testament, verse by verse. 43 years. I never defended the Scripture. I didn't do apologetics, reasons to believe the Bible. In all those 43 years, I never did that on a Sunday morning in our worship service. [00:06:28]

But, even given that fact -- that true believers have a confidence in the Word of God, in its inspiration, in its veracity -- it's still important to strengthen our confidence, because we can be assaulted, and we can be attacked. And, more importantly, we do need to give a reason for why we believe the Bible to people who don't believe the Bible and aren't given that confidence by the wonderful work of the Holy Spirit. [00:08:19]

The Bible says things are going to happen, and they happen. And there are many prophecies in the Scripture that came to pass; many of them that came to pass in the incarnation of our Lord Jesus Christ. I think this is the most powerful evidence of divine authorship and, thus, the divine authority of Scripture. Because only God writes history. Only God knows and determines the future. [00:21:37]

Isaiah 53 is the most detailed, complex prophecy that has full, historical verification 700 years after it was written. Isaiah 53 is so consistent with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John that it has been called the 'Fifth Gospel.' But I don't think that's the right title. I think it should be called the 'First Gospel.' 700 years before Christ. [00:23:41]

This chapter answers that question. This chapter is to the Old Testament what Romans is to the New Testament. This chapter answers the question that no false religion can answer. And the answer is so full and so complete that it rivals the New Testament, and not just the Gospels, but the epistles. And let me tell you something: this has to be from God, because what you have in Isaiah 53 -- listen to me -- is vicarious, substitutionary, sacrificial atonement. [00:24:55]

And they not only recognize their sins as behavior, but they recognize their nature, in verse 6: "All of us, like sheep, have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way" -- drawing on the analogy of a sheep who goes astray, wanders off independently, on its own because that's its nature. They recognize that sin is not only evident in their behavior, it's embedded in their nature. [00:45:04]

Father, Your word is alive and powerful. We embrace that with great joy. What confidence we have in its testimony. We believe it because we belong to You. That's really the bottom line. The bottom line is You have awakened us. That's why we believe. That's why new believers embrace the Scripture -- because You awaken their hearts. [01:01:15]

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Transcript
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