How is the Bible Authoritative in my Life as a Christian?

Great question. Whether or not you consider yourself a Christian, I’m sure you’ve asked yourself what authority the Bible has in your life.

I met a young man earlier this week who professed he believed that Jesus died for His sins and that Christ was the son of God. This young man also said that he didn’t consider himself a Christian and confessed he had never actually even read a word of the Bible. He did share some views he had about Christianity, the church, and out-dated religious traditions.

Could he be a believer? Absolutely. Scripture is clear that any one who professes Christ with his mouth can be saved.

If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9 NLT

But what about the Bible? Do you have to recognize the Bible as authoritative to be a Christian?

First, let me say that we are justified by faith in Christ alone. Second, we don’t do anything to earn salvation. We don’t deserve it. It’s a free gift from God.

However, in order to walk in the light of Christ, we must embrace the teachings and example Jesus set forth during His time on earth. The Bible, as the inspired Word of God, contains these teachings and testifies to Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 underscores the importance of the Bible in guiding and growing the believer’s faith.

¹⁶ All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT

So from where I sit, I struggle to grasp how someone professing to be a Christian doesn’t give any weight to the Bible. For me, reading and studying God’s Word is an essential component of my Christian faith.

This young man illustrates what I see happening so often in our modern world. People voice their trepidation and disdain for God, the church, and the Bible without ever having bothered to get to know them.

As a Christian, the Bible is authoritative in my life and over my life. The Word of God serves as a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Your word is a lamp to guide my feet
    and a light for my path.

Psalm 119:105 NLT

Embracing the Bible as the ultimate authority aligns my life with God’s will. The Bible helps me understand His eternal truths and live in accordance with them. In seeking to live under the authority of Scripture, I open my heart to be shaped and guided by the Lord as I find solace and strength in His promises and commandments.

As Christians, we must recognize the Bible’s authority and submit to its teachings, allowing it to guide our beliefs, decisions, and behaviors. This means we must engage with Scripture regularly through reading, study, and meditation, allowing its truths to transform us from the inside out. Again, in doing so, we align ourselves with God’s will and purpose for our lives, finding direction, comfort, and hope in its pages.

Jesus Christ Himself emphasized the authority of Scripture in His life and ministry, often quoting from the Hebrew Scriptures to affirm His teachings and actions. This alone should spur us to accept and respect the authority of the Bible in our lives as Christians. After all, if it’s good enough for Jesus it should be good enough for us.

Certainly, if you don’t profess to be a Christian, I’m not expecting you to live under the authority of Scripture. That would make no sense. But professing to be a believer and not living under the authority of Scripture makes even less sense.

Knowing God demands knowing His Word. The Christian life calls for me to live under the Bible’s authority.

Christian, I pray that this post is helpful to you. I realize that it may make you uncomfortable. But, I pray that you will recognize that I am trying to love you in Spirit and Truth. As a believer, the Bible must speak with authority in your life. Otherwise, I don’t know how you grow from here to there.

God is good. All the time. 

No mater what.

Know you are loved.

Praying for you. Praying for America.

Rainer Bantau —The Devotional Guy™

#JesusStrong