The Final Authority

The Scripture gets read for all sorts of reasons.  Some folks like a good story and the Bible certainly has more than just a few.  Others read it for information.  They see it as a "how to do it" book.  And, of course, there are more than a small number who read it to assuage guilt for not reading it.  The truth is we read it for all sorts of reasons and in response to all kinds of circumstances in our life.  It is definitely a one of a kind book.  There is nothing like it.    

Its uniqueness is found in what it says about itself, "All scripture is inspired by God, and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that eveyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work."  (II Timothy 3:16-17)  There are books that are inspired and I would like to think that I have preached some inspired sermons, but when we speak of such inspiration, it pales in comparison to the way the holy Scipture has been inspired through the ages as the Holy Spirit took ordinary folks like you and me to bring about a sacred writing that has no comparison.    

While some may regard such words as an exaggeration, there remains no doubt in my mind that the Holy Word that has been carved out through the ages of God's dealing with the likes of us is uniquely inspired by the Holy Spirit.  Unlike any written word, it is God's Word to His people.  We are His people and this Word of His was written to be the final and ultimate authority for the living we do.