Biblical Authority: What Is It Good For? Why The Apostles Insisted On A High View Of Scripture -- By: Sigurd Grindheim

Journal: Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society
Volume: JETS 59:4 (Dec 2016)
Article: Biblical Authority: What Is It Good For? Why The Apostles Insisted On A High View Of Scripture
Author: Sigurd Grindheim


Biblical Authority: What Is It Good For?
Why The Apostles Insisted On
A High View Of Scripture

Sigurd Grindheim*

* Sigurd Grindheim is professor of NT at Fjellhaug International University College, Sinsenveien 15, NO-0572 Oslo, Norway, and Lutheran Brethren Seminary, 1036 W Alcott Ave, Fergus Falls, MN 56537. He may be contacted at [email protected].

Abstract: This article examines the classical passages on biblical inspiration, 2 Tim 3:14–17 and 2 Pet 1:19–21, and asks why the NT authors emphasized the inspiration of Scripture. It is argued that the theological payoff is not primarily that the Scriptures contain reliable information. The purpose of inspiration is ethical and religious. As the living and powerful word of God, Scripture serves the function of a judge: it condemns and acquits, it judges the sinner to death and gives new life through faith.

Key Words: authority of Scripture, inspiration of Scripture, inerrancy, 2 Tim 3:14–17, 2 Pet 1:19–21

Klaus Berger and Ulrich Wilckens have both recently called biblical scholars to reconsider their approach to the Scriptures. Without dismissing scholarly inquiry or the conventional critical methods, they have criticized the prevailing historical critical method and emphasized the need to take seriously the fact God is the one who is speaking through the pages of the Bible.1 In an attempt to respond to their call, I wish to offer some reflections on why God has chosen to speak through the Scriptures and what he intends to accomplish thereby.

My thesis may be stated with the use of a metaphor from the court of law. I contend that Scripture should be understood in the role of the judge. While I do not dispute the legitimacy of examining Scripture, its role is not primarily that of a defendant or a witness to be scrutinized and cross-examined to test its veracity. Scripture is the judge, and its role is to pass the verdict. A judge condemns and acquits. Scripture pronounces the judgment of God; the outcome is eternal life or eternal death.

To substantiate my thesis, I will show that it is supported by the classic NT passages on biblical inspiration, 2 Tim 3:14–17 and 2 Pet 1:19–21, and reflected in Heb 4:12–13, Jas 1:18, and You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
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