Self Authentication of Scripture

Introduction:

Whether or not I should preach John 7:53-8:11

How do we know that these 66 books are God’s word?

Community Determined

The Church as Authority (Rome)

The Self as Authority (Modern man)

What isn’t the authority here?

Historically Determined

The determination is founded on historical analysis of who wrote the books.

Certainly is important, but it cannot be the sole authority. Or else what would we do with Hebrews?

This tends to not give proper focus to other aspects of intrinsic characteristics of these books and the ecclesiastical reception of these books.

Thus the authority depends on the research itself.

Self- Authenticating

John 10:27 “27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.”

The Bible itself provides the criteria for something to be canon

Circular reasoning...okay?

Baseline cause demands it.

If I am to ask the question how can I know God’s word, which is the final authority, is authentic, I must presume that as the final authority it can declare what makes it authentic.

Divine Qualities

Psalm 19:7–11 “7 The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; 8 the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; 9 the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. 11 Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”

Apostolic Origins

Ephesians 2:18–22 “18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.”

Corporate Reception

Availability to the church

Hebrews 1:1–3 “1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,”

Driven by the Holy Spirit