Authority [Paperback]

In his consideration for the doctrine of Scripture, Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones made reference to the great theologians of the 17th century who adduced additional arguments for its authority. This is contrary to the accepted teachings of Old Liberalism or New Liberalism, which he treated as the same deviant entity. Our assurance rests with our forefathers on the following six standards:

THE UNIQUENESS OF SCRIPTURE: pp. 48-49

i. They pronounced that in Scripture there is abundant reference to 'the majesty of God who speaks of Himself in Scripture.' One could not help but read the Holy Bible and be confronted with the majesty of God therein, confirmed MLJ.

ii. They asserted that 'the truthfulness of Scripture, its honesty, its veracity, the way in which its facts are so constantly confirmed within itself and by secular history' was another telling factor in its favor.

iii. The third argument advanced was in 'the sublimity of the mysteries revealed in Scripture.' MLJ articulated its internal beauty: 'You are conscious of the fact that you are confronted with final and eternal mysteries.'

iv. Fourth, above even the highest philosophical insights of men stands 'the perfection of the teachings and the precepts of Scripture.' Again MLJ asserted its significance: 'Here are teachings which stand out like great Himalayas in the midst of a degenerate morality. Here are perfect moral-ethical teaching and precepts.'

v. Fifthly, our forefathers even remarked on 'the manner of speech in the Bible, profound, simple, clear and brief.' To which MLJ appealed with childlike faith: 'Have we not all been amazed at this?'

vi. Sixth, the miracle witnessed in 'the power of Scripture to move the hearts of sinful men.' It has brought countless souls to a full knowledge of Christ.

vii. Seventh, despite all the severe attacks upon it and its teachings, the Bible maintained its integrity in 'its capacity to maintain truthfulness in the face of time and opposition.'

vii. Last, the Scriptures themselves witness to 'the remarkable harmony between the Old and the New Testaments, and the perfect and final agreement between all its books.' MLJ publicly declared his amazement that 'they are all saying the same thing.'

A basic failure to deal with these points has led to theological liberalism. The need for godly leadership that will once again take up this defense in our own day is made more urgent. 'Authority' is a good combination of classic apologetics and Christian grace.

Sound evangelical teaching. Full of truth, I highly recommend this book

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