The Bible as An Authority
~- F GOD has spoken, then obviously His word ·• · must be authoritative. "Where the word of .. ~ a king is," there is authority and power. i~ Th;, subject natucaliy leads ;nto fields of ~ ·_.· difficulty, and, unfortunately, of controversy. 'Ne want, as far as possible, to avoid anything purely controversial, and yet at the same time to show where we stand in regard to the Bible as an authority in connection with our spiritual life. \Ne must not hesitate to face modern difficulties, controversies, and problems; because they necessarily come before us at all times, in every part of the way, and in almost every aspect of Christian life and experience. It will never do for any Christian man or woman to ignore difficulties. It would be easy to do so. It is sometimes called the ostrich policy of burying the head in the sand, but it does not work well. The question of authority is vital, and touches us at every point. The fundamental question is : ·what is the ultimate and final authority in religion? ·what is truth? 'Where can it be found? \-\That and where is the last and supreme word concerning God, life, and eternity? I. The Need of Authority.-The necessity of author ity is seen in every walk of life-the authority of the parent over his boys and girls, the authority of the school master over the child, the authority of the college over the student; authority in professional, in artistic, in scientific life. Authority is recognized as vital and essential every where. It is also essenti_al in connection with religion. Authority has been rightly described as the existence of an ethical standard.
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