1:9 Alliance: Scripture
Editor’s Note: You can also listen to a podcast interview with Andrew Ballitch released in conjunction with this article.
Andrew Ballitch
“We are committed to both the authority and sufficiency of the Word of God.” So reads the first and foundational Core Commitment of the 1:9 Alliance. An uncontroversial statement in the evangelical world, and certainly unquestioned by those who are part of the C&MA family. We all agree that Scripture is the Word of God. As such, it is without error and serves as our final court of appeal for all matters of salvation and life as followers of Christ. It does not become the Word of God, nor is the Word of God merely contained in it. In fact, The Alliance Statement of Faith states, “The Old and New Testaments, inerrant as originally given, were verbally inspired by God and a complete revelation of His will for our salvation. They constitute the divine and only rule of Christian faith and practice” (Section 1.4). This is a categorical statement with terms like “inerrant,” “inspired,” and “complete,” and the significant modifiers “verbally,” “divine,” and “only.” Referencing 2 Timothy 3:15–17 and 2 Peter 1:20–21 as evidence, this statement holds forth authority and sufficiency as attributes of Scripture. But what does it mean to claim that Scripture is authoritative and sufficient?
Authoritative and Sufficient
We could go to many passages of Scripture, but let us give our attention to 2 Timothy 3:16–17.
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (ESV).
Scripture consists of the sixty-six books that constitute the written revelation of God that we call the Bible. The canon is defined and closed. The whole of Scripture is “breathed out” or inspired by God - the One who does not stutter, make mistakes, contradict himself, or fail to communicate all that he intends. Scripture is authoritative. And what God intended to communicate, according to this passage, is everything we need to live in right relationship with him and our neighbor, everything necessary for a life of faith and godliness. It is profitable for the completion or perfection of the mental, emotional, behavioral, and spiritual aspects of who we are. Scripture is sufficient.
Further, Scripture is our ultimate authority because it is the only divine rule of faith and practice. There is no other book inspired by God. No other objective ground of truth exists for us to grasp or from which to operate. General revelation must be filtered through and enhanced by special revelation. Private revelation has always been tested by it. It is not that Scripture is the only well from which we drink; but it is the only well guaranteed to quench our thirst and the standard of purity when we imbibe elsewhere.
Authoritative and Sufficient for Individuals
This does not mean that Scripture is going to tell us everything we want to know as we go through life. Who should you marry? What vocation should you pursue? Which house should you buy? Scripture speaks to such issues generally, but not in a specifically personalized way. Marriage is between a man and a woman biologically defined at the chromosomal level. A follower of Jesus is not to wed an unbeliever. But whether Sally or Steve is your soulmate, that will take wisdom and Christian community. You can’t be a hitman or prostitute according to Scripture, but a carpenter or pastor or engineer? That will take self-evaluation and the church. The Bible demands you take care of your family while at the same time warning against building up treasure on earth. But which neighborhood to live in will require introspection and your brothers and sisters in Christ. Often, the Bible narrows our choices and then provides wisdom for us to work out in decisions.
But everything we need to know to be reconciled to God and to live a godly life is available to us in the Scriptures. The only way to be saved from the just punishment for sin, namely, the wrath of God poured out for eternity in hell, is to repent and believe the gospel. To confess our sin and hopelessness and trust in Jesus’ substitutionary life, death, and resurrection on behalf of sinners in our place unto eternal life. Should you tell the truth? Yes. Should you go to that seedy website? No. Should you join a local church? Yes. Should you abort your child? No. Scripture is sufficient in everything we need to know and sufficiently supplies wisdom for everything else, authoritatively so.
Authoritative and Sufficient for Churches
Similarly, for local churches, Scripture is authoritative and sufficient, giving us everything we need to operate faithfully as covenanted communities while assigning space for the application of collective wisdom. Church polity should include elders devoted to pastoral care and oversight. But how many? Church ministry should prioritize discipleship. But is that done most efficiently through small groups or Sunday School or a Sunday night service? Christians should not neglect gathering for worship. But is that in a house, rented public school, or brick-and-mortar establishment? Baptism is for believers and is to be done by immersion. But how young can someone be and legitimately profess faith in Christ? Scripture is sufficient to authoritatively dictate the necessities of local church life and inform contextual decisions. Local church leaders and members must be committed to submissively placing themselves under the sufficient and authoritative Word of God.
Authoritative and Sufficient for Denominations
And, yes, Scripture is authoritative and sufficient for denominations. When denominations make decisions, whether ground-up or top-down in their hierarchy, the first and foremost consideration should be what the Scripture says on a given subject. Considerations of history and popularity and culture must bow to Scripture, interpreted legitimately through the historical-grammatical hermeneutic aimed at the intent of the author. Should missionaries focus on church planting to make disciples? Absolutely. Churches planting churches is the exclusive New Testament model of fulfilling the Great Commission. Should women be called pastors? No. Pastor and elder and overseer are all interchangeable terms used for a singular office reserved for qualified men in the New Testament. How and when should denominational decisions about licensing and ordination be made? That’s a matter of biblically informed prudence. How should those who disagree about mutually exclusive ecclesiological positions continue under the same big tent? With integrity, transparency, and patience, to be sure, but how love manifests itself will vary depending on the situation.
Scripture is authoritative and sufficient. This is a truism for individual Christians, local churches, and all evangelical denominations that wave Christ’s banner – the C&MA included. Many declare the truth, but not all live by it (Jas 1:22). May we be counted among the men and women who relentlessly submit our motives, methods, and ministries to the Word of God.