The Place of the Bible

We believe that the Bible is the Word of God, and therefore it is our standard for authority--that is, it is our rule for faith and life. Psalm 36:9 says "In Your light do we see light", that is, the light of the Bible sheds light on all other parts of life.

• Its authority depends on God's authority. The Bible is true and authoritative because it bears witness that it is from God. 2 Timothy 3:16,17 says, "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 competent, equipped for every good work.". The Bible equips us for every good work, not just for some--that means it is sufficient for all of life and for every area of life.
• The rule of interpretation of Scripture is the Scripture itself. Simply stated, if a verse or passage is not clear in its context, look to other more clear portions of the Bible to shed light on the passage you are trying to understand. The Holy Spirit gives understanding of the Bible to believers. However, there are no private interpretations, rather the Bible must be interpreted within its historical, grammatical, and redemptive context, and consideration ought to be given for taking into account the church's historic understanding of Scripture.