Are there any Bible references to the authority of the New Testament Scriptures?

Question: Are there any Bible references to the authority of the New Testament scriptures? Is the Bible really important if God's Word is written on our hearts? Many people believe that the indwelling Holy Spirit should lead more than any Bible verse. If you adhere to the written letter aren't you being a Pharisee? Being ultra-conservative and legalistic is a sin, isn't it?

Answer: Where do I start? This line of questioning tries to put the Scriptures in opposition to the Holy Spirit. It insinuates that the Holy Spirit may lead someone to do something that contradicts the teaching of Scriptures. It creates a false competition between the Holy Spirit and the Bible. It insinuates that only legalists would follow what the Bible actually says, and that to do so is to not follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. I will break this down into five questions and answer them individually.

Question 1: Are there any Bible references to the authority of the New Testament Scriptures?

Answer: 2 Timothy 3: 15-17 “…from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Yes, the Bible has authority. All scripture is God-breathed. That means it is from the mouth of God. It is God’s word. It is God’s will. What greater authority is there? It is God’s way. And it is all useful. We are to teach with it. We are to rebuke with it. We are to correct with it. We are to train with it. By this word we become wise for salvation through faith. In fact the Bible says that faith comes from the word (See Romans 10:17). It thoroughly equips us for every good work.

I don’t need modern day revelation. I don’t need to get some “word of knowledge” or other false doctrine mumbo-jumbo to know God’s will. The Bible and its teaching will thoroughly (that means completely) equip me for every (that means all) good work. The Bible is my guide book, my instruction manual, and my all sufficient source for doctrine. Psalms 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.”