In previous articles on bible authority we have seen the need for authority and some of the false standards that men use to establish it. Let us consider now establishing authority by the only true standard, the word of God. The apostle clearly states "all scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works". 2Tim 3:16-17

The question then arises, how does the word of God give us this instruction and how does it furnish us to every good work? Plainly put, how does the word of God teach and instruct us, and thus assure us that we have authority from God behind us in what we do or teach? Col. 3:17 The question truly asks how is bible authority established by God's word or how does the bible teach?

Throughout the bible we notice over and over that God teaches by a direct statement or command. In these direct statements we must always realize to whom God is speaking. God makes the direct statement or command "make thee an ark of gopher wood". Gen. 6:14 We realize that God authorized, by his word, a man named Noah to make an ark of gopher wood for the saving of his house. Heb. 11:7. Noah, in thus doing so, saved his family from the great flood by faith. This faith came from "hearing the word of God". Rom. 10:17

In the New Testament we are authorized to do many things in religion by a direct statement or command. For example we know that repentance from sins is necessary in order for anyone to receive forgiveness. We know this to be true because of the direct statement or command, "God commandeth all men everywhere to repent". Acts 17:30

God's word also teaches and authorizes us by approved bible examples. We are taught that one local church is authorized by an approved bible example to send to other local churches to care for Christians who are in need. "Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judea: which also they did and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul". Acts 11:29-30

A third way the bible teaches and authorizes us is by a necessary inference. A necessary inference is simply a conclusion that is drawn from any given set of circumstances. When the bible gives us the circumstances that "when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized both men and women" Acts 8:12 and that Philip "preached Christ unto them" Acts 8:5, we necessarily conclude or infer that preaching baptism is part of preaching Christ.