Do we accept the authority of Scripture?
The Presbyterian Layman January/February 2000 Volume 33, Number 1, which knew that it is not we who judge Scripture, but Scripture that judges us.
The church that excommunicated Marcion survives to this day. Marcionites died out centuries ago. Marcion’s methodology, however, undergoes periodic revivals. Its current champions include Borg, Lull, Grant and Covenant Network leaders who pick and choose which parts of Scripture they view as authoritative.
This too shall pass. But until it does, Presbyterians should beware of those who purr, “We all believe in the authority of Scripture.” Clearly, not all Presbyterians do.
Those who believe in the authority of Scripture must continue to insist that it is not the privilege of any individual or organization to negotiate or limit Biblical authority. And we must remember that in the third Christian millennium, as in the second Christian century, standing firm for the authority of Scripture does not divide the Church. Rather, defending the definite article preserves “the faith that was once for all entrusted to the saints” (Jude 3).