How does John 10:35 affirm the authority of Scripture in our lives? Setting the Scene John 10 records a moment of tension between Jesus and the religious leaders. In verse 35 He quotes Psalm 82:6 and adds a pivotal assertion: “Scripture cannot be broken.” (John 10:35) Key Phrase: “Scripture Cannot Be Broken” • “Scripture” refers to the entire written Word of God recognized at that time (the Hebrew Scriptures). • “Cannot be broken” means it cannot be loosed, annulled, dissolved, or shown false. • Jesus treats even a single word (“gods” in Psalm 82:6) as unassailable, underscoring verbal inspiration. What “Cannot Be Broken” Means • Reliability: Every statement in the Bible stands firm, free from error. • Permanence: God’s Word endures unchanged through every generation (Isaiah 40:8). • Authority: If it cannot be broken, it stands above human opinions, cultural shifts, and religious traditions. • Unity: All passages harmonize; apparent tensions invite deeper study, not dismissal. Implications for the Authority of Scripture • Final Arbiter: Scripture settles doctrine, ethics, and worldview (2 Timothy 3:16–17). • Binding Standard: Commands and promises carry divine weight; obedience is not optional (James 1:22–25). • Christ’s Example: Jesus consistently submitted to Scripture (Matthew 4:4,7,10), modeling the same posture for every believer. Corroborating Testimony Across the Bible • Matthew 5:18 – “Until heaven and earth pass away, not a single jot or stroke of a pen will disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.” • Psalm 119:89 – “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.” • 2 Peter 1:20–21 – Prophecy came “not by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” • Numbers 23:19 – “God is not a man, that He should lie.” Living Under Scriptural Authority • Daily reading and meditation align mind and heart with God’s unbreakable truth. • Decisions, relationships, and moral choices filter through biblical teaching. • Confidence grows when life rests on an infallible foundation that Jesus Himself affirmed. |
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