Often when we talk about the inspiration and authority of Scripture, we immediately go to two New Testament verses. Both verses speak of the comprehensive nature of the inspiration of God in all of Scripture.
2 Peter 1:20-21 knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. 21 For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Something many people don't often consider is that in context, these verses are not just positive descriptions of God's initiative in his revelation through Scripture, they are also statements showing that there is no human experience that can override the authority of the Bible. Let's consider each of these passages.
1. 2 Peter
In the verses leading up to Peter's statement about the inspiration of Scripture (men speaking from God and being carried along by the Holy Spirit), Peter talks of his amazing experience as a direct witness of the transfiguration of Jesus on the holy mountain.
2 Peter 1:16-19 For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty. 17 For when he received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," 18 we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts.
Notice that Peter says that witness of Jesus for the Apostles is a first-hand experience and cannot be reduced to myths. The problem is that even though this experience was real and spectacular, there were only three apostles that witnessed it directly. Peter is relaying his witness right here in this text and in receiving Peter's witness, people might easily wonder its believability. Is Peter a credible witness? Is he telling the truth? He's lied before when he denied knowing Jesus. Is his interpretation of what he saw accurate? Is it possible that the sun passed from a cloud and shone in his eyes? Why should people believe Peter alone?
Peter himself says that there is a more-sure word than his experience. The Scriptures point accurately to Jesus Christ who has fulfilled the entire progression of the Old Testament. The Scriptures are not just man's word but God's word. The inspiration of the Scriptures places them in a category far beyond human experience and interpretation. Because God always tells the truth, if God says a fish was big enough to swallow and spit out a human being, then he is totally believable compared to my father-in-law who always embellishes on the length of his catch. (I do love you, Pop)
For us, we have a greater benefit in that we know we can believe Peter's word about his experience in 2 Peter 1, because this word is itself inspired infallible truth from God through this fallible human author.
2. 2 Timothy.
Likewise, Paul's statement about the inspiration of Scripture has a context that depends on the verses leading to it.
2 Timothy 3:14-15 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it 15 and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.
Timothy had experienced life with the Apostle Paul and his godly mother and grandmother. He witnessed their teaching and way of life consistent with the Scriptures. He saw amazing courage in Paul and the wonder of God working through him. If this were all that were needed for Timothy, then we might be tempted to say that our experiences are all the authority we need.
The reality is that Paul directly points Timothy to the Scriptures as being the only source of inspired, infallible, and inerrant truth. The bible, not his experience, is everything he needs to be equipped for every good work of ministry.
So, where does that leave us?
When it comes to our experience, we must always ensure that it takes a back seat to the magisterial authority of the word of God.
In serving our Lord, there's one thing to know, God's Word must direct us wherever we go!