Importance of Bible as sole source

Drew Clarkson
Choice Topic
November 2, 2016

How closely should we hold writings pertaining to religion from writers such as C.S Lewis, if we consider ourselves a Bible Believing Christian? This is a topic that is constantly on my mind, as I find myself reading many books and biographies ON Christianity. On the surface this seems like a great way to allocate time, but my opinion based on my study is that this can be an unhealthy activity without correct balance and reverence for the Word of God as the SOLE authority in our lives. Matthew 24:35 says, "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away." From this we can see clearly that the Word of God will always be around, it was here before we got here, and will be here after we are gone. Not only is the Word of God everlasting, but it is also flawless. Psalm 18:30 says, "This God—his way is perfect; the word of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all those who take refuge in him." These two verses will always be true, and it is very comforting to know that the word of God will always be around somewhere, and will always be true. Lastly, we can see from 1 Timothy 3:16-17, that the old testament is God-breathed, and sufficient for doctrine. Further study from 1 Timothy 5 and 2 Peter 3 prove the same to be true for the New Testament. The Word of God will and has been forever, flawless, God-breathed and sufficient for doctrine or teaching.

This is where the initial question comes in to play, how do we allocate all these other religious themed books, if at all? My opinion is that these books do have some value, but an important balance and reverence to the sole authority is necessary. However, if we find ourselves using time we would be spending in the Word of God on other works, or possibly even more time overall, I believe we are misusing our time as Christians. If we find ourselves looking for answers to our questions in a source other than the Bible FIRST, our priorities aren't straight. I think it is important to keep in mind that all of these works, regardless of the author, were all written in response to their understanding and response to the Word of God. If we aren't careful, we will develop a worldview based off somebody else's view instead of constructing our own based on the Bible. All this being said, with appropriate balance and reverence, I think there is value to these works. If we are using them to supplement, strengthen, or understand the Word of God after we have spent the appropriate amount of time in it, then they can be a great help and resource.