I think if Jesus were to ask, “Who do you say I am?” (Matthew 16:15 NLT), the question He famously asked Peter, He would surely be disappointed by some of the answers He’d receive from contemporary Americans.
A nationwide survey conducted by The Barna Group among a representative sample of adults explored how many have what might be considered a “biblical worldview.” According to the research, only 43% of professing born-again Christians believe in the existence of absolute truth! However, almost nine out of ten adults (85%) who do have a biblical worldview reject the idea that moral absolutes exist and that people must create their own moral standards! For the purposes of the survey, a “biblical worldview” was defined as believing that absolute moral truth exists; the Bible is totally accurate in all of the principles it teaches; Satan is considered to be a real being or force, not merely symbolic; a person cannot earn their way into Heaven by trying to be good or do good works; Jesus Christ lived a sinless life on earth; and God is the all-knowing, all-powerful creator of the world who still rules the universe today. In the research, anyone who held all of those beliefs was said to have a biblical worldview.
These figures invite us to pause and reflect on the influences shaping the next generation—particularly the steady presence of secular education and media over the past several decades. The same currents have, in many cases, gently shaped the perspectives of parents as well.
I think it is true that for most of church history, believers have had confidence that the Bible carries the absolute authority of God’s own Word. They have understood it to be both infallible and inerrant—trustworthy in everything it teaches. Jesus Himself modeled this confidence. He treated the Scriptures as completely reliable, declaring, “And you know that the Scriptures cannot be altered” (John 10:35 NLT). With that simple statement He affirmed their inspiration, their accuracy, and their lasting strength.
The Bible is not a collection of distant rules; it is a living story that points us to Jesus. He is its fulfillment. After His resurrection He walked with two discouraged disciples and “took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself” (Luke 24:27 NLT). Later He reminded the larger group of disciples that everything written about Him in the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms had to be fulfilled.
Jesus lived out the moral teachings of Scripture through perfect obedience, brought the prophetic promises to life through the events of His ministry, and completed the sacrificial system through His once-for-all death on the cross. When we welcome the unique, divine character of the Bible, we also welcome the authority that rests behind it—God Himself. Scripture tells us how this Word came to us. Peter wrote, “Above all, you must realize that no prophecy in Scripture ever came from the prophet’s own understanding, or from human initiative. No, those prophets were moved by the Holy Spirit, and they spoke from God” (2 Peter 1:20-21 NLT). The writers raised their sails and the Holy Spirit filled them, guiding their words while still allowing their individual styles and personalities to shine through. The final product was exactly what God intended.
Paul echoes the same truth: “All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17 NLT). The original writings carry binding authority for every generation. As Jeremiah recorded the Lord’s own description, “Does not my word burn like fire? … Is it not like a mighty hammer that smashes a rock to pieces?” (Jeremiah 23:29 NLT).
Other voices across the centuries have celebrated the same confidence. The psalmist sang, “Your eternal word, O Lord, stands firm in heaven” (Psalm 119:89 NLT). Isaiah declared, “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8 NLT). Jesus added His own assurance: “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved” (Matthew 5:18 NLT). The writer of Hebrews reminds us that this Word is still living and active today: “For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires” (Hebrews 4:12 NLT). And Proverbs promises: “Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection” (Proverbs 30:5 NLT).
The earliest Christian teachers and later reformers shared this settled trust. John Calvin spoke of the Scriptures as dictated by the Holy Spirit, deserving the same reverence we give to God Himself. John Wesley insisted that the church must always be measured by the Scriptures, never the other way around.
In our day it is easy to absorb the surrounding culture’s hesitancy about absolute truth. Yet the invitation of Scripture remains gentle and open. We can approach the Bible without reservation, recognizing its full authority and its life-giving power. “The instructions of the Lord are perfect, reviving the soul. The decrees of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7 NLT). Whether our generation fully embraces it or not, the Bible still remains God’s Word—reliable, sufficient, and still speaking.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” (John 14:6 NLT). And that’s the absolute truth!
Blessings on you and yours,
Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://blog.salvationarmyconcordca.org
Appendix: Scripture References (NLT) Matthew 16:15 John 10:35 Luke 24:27 2 Peter 1:20-21 2 Timothy 3:16-17 Jeremiah 23:29 Psalm 119:89 Isaiah 40:8 Matthew 5:18 Hebrews 4:12 Proverbs 30:5 Psalm 19:7 John 14:6