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Presbyterian theologian Michael Horton argues that the authority of the Bible is connected with God’s authority as the covenant Lord and Redeemer of the universe.  Drawing on the studies of Ancient Near Eastern treaties, Horton argues that the Bible functions as constitutional document wherein a greater ruler (suzerain) would unilaterally impose conditions on the lesser ruler (vassal), and a copy of the treaty was deposited in the shrine of each capital.[1] The theologian documents how the Creation account as well as the covenant at Sinai/Exodus elucidate this pattern. There is an organic link between covenant, the parties within the union (Creator and creature), and the existence of a written and documented canon that regulates the expectations and relationship between the parties involved.

The world and the church are thus controlled by the terms and conditions of the covenant and the authority of the suzerain who creates the binding agreement. Michael Horton delineates how this applies to the authority of the Bible arguing:

There can be no covenant without a canon or canon without a covenant. In fact, the covenant is the canon and vice versa. Furthermore, like the ancient Near Eastern treaties, the old and new covenant canons include among their sanctions a death sentence for anyone who attempts even the slightest emendation…God is the suzerain (or Great King) of his church, and he alone has the authority to determine its content. The canon is no more the creation of the church than a nation’s constitution is the creation of its courts. The covenant Lord creates a people out of nothing by his speech and shapes, regulates, and defines the covenantal life of that people by his canon…Although the prophets and apostles are clearly witnesses to God’s Word and works, their writings are treated as nothing less than God’s own testimony.[2]

Horton’s argument is that the Bible functions as a covenantal document with the aim of fulfilling the King’s purposes. Therefore, the authority of the document is based upon the authority of the King himself. We ought to accept the authority of the Bible because we as creatures should accept the authority of the Sovereign King who creates, sustains, and redeems all things. God’s existence and governance is the grounds of any discussion of biblical authority.

The covenantal nature of the Bible explains its constant designation as the Word of God and its claims of inspiration. Scripture is the powerful and judgment-containing work of the Trinity and has Christ as its constant theme. Horton notes, “Not only because if its authoritative source (the Father’s speaking) but also because of its saving contents (the speech concerning His son), Scripture is God’s Word. Jesus himself taught that all of Scripture pointed to him. Its authority and its content are inextricably linked.”[3] This is why Scripture is profitable to fulfill its purposes. Again, Horton says, “This means that Scripture not only functions as the Word of God at various times, but it is the Word of God by virtue of its origin (from the Father), its content (in the Son), and its inspiration (by the Spirit).[4] Instead of any sort of outside verification or arguments for biblical authority, Horton bases the warrant of the Bible squarely upon the authority of God, the covenantal nature of the document, and the content found within the constitution.

[1] Michael Horton, . (Zondervan, 2011), 151.

[2] Ibid., 155.

[3] Ibid., 156.

[4] Ibid., 157-158.