Why is the Bible considered the authoritative Word of God?

The authority of Scripture in Reformed theology stems from its divine inspiration, asserting that the Bible is God-breathed and without error in its original manuscripts. This authority means that Scripture serves as the ultimate source of truth for believers (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The conviction is established that every doctrine and teaching must be tested against the biblical text. When God's people recognize the Bible as the authoritative Word, it leads to a steadfast commitment to its teachings and an understanding that it is sufficient for faith and practice, guiding believers toward a deeper relationship with Christ.