Authority of God's word

This is what it means when we say that God's word is authoritative. The authority of God's word varies broadly according to the many functions I have listed. when God communicates information, we are obligated to believe it. When he tells us to do something, we are obligated to obey. When he tells us a parable, we are obligated to place ourselves in the narrative and meditate on the implications of that. When he expresses affection, we are obligated to appreciate and reciprocate. When he gives us a promise, we are obligated to trust. Let's define authority of language as its capacity to create an obligation in the hearer. So the speech of an absolute authority creates absolute obligation. (Frame, John M. The Doctrine of the Word of God. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Pub., 2010. Print. 5)