Models of Scriptural Authority In my study of how theologians past and present have interpreted the Bible, I have come to the conclusion that at least three models of biblical authority are pertinent to the discussion today. They are related to different theological methodologies as well as to conflicting philosophical understandings of truth. These models can be described as the sacramental, the scholastic and the liberal or modernist. The first sees the Bible as well as the church and the sacraments