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Authority In Religion
Three Simple Questions, With Clear Bible Answers
Readers of Expository Files are people from a variety of religious backgrounds.
Our mail indicates we are finding a place in the computers of people with all
sorts of denominational ties. This is just as the editors intend, and we pray
our readership will continue to grow and be diverse.
It is no secret, the editors and writers of EF are members of the church of
Christ. This publication is not any "official" journal of a denomination; it is
the effort of two men, with the cooperation of others across the country
who are members of local churches of Christ.
We emphasize Bible authority in our teaching and preaching, and we would like to
share the concept with our readers. Many of the expository articles we've
published deal with this. {Note Dan King's article in this issue!}
We thought it might be good toexplain more about this vital matter.
1. WHAT IS AUTHORITY?
Authority can be defined as the right to make laws, and demand obedience
thereto. So one who has authority has this right; this right to make laws and
demand that the laws be obeyed. In modern life, there are many examples of
what's involved in authority: Congress has authority to make laws and demand
obedience to them. A School Board has authority to make rules, to formulate
policy and prescribe how funds will be spent.
Throughout various segments of modern society, there are various persons and
governing bodies with authority. Authority involves the right to make laws, and
demand that they be obeyed. You will observe this use of the word, in Matthew
8:9, where a centurion said to Jesus: "For I also am a man under authority,
having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to
another, 'Come, and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it." We
can operate
on the basis of this definition: Authority is the right to make laws, and demand
that they be obeyed.
2. WHY IS AUTHORITY NEEDED IN RELIGION?
Just look at the condition of modern religion; just look at what is called
"Christianity," and what do you see?
¥ In religion today there is division.
There are hundreds of denominational churches; there are cults and religious
organizations and "ministries" of many kinds. There are different doctrines and
different practices, yet the common claim that Christ is being served.
¥ In religion today there is confusion.
The division we've just mentioned; the controversy and diversity causes many
people to be very confused. People who are searching and seeking may find it all
very confusing. Sometimes - people who are searching for what's right, become so
confused -- they just give up. This is sad, but real. Further, in religion today
...
¥ There is loyalty to men rather than loyalty to God.
IN THE WORD OF GOD ...
The apostle Peter said, in Acts 5:29, "we must obey God rather than men." Many
people today, in their practice of religion, are obeying men rather than God;
they are bowing down before the creeds and traditions of men.
Do you realize - many of our religious friends and neighbors belong to churches,
where the Bible isn't really the guide. They have creeds written by men; the
Bible may be quoted, but in reality - - they have THE BAPTIST MANUAL OF FAITH,
or THE PRESBYTERIAN CONFESSION OF FAITH, or some other written creed. In some
cases - there are UNWRITTEN CREEDS ... I mean - standards, rules and ordinances
which come from men, not God; and are enforced or bound upon people. These rules
of manmade origin are completely out of place and an affront to the Lord's
authority, no matter where you find them, including in Churches
of Christ! So - in the religious world, and among men -- there is often LOYALTY
TO MEN RATHER THAN LOYALTY TO GOD.
These are the sad conditions we see. There is division, confusion and loyalty to
men. This is why there is the pressing need to address the subject of authority.
3. WHO HAS AUTHORITY IN RELIGION?
Remember, authority is the right to make laws and demand obedience; the
religious world today is divided; there is confusion, controversy and loyalty
toward men. So, we need to be urgent in asking this question: WHO HAS AUTHORITY
IN RELIGION?
If the Pope has all authority, and someone can prove that's the will of God,
then we need to do whatever he says. If there is some governing board of
denominational officials that has all authority, let someone prove that's the
way it is. Then, let's place ourselves in due submission to them.
You see we need to find out, for sure, who has authority in religion then submit
to that authority. But, before we submit; before we give heed and obey, let's be
sure we are submitting to the authority designated by Almighty God!
This is a serious matter, this question of who has authority in religion? We're
talking about worshipping and serving God! We're talking about knowing for sure
what's right and wrong! We're talking about knowing we have forgiveness, and
knowing where we will spend eternity!
Before we submit; before we give heed and obey, let's be sure we are submitting
to the authority designated by God. Our question is, WHO HAS AUTHORITY in
religion ?
God answers, in Matthew 17:5, "THIS IS MY BELOVED SON, IN WHOM I AM WELL
PLEASED, HEAR YE HIM!" Doesn't this settle the matter? Our
question is simple: WHO HAS AUTHORITY in religion? Who do we turn to, for the
right answers; the correct doctrines; the scriptural practices; the approved way
of doing things?
WHO HAS AUTHORITY in religion? It's a simple question. And, the answer is just
as simple; God says to us, "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased,
hear ye Him!" (Matt. 17:5). If you believe the Bible, and respect the Word of
God, you will accept this answer.
But, there's more. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus said: "All authority hath been given
to Me, in heaven and on earth." What problem is there, in seeing this truth? The
question is: WHO HAS AUTHORITY IN RELIGION? God says, "Jesus Christ .... this is
my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear He Him!" Jesus says, "ALL
AUTHORITY HATH BEEN GIVEN TO ME, IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH."
Thus, in determining what's right and wrong morally; and, in deciding what to
believe and do in your relationship before God, what book must you consult? Do
you have a New Testament?
Passages For Further Study & Reference:
Matt. 28:18-20
Acts 2:42
Eph. 5:17
Phil. 4:7
2 Jno. 9
By Warren E. Berkley
The Front Page
From Expository Files 2.7; July, 1995
