Lesson 4: Authority in Religion

Authority in Religion Authority Is Necessary in All Matters of Life! Having authority is a necessity of life – in a home, school, nation, religion, etc. Authority makes the difference between harmonious unity and chaotic confusion. Nowhere else is authority as essential as it is in religion. Jesus taught that there are only two sources of authority (Matt 21:23-27). One source of authority is from Heaven, the other is from Men. That which is authorized by heaven must be believed and obeyed. That which is authorized merely by men must be rejected and not obeyed. It is imperative that we differentiate between the two and yield to heaven’s authority. While two sources of authority exist, they cannot co-exist within Christianity!

Authority in Religion Man Has Failed in Many Attempts to Identify His Own Authority in Religion! Man has sought “externally” for an adequate source of authority. Man has sought “internally” for an adequate source of authority. Neither man nor any of his devices are an adequate authority in religion.

Authority in Religion Christ Alone Has All Authority in Religious Matters! The only authority in religion is the authority of Heaven, of God Himself!!! All authority was given by the Father unto Christ! Christ’s authority resides in His Word! Christ delivered His all-authoritative Word to His apostles through the Holy Spirit! The apostles spoke and wrote by inspiration of the Holy Spirit! Thus, the very authority of God is inherent in the words of the Bible! The inspired words are preserved in the Bible, providing us with Heaven’s authority. Follow the “Chain of Authority.” The Bible alone is the true objective standard in religious matters today. God’s written word is the only authority that can prepare us for judgment and eternity!

Authority in Religion The All-Authoritative Word of God Is All-Sufficient and All- Delivered! God’s Word is all-sufficient – it is complete and lacking in nothing. God’s Word is all-delivered – it has all been given and there is nothing else to be given. God’s Word is all that is needed to preach the fullness of the gospel! God’s Word is “the perfect law of liberty” (Jas. 1:25). God’s Word supplies man with “the whole counsel of God” (Acts 20:27; cf. 2 Pet. 1:3; 2 Tim. 3:14-17) on matters, such as: God is omniscient (all-knowing) and omnipotent (all-powerful).

Authority in Religion Man’s Only Proper Response Is to Respect and Obey the All- Authoritative Word! We must accept God’s will completely (Luke 10:16; John 12:48). We must, like the Bereans, “search the Scriptures” as our standard (Acts 17:11). We must do all things by the name/authority of Christ (Col. 3:17). We must recognize that “there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). We must “walk by faith,” by walking according to His Word (2 Cor. 5:7; Rom. 10:17). We must demonstrate our love for Him by keeping His commandments (John 14:15).

Authority in Religion Man’s Only Proper Response Is to Respect and Obey the All- Authoritative Word! We must not add to or subtract from God’s Word (Deut. 4:2; 12:32; Rev. 22:18-19). We must not modify, substitute or pervert the will of God (Gal. 1:6-9; Matt. 15:3, 9). We must not go beyond that which is written (1 Cor. 4:6). We must not speak beyond that which is written (1 Pet. 4:11). We must hear Christ’s Words and prepare for judgment (Matt. 17:5; John 12:48). We must respect and obey God’s Word to enter heaven (Matt. 7:21-27; Heb. 5:9).

Authority in Religion God Will Not Tolerate That Which Is Unauthorized! Whatever is not authorized by God is not acceptable to God, even if “intended to be.” The Bible often uses the word “strange” in the sense of “not authorized by God.” Eternal condemnation awaits anyone who disregards the authority of God’s Word.

Authority in Religion Conclusion Man must recognize his own inferiority before God (Isa. 55:8-9; Jer. 10:23). Man must look to Christ and His Word for authority in all religious matters (Col. 3:17). Man must learn to “Speak where the Bible speaks” (1 Pet. 4:11). Man must live his life and prepare for the day of judgment by realizing that: There are only two possible sources of authority (Matt 21:23- 27).