GOD HAS SPOKEN Hebrews 1:1-2 T HE N ECESSITY OF B IBLE A UTHORITY

2 What is Authority? Freedom of action and the power that approves the action, Matt. 21:23 (Acts 1:7)Freedom of action and the power that approves the action, Matt. 21:23 (Acts 1:7) –Freedom of action; right to act, Jno. 1:12 Common usage:Common usage: “The power or right to give commands, enforce obedience, take action, or make final decisions; jurisdiction” (Webster)

3 The Universal Presence of Authority Authority exists in…Authority exists in… –Home, Eph. 5:22-25; 6:1 –Government, Rom. 13:1-3 –Business, Eph. 6:5-9 –School, Acts 22:3 The church, Eph. 1:20-23; 5:24The church, Eph. 1:20-23; 5:24 –Salvation, Matt. 28:18-20 –Local church, Heb. 13:17

4 The Need for Divine Authority Authority in life is necessary due to the nature of God (Acts 17:24-28; Psa. 115:3)Authority in life is necessary due to the nature of God (Acts 17:24-28; Psa. 115:3) –Creator (Gen. 1:1) –Eternal (Psa. 90:2) –Almighty (Jer. 32:17)

5 The Need for Divine Authority Authority in life is necessary due to the nature and needs of manAuthority in life is necessary due to the nature and needs of man –Need guidance, Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23 –The creature is subject to / should submit to the Creator, Rom. 9:20-21 –Sinners, Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:1-3

6 The Need for Divine Authority Authority in life is necessary because reconciliation with God is impossible without itAuthority in life is necessary because reconciliation with God is impossible without it –God provides redemption, Eph. 1:3- 11 (His will…His good pleasure… His purpose and counsel) –Must know God’s will and meet His terms, 1 Cor. 15:1-2 (Matt. 7:21)

7 The Need for Divine Authority Authority in life is necessary because reconciliation with God is impossible without itAuthority in life is necessary because reconciliation with God is impossible without it –A standard is essential, Gal. 1:6-7 Word of reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5:19Word of reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5:19 –Truth and error must be available so we can live with God’s approval, Jno. 17:17; 8:32; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6

8 The Need for Divine Authority We need an objective standardWe need an objective standard –A revealed message from God –Not a devised message from man Heb. 1:1-2; 2 Pet. 1:16, 20-21; Matt. 15:6-9

9 The Need for Divine Authority We need a standard of authority:We need a standard of authority: –Grants fellowship with God, 1 Jno. 1:3, 6-7 (2:3-6); 2 Jno. 9 –Establishes and maintains unity, Jno. 17:20-21 (Eph. 4:4-6; Phil. 3:16) –Leads the way to heaven, Matt. 7: 13-14, 21; Jno. 14:6

10 We Need Divine Authority To live righteously on earth (Titus 2:11-12)To live righteously on earth (Titus 2:11-12) To live eternally in heaven (Phil. 3:20-21)To live eternally in heaven (Phil. 3:20-21) -Luke 6:46; Colossians 3:17-