1. GOD HAS SPOKEN Hebrews 1:1-2 A study of Bible authority (The necessity of authority)

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

3. 3 The Universal Presence of Authority Authority exists…Authority exists… –In the home, Eph. 5:22-24; 6:1 –In government, Rom. 13:1-3 –Business, Eph. 6:5-9 –School, Acts 22:3 –In the local church, Heb. 13:7, 17 Salvation of the soul, Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23; 5:24Salvation of the soul, Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23; 5:24

4. 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. 5 The Need for Divine Authority Authority in life is necessary due to the nature & needs of manAuthority in life is necessary due to the nature & needs of man –Need guidance, Prov. 14:12; Jer. 10:23 –The creature is subject to Creator, Rom. 9:20-21 –Sinner, Rom. 3:23; Eph. 2:1-3

6. 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 & counsel) –Must know God’s will & meet His terms, 1 Cor. 15:1-2 (Matt. 7:21)

7. 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, Josh. 1:7 –Truth & error must be available so we can live with God’s approval, Jno. 17:17; 8:32; 1 Jno. 4:1, 6

8. 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. 9 The Need for Divine Authority We need a standard of authority:We need a standard of authority: –That grants fellowship with God, 1 Jno. 1:3, 6-7 (2:3-6); 2 Jno. 9 –Establishes & 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. 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 heavenTo live eternally in heaven –Luke 6:46; Colossians 3:17--