Email Us
Greenville, IN 47124
(map & directions)
Sunday Bible Class:...........10:15am
Sunday PM Worship:............6:00pm
Wednesday Bible Class:......7:30pm
(more info)
Our Need For Authority
John R. Gentry
In our daily lives we all recognize the need for authority. We see this need in our homes, jobs, schools and nation. This need for authority does not escape religion or our daily lives. God is to be the source of authority in religion and our daily lives. In the same way that we recognize the need to respect authority in our homes, jobs, schools and nation, we must respect God’s authority. In 1 Peter 4.11 we read, “Whoever speaks, [is to do so] as one who is speaking the utterances of God.” This passage simply means that the things we say are to come from God’s sayings or, in other words, by his authority. The first part of Colossians 3.17 states, “Whatever you do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” “In the name of the Lord Jesus” means in accordance with his will or by his authority (cf. Acts 4.7). In the words of commentator R.C.H. Lenksi, “absolutely everything is to be done in the light of the revelation of our Lord and harmonize with that revelation.”
In Matthew 21.23-27 we see the chief priests and elders of the Jews recognized the need for authority in religion. Jesus came into the temple courtyard teaching the people; no doubt teaching them concerning the “gospel of the Kingdom” (cf. Matthew 4.23). Upon seeing this, the chief priests and elders asked Jesus, “By what authority are you doing these things, and who gave you this authority?” They obviously recognized the need for authority in religion and that this authority must come from one who has the right or power to grant such authority. In answer to their questions, Jesus asks them a question; “The baptism of John was from what [source], from heaven or from men?” Jesus’ answer shows that there are only two sources for authority in religion, namely, heaven (i.e., from God) or men. This is still true today!
Unfortunately, many people today deny (either directly or by their actions) that we need authority from God for everything we say and do in religion. These people look to themselves, to other men, or to various councils, creeds, or catechisms as their source for authority in religious matters (cf. Jeremiah 10.23; Proverbs 14.12; Matthew 15.9 and Colossians 2.20-22). As a result of this attitude, many people today are participating in religious activities that are not authorized by God. And by going beyond God’s teaching have gone too far. Sadly, people who do such are not abiding in Christ or God and have no fellowship with the Heavenly Father (cf. 2 John 9-11; 1 John 1.6-7). If you are a member of a denominational group that adheres to the teachings prescribed by some council or in some creed or catechism, abandon such products of men and start going to the Bible alone for the source of all you preach and practice.
originally published in the Banner-Gazette
2007.04.04