Establishing Bible Authority
By Tim Shepherd
Why is there so much religious confusion in our world toady? Why are there so many religious bodies, doctrines, and practices, and what’s even more amazing is that they all claim their authority from the same source. “THE BIBLE?” Many answer, “well, it’s all according to your interpretation of the bible.” That kind logic will lead us to think “what ever I think it says will be acceptable!” But yet, the bible tells us to take heed how we “handle” God’s word, (II Tim. 2:15). For Paul to warn Timothy to be “rightly dividing the word of truth“ (handle correctly), tells us that there is a “right way” to handle the bible.
For Paul to warn Timothy to be “rightly dividing the word of truth“ (handle correctly), tells us that there is a “wrong way” to handle the bible. So, this is the dilemma. How can we know that we are handling correctly the word of God? Furthermore, who decides if we are handling it correctly or not? In our lesson we want to look at “bible authority” because this is a subject that needs our attention, Because everything we teach and practice must find it’s authority to exist by God’s word, (II Tim. 3:16-17).
What is “authority?” Authority is the power to command right and wrong! Jesus said, the He had “all power” (“authority”) (Matt. 28:18). What ever we do we are to seek the authority of Jesus, (Col. 3:17). When we do not follow the word of Jesus we act without His authority, (Matt. 7:23). There is many answers given to the question, “where do you get the authority to practice………”. But it all boils down to, “Men” or “God.” (Matt. 21:23-26). “Authority from God” would be God’s will on the matter, (Titus 2:15,1-14). “Authority from men” would be men’s thoughts on the matter, (Acts 26:9-12). So as we seek to handle correctly God’s word, looking for His authority we must realize there is only two sources of authority, “Men” or “God!”
MAN’S AUTHORITY RESULTS IN DEATH: As we have seen there is two sources of authority. God’s authority will lead us to God. But men’s authority will lead us away from God. Man cannot rely upon man: Man’s ways and thoughts are different from God’s, (Isaiah 55:8-9; Jer. 10:23). Man cannot rely on his conscience to obey God, (Acts 23:1; 22:1-5; Gal. 1:13-14). Man cannot rely on human wisdom, (I Cor. 3:18-20; 1:19-24; 2:5). Man cannot rely on popular opinion, (Matt. 7:13-14; Luke 13:23-24). So, as we seek to handle correctly God’s word, looking for His authority we must realize that if our source of authority is in “Men” we are separated from “God!”
THE OLD TESTAMENT IS NOT AUTHORITATIVE TODAY: It is Jesus that we must look to for our authority, We cannot look to Moses or the prophets of the Old Testament, (Matt 17:1-5; Heb. 1:1-2). The Old Testament has been replaced with the New Testament: The Law of Moses (O.T.) was a temporary Law, (Matt. 5:17; Heb. 8:6-13). The Law of Christ (N.T.) is a permanent Law, (Heb. 9:14-17; Mark 9:31). So, as we seek to handle correctly God’s word, looking for His authority we must realize that we cannot look to the Old Testament to establish our authority, (Gal. 2:21).
THE NEW TESTAMENT IS OUR AUTHORITY FOR TODAY: Well, we have seen thus far: There are only two sources of authority, “Men” or “God!” We must not establish our authority by “Men” but by “God’s word!” We must not establish our authority by the “OT” but by the “NT!” Now that we understand that God’s will for us is revealed in the New Testament; how do we use the New Testament to establish God’s authority? Scriptural authority is established by, “direct command”, “apostolic example”, and “necessary inference.” Now, you may be saying, “how do you know that?” Well, because it was these principles that the Apostles used to answer the question of (Acts 15:1-6):
“Necessary inference” Peter did “infer” (“to derive by reasoning”) that the Gentiles did not need to be circumcised, (Acts 15:7-10). Peter refers to the house of Cornelius, (Acts 10:1-48). Because of these divine events Peter did “infer” that the Gentiles were to be accepted upon the terms of the gospel and not upon the practice of circumcision, (Acts 10:34-35, 44, 47; 11:17).
“Apostolic example” Paul appealed unto the “examples” of God’s approval of the preaching unto the Gentiles, (Acts 15:12). Paul appealed to the things approved of by God which took place in his first journey, (Acts 13:2,11; 14:1-3, 8-10, 19-20, 27; 15:3). Because of these “examples” Paul could only conclude that the Gentiles were accepted upon the terms of the gospel and not upon the practice of circumcision.
“Direct command” James appealed unto the prophet Amos, who through inspiration prophesied the acceptance of the Gentiles, (Acts 15:13-17). James directs them to take heed to the promise of the Lord given many years ago by His prophet Amos, (Amos 9:11). Because of the “Direct statement” of God. James concluded that the Gentiles were accepted upon the terms of the gospel and not upon the practice of circumcision, (Acts 15:19). The question of circumcision was asked, the answer was given, (Acts 15:23-29).
So, as we look for God’s authority we must have “direct command”, or “apostolic example”, or “necessary inference” for us to have God’s approval!
How can we know that we are handling correctly the word of God? Furthermore, who decides if we are handling it correctly or not? We are handling the word of God correctly when we take heed to God and not man by establishing from the New Testament a direct command, approved example or a necessary conclusion for all that we do! When can know that when we use these principles, that God decided because we established our authority the way the apostles did!
Do you have God’s approval? Do you have bible authority for your claim to the blood of Christ? (Mark 16:16). Do you have bible authority for your walk as a Christian? (Col. 3:17).
Do you have bible authority for the church you claim? (Matt. 16:18; Rom. 16:16). Do you have bible authority for its work and worship? (I Thess. 1:8; John 4:23-24). To have bible authority do what the Lord authorizes you to do!
The Church Belonging To Christ
By Tim Shepherd
The church of our Lord is constantly facing those who want to undermine the authority of Jesus by establishing their own authority (Romans 10:1-3). It is important for us to be constantly reminded that the church Jesus built is just that; it is the church Jesus built! He designed it, He purchased it, and He is the head of it! My, friend, it does make a difference what one believes and it does make a difference how one serves the Lord. For that reason I would like for us to give our attention to the promise Jesus made to His disciples (Matthew 16:16-18).
THE FOUNDATION OF IT – “Upon This Rock” – The “rock” upon which Jesus would build His church was not Peter, but upon what Peter confessed, “Thou art the Christ” (V:16). That Christ is more than a mere man is the foundation upon which the church exists. He is the Son of the living God! Jesus was the one John identified (John 1:1, 14). Jesus was the one who performed miracles (John 3:5; 20:30-31). Jesus was declared to be the Son of God through His resurrection from the dead (Romans 1:4). Jesus being the Son of God is at the heart of everything we hold dear. It is upon Jesus that truth is found (John 14:6; Matthew 7:21-27). It was upon the fact that Jesus was the long awaited Messiah, the one who came to deliver us from sin. It was JESUS in which the church would be built upon!
THE CERTAINTY OF IT – “I Will Build My Church” – My, friend, Jesus never said, “I might,” or “I will try”. Jesus said “I WILL!” I think that many people have a wrong concept of the church that Jesus built. The church of Christ is still under construction. Yes, the church was promised to come in their lifetime (Mark 9:1; John 18:36). Yes, the church was established on the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:36-38, 47). Yes, the church was established, but the church is still being constructed. Every time someone obeys the gospel the church grows. Paul describes that we make up a “Temple in the Lord” (Ephesians 2:16-22). Peter described that we are “living stones” (I Peter 2:5, 9-10).
THE INTIMACY OF IT – “I Will Build My Church” – The church Jesus is building is not cold or impersonal. It is a relationship with His people. Notice the scripture references to this intimacy. The church is referred to as the “bride” of Christ (Revelation 21:9). The church is referred to as the “body” of Christ (Ephesians 5:29; Colossians 1:24). The church was purchased by the “blood” of Jesus (Acts 20:28). There is a beautiful picture painted for those who make up the church Jesus built. To persecute the Lord’s people is to persecute the Lord as when Paul made havoc of the church (Acts 7:51-60; 8:3; 9:14). Jesus tells us that He will take vengeance (Romans 12:19; Hebrews 10:30). When the Lord’s people are persecuted, Jesus takes it personally!
THE INVISIBILITY OF IT – “The Gates of Hades Shall Not Prevail against It” – This seems specifically to be a reference to the resurrection of Jesus, i.e., death would not prevent the building of His church (Acts 2:22-36). But there is another thought presented here that we need to consider. Jesus is picturing Hades (place of departed spirits) as a prison. This suggests that its gates would not be able to contain or imprison the church. Death could not hold Jesus! Neither will it hold us (I Corinthians 15:54-58)! Jesus knew that His disciples would face persecution, imprisonment, and even death. He promised they would overcome (Revelation 2:10). There is no reason to fear or be intimidated by the threat of death. Christ lives, and so shall those who obey Him (John 14:19). Remember death cannot stop us! With Christ we are invincible!
THE AUTHORITY OF IT – “I Will Give unto Thee the Keys of the Kingdom”- The Catholics mistakes this passage to mean that Jesus was giving Peter ruling authority, thereby making him the first Pope. But this same promise was given to the rest of the apostles (John 20:23). This promise is given to believers in general (Matthew 18:15-20). Jesus was not giving Peter or us the authority to make and bind laws. (1.) The authority to legislate is His and His alone (Matthew 28:18). (2.) The only authority we have is to preach His word (Mark 16:15). (3.) Our responsibility is to make the word of God authoritative in the lives of people. THE WORDS OF CHRIST ARE THE KEYS OF THE KINGDOM! The words of Christ should be considered a sacred trust by every disciple. God’s word should be our guiding light on every issue (Psalm 119:105). If we cease to use that light, or if we camouflage it by compromise, we forfeit the very source of our authority (II John 9). This is why it is critical for each one of us to deal seriously with God by studying His word, handling it with reverence and Godly fear, allowing God to rule!
My friend, it does make a difference what one believes, and it does make a difference how one serves the Lord. Let us never lose sight of the truth (Matthew 16:16-18).