What Is The Authority In Christianity?

What Is the Authority in Christianity?

By: Garland M. Robinson

For any government, religion, or even family situation to exist, there must be an established authority or code of law. There must be a rule to which men can appeal to solve and answer disputes. This is recognized in all societies, whether religious or secular. Yet look at the confusion and division that exists among religious groups that propose to follow Christ. Has God left us without such a law? No, not at all! Jesus prayed for unity (John 17:20-21).

Man certainly has a code of ethics given him by God -- the Bible, His Holy Word. It is the absolute standard to which men MUST appeal to find the answer to all questions and problems of life. To this pattern, men must conform to be right with God. The Bible is not subject to alteration in any fashion (Galatians 1:6-9). Since God is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13:8), so is His Word. It is forever settled in heaven, from everlasting to everlasting (Psalm 119:89). It will judge all mankind in the last day (John 12:48). It is able to answer all questions relating to not only life upon this earth but also the life that is to come (II Peter 1:3). Why don't men follow it (Acts 17:27; Revelation 1:3)? They are not willing to submit to God.

The Bible is divinely inspired -- God's revelation to man (II Timothy 3:16-17). Holy men of God spake as they were directed by the Spirit of God (II Peter 1:20-21). They were infallible in what they wrote (John 16:13). It is the "road map" which directs one to heaven.

Neither traditions of men, human conscience, reason nor wisdom can direct the way of man. "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord" (Isaiah 55:8). "The way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Proverbs 14:12). Christ has all authority!

The Bible alone is that to which men must submit to be saved. Jesus said: BELIEVE (John 8:24), REPENT (Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38), CONFESS him (Matthew 10:32; Romans 10:10), BE BAPTIZED for forgiveness of sins (Acts 22:16; I Peter 3:21; Mark 16:16).

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