DIVINE AUTHORITY

 Mike Johnson

“By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” These questions were asked of Jesus in the Jerusalem temple by certain chief priests and elders of the Jews (Mt. 21:23). Although not sincerely motivated, these questions bring out two principles. First, there is a need for authority in religion; second, authority must come from one who has the right to grant it. Jesus then asked them this question (v. 25), “The baptism of John — where was it from? From heaven or from men?” This question establishes that there are only two sources of authority: heaven and man. It is essential in serving God to understand the need for authority; we must also realize where it rests.

In almost every realm and relationship, standards of authority exist. For example, in weights and measurements, we know sixteen ounces equals a pound, twelve inches equals a foot, and three feet equals a yard. Agreement exists in our country regarding such standards, and a great deal of confusion would exist if, suddenly, people had their own standards of weights and measurements.

There are different sources of authority today in religion. First, there is internal human authority. This type of authority governs people who only receive guidance by their consciences, judgments, and feelings. A second area of authority is external human authority. This type of authority includes customs, traditions, and human creeds. The third realm of authority is divine authority, which has God as the originator and Christ as the center and makes itself known in the Bible. This third source should be man’s authority today.

We need divine guidance because we cannot guide ourselves to heaven. Jeremiah 10:23 says, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps.” This statement is very profound, and we must frequently remind ourselves of it. It is God’s Word that can guide us and save our souls. James 1:21 says, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.” Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” The “perfect law of liberty” is to be our guide (Jas. 1:25). There is no way people can get to heaven by following individual standards and the doctrines of men instead of the Bible. In doing so, he is doomed to failure.

Our life here on this earth is like a journey. In Genesis 47:9, when Pharaoh asked Jacob how old he was, Jacob referred to his life as a pilgrimage (or “sojourning” — NASB). Today, we are on a journey to heaven; thus, we must follow God’s divine “road map” to get there (Mt. 7:13-14). Without God’s Word, we cannot make it. Nothing that man comes up with can replace God’s Word to show us the way.

Authority, which originates with people of the earth, causes strife and division; it produces denominationalism instead of the “one church” we can read about in the Scriptures. Proverbs 14:12 says, “There is a way that seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” People, even good people, differ on things; therefore, we need divine authority.

In John 17:17-21, Jesus prayed for unity among his followers. Paul, an inspired writer, told the Corinthians (I Cor. 1:10) that no divisions should exist among them, and they should be “. . . perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.” How can we have this if we are following various human standards? All people following the one uniform standard of God’s Word is the only possible way to have the unity Christ desires.

We are certainly in need of divine authority to guide us. Without God’s guidance, we are helpless and doomed to failure.