A Study of Bible Authority (2)

 THE AUTHORITY OF GOD

Mike Johnson

Everyone is subject to authority today. Employees, for example, are subject to the rule of their employers. We are all under the laws of our government, whether we want to be or not. There is authority we put ourselves under by choice, and there is authority we find ourselves subject to due to circumstances.

All people are subject to one particular authority. We are all subject to this authority, whether we want to be or not; we are subject to it no matter where we live. This authority is the authority of God.

Authority can be either inherent or delegated. The word inherent means “intrinsic.” According to the dictionary, it exists “in someone or something as a natural and inseparable quality, characteristic, or right.” It is an indwelling essence or characteristic. Delegated authority, on the other hand, is authority given or appointed by another. God possesses His dominion, inherently or intrinsically. Since this is the case, God received His power from no one; it did not come to be. God has His authority simply BECAUSE OF WHO HE IS.

Consider three reasons why God inherently has authority.

  1. He is the Creator of the universe. Genesis 1:1says, “In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Therefore, the Creator does not need to obtain His rights from what He created.
  2. God is the owner of all things. Psalm 50:10-12says, “For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. I know all the birds of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine . . . . For the world is Mine, and all its fullness.” 
  3. God is the sustainer of all(note Acts 17:25-28). We need God — He does not need us.

Sometimes a person will ask, “Who gave God the right to tell people what to do?” The person who asks this question does not understand the inherent nature of God’s authority. As we have seen, no one gave God His power. Further, no one can deny Him His rule. Therefore, we must be willing to submit to God’s dominion.