The question of authority in religion is fundamental, and it stands as the issue which divides men religiously today more than any other. When we seek authority for an action in religion, to what shall we appeal? Shall we go to...
1. The way our family and friends have always done things? It is possible for family and friends to be wrong; sincere, genuine, but wrong -- "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matthew 15:8-9). This being true, we cannot appeal to the way it has always been done safely.
2. The decisions of councils of men? Men do make decisions about religious matters, and some of them are appropriately made; but, when men set aside the law of God and insert their own way in its' place, they err: "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved. For I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God" (Romans 10:1-3). The sin of these men was in holding to their own "law" in the place of God's Law. Hear also John: "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds" (II John 9-11). To transgress is to go beyond, in this case it is to go beyond the Law of God. To appeal, then, to the councils of men is to transgress, and we should not do that.
3. Human reasoning? Some men are smart, indeed well educated; but does this give them the ability to set aside God's dictates? Hear Paul: "For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse. Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts..." (Romans 1:20-24). Hear him again: "For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men. For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence. But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption: That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord" (I Corinthians 1:21-31). Human reasoning, then, is not the source.
4. What about the Old Testament? Paul said of the Old Law: "For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; Having abolished in his flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances; for to make in himself of twain one new man, so making peace; And that he might reconcile both unto God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity thereby" (Ephesians 2:14-16). We read also: "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross" (Colossians 2:14). Again we read: "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises" (Hebrews 8:6). The Old Testament, then, is not that whence we look for our authority to act religiously today.
5. What about the New Testament? Indeed, it is the law by which we shall be judged (John 12:48); wherein is found truth (John 8:32; cf., 17:7); whereby we are saved (James 1:21); whereby are imparted unto us the great and precious promises of God (II Peter 1:4f); and which contains all things God would have us know (II Peter 1:3). We are forbidden to add to it or take from it (Revelation 22:18-19). It must authorize our every action (Colossians 3:17). It breeds peace and harmony when faithfully followed (I Corinthians 1:10). And, it is the mind of God revealed to us (I Corinthians 2:9-13). If you would appeal to the authority which shall stand the test of time and eternity, appeal to the New Testament. Follow it in all things, it is the Way which cannot be wrong.
Tim Smith 1272 Enon Rd. Webb, AL 36376 (334) 899-8131
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