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What does "from heaven or from men" mean?


Introduction. Our query is obviously taken from Matthew 21: 23-27. Allow me first to provide an explanation of the passage and then an application.

Explanation of Matthew 21: 23-27. The chief priests and elders asked Jesus a question, "By what authority doeth thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?" (vs. 23). Jesus saw an opportunity to impress upon them their lawlessness. He then asked them, "the baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men?" (vss. 24, 25). The question was fair and simple - did John's baptism have heaven's approval and authority. The priests and elders, sadly, were dishonest and would not answer (vss. 25-27).

Application of "from heaven or from men". Beloved, John's baptism was from heaven. We know this to be the case because it is taught in the scriptures (Isa. 40: 3, Matt. 3: 1 ff). Jesus' question indicates his thinking regarding the need of authority for what is believed and practiced. Jesus taught to believe and practice that which is unauthorized constitutes vain worship and God's rejection (Mk. 7: 6-13, Matt. 7: 21-23). There are many doctrines today which are from men. The doctrine of the Papacy (the Pope, etc.), saved without baptism, worship as one pleases, all churches the same, and it matters not how one lives are not taught in God's word (see Acts 10: 25, 26; John 4: 24; Matt. 16: 18; 2 Cor. 7: 1).

Man does not have the right to manufacture doctrine. The curse of God rests on the one who perverts the gospel (Gal. 1: 6-9). Those who do not abide in and bring not the doctrine of Christ are not to be received or approved (2 John 9-11). "If any man speak," Peter wrote, "let him speak as the oracles of God..." (1 Pet. 4: 11). How about the beliefs you hold? Are they from heaven (taught in the word) or from men (without divine authority)? It does matter!
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