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How can one establish authority?


Introduction. Over the past four years we have emphasized the necessity of having Bible authority for what we believe and practice. We have shared with you scriptural requirements to this end (1 Thes. 5: 21, Eph. 5: 10, 11), and the consequences of not having authorized beliefs and practices (Matt. 7: 21-23). We have seen Jesus is the author of eternal salvation to all who obey him (Heb. 5: 9). Our question is a practical and vitally important question.

Express command. Beloved, when we determine an express command, we have established Bible authority. Peter commanded, "Repent and be baptized..." (Acts 2: 38). There is no relevant teaching elsewhere to show Acts 2: 38 is limited or peculiar in scope (cf. Mk. 16: 16). Hence, the alien sinner must repent and be baptized. Religious unity, based on conformity to truth, is a commandment (1 Cor. 1: 10, Eph. 4: 3). If one teaches religious division is generally accepted, as many do, that person is without authority. In other words, he is not bringing "the doctrine of Christ" and must not be fellowshipped (2 John 9-11).

Approved example. The book of Acts is largely a book of approved examples. We can see exemplified how people became Christians and how they lived (Acts 2, 3, 8, 16, etc.).

Necessary inference. We are told Jesus "went up straightway out of the water" (Matt. 3: 16). We reasonably infer Jesus first went down into the water. Notice the inference must be necessary to be binding.

Conclusion. Beloved, express command, approved example, and necessary inference are workable methods at arriving at Bible authority. Now, apply these methods to baptism being sprinkling, pouring, or immersion, babies being "baptized," and salvation by faith only. Yes, we can establish authority in matters religious.
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