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<...Go back

Why is authority so important?


Introduction. Our question is a good one, but also a difficult one. It is difficult in that it puts us in a position, to some measure, of looking into God's mind.

Authority or having a "thus saith the Lord" is important. The scriptures are replete with the expression "thus saith the Lord." As a rule, such language emanated from the prophets who were enforcing and/or revealing the will of God. Jeremiah wrote, "Hear ye the word which the Lord speaketh unto you...Thus saith the Lord..." (Jere. 10: 1, 2). The New Testament is no different, in that it also requires the recognition of God's authority or what God has said (1 Thes. 5: 21; Gal. 1: 6-10; 2 John 9-11). Requisite authority is also indicative of the singularity of God's dealing with man (cf. Eph. 4: 3-6; Jude 3).

Authority is established in three ways. God expressed His will to man by direct command (cf. Acts 2: 38), approved example (cf. Acts 20: 7), and necessary inference (cf. Matt. 22: 32). If our religious beliefs and practices are not authorized by direct command, approved example, or necessary inference, they are unauthorized and constitute lawlessness (see Matt. 7: 21-29).

The nature of God. The God of the Bible hates confusion and disorder (1 Cor. 14: 33). While He is a loving God, He is also strict (1 John 4: 8; Rom. 11: 22). God requires our total love (Matt. 22: 37). Involved in man's love of God is the keeping of God's commandments (authority, 1 John 5: 3). Those who do not obey, recognize God's infinite authority, do not love God (John 14: 15, 23, 24). God also used His commands or authority to test those who serve Him (cf. Gen. 22: 1, 2, 12). These are just a few apparent reasons God views authority as important.

Conclusion. The religious world for the most part has abandoned any semblance of respect for the authority of God. Authority and Lordship are tantamount (Luke 6: 46).
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