Who has final authority in religion?
Introduction. Our question is especially a good one because it addresses the substance rather than a symptom. In everything there must be authority. Moreover, the authority must be recognized or chaos will result. Religion is no exception.
Man's answer to the question of final authority. Not a few recognize the Pope as their authority. Some say "the church" is the final authority. Others point to creeds, synods and the conclaves of men as the authority. A few view preachers as the authority. Beloved, none of these proposed authorities are sanctioned by the Bible as the final authority in religion (cf. Mk. 7: 5-13).
Jesus Christ has complete and final authority. God speaks through His Son (Heb. 1: 1,2). In the setting of Moses, Elias, and Jesus, the Father exclaimed, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am will pleased, hear ye Him" (Matt. 17:5). Jesus has all authority in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28: 18). All we do must be done in Jesus' name or by His authority (Col. 3: 17). Jesus possesses legislative, judicial, and executive authority (Matt. 7: 21-28; John 5: 22; Matt. 28: 18-20).
Jesus' authority is articulated through His teaching, His word. Jesus' teaching is, indeed, authoritative (Matt. 7: 24-29). Inspired writers such as Paul taught Jesus' will (1 Cor. 14: 37). Jesus said, "... the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6: 63). "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God...," Peter taught (1 Pet. 4: 11). We are under the obligation to "bring the doctrine of Christ" or be rejected (2 John 9-11).
Conclusion. Concerned reader, the primary reason for all the confusion in the religious world today is the failure to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority. Such submission is required if we believe in Jesus' Lordship (Luke 6: 46). It is high time we cease paying lip service only and get serious about serving God!
Man's answer to the question of final authority. Not a few recognize the Pope as their authority. Some say "the church" is the final authority. Others point to creeds, synods and the conclaves of men as the authority. A few view preachers as the authority. Beloved, none of these proposed authorities are sanctioned by the Bible as the final authority in religion (cf. Mk. 7: 5-13).
Jesus Christ has complete and final authority. God speaks through His Son (Heb. 1: 1,2). In the setting of Moses, Elias, and Jesus, the Father exclaimed, "This is My beloved Son, in whom I am will pleased, hear ye Him" (Matt. 17:5). Jesus has all authority in heaven and in earth (Matt. 28: 18). All we do must be done in Jesus' name or by His authority (Col. 3: 17). Jesus possesses legislative, judicial, and executive authority (Matt. 7: 21-28; John 5: 22; Matt. 28: 18-20).
Jesus' authority is articulated through His teaching, His word. Jesus' teaching is, indeed, authoritative (Matt. 7: 24-29). Inspired writers such as Paul taught Jesus' will (1 Cor. 14: 37). Jesus said, "... the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life" (John 6: 63). "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God...," Peter taught (1 Pet. 4: 11). We are under the obligation to "bring the doctrine of Christ" or be rejected (2 John 9-11).
Conclusion. Concerned reader, the primary reason for all the confusion in the religious world today is the failure to recognize and submit to Jesus' authority. Such submission is required if we believe in Jesus' Lordship (Luke 6: 46). It is high time we cease paying lip service only and get serious about serving God!