BIBLE AUTHORITY (1 of 8)
Roger Campbell

When we talk about the Bible, we are not talking about the words of men, but the word of the living God: "...When ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God" (1 Th 2:13). God certainly desires that we read His word, and all wise people know the great value of studying it. The Holy Spirit instructs us, "Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is" (Eph 5:17).

As we study the Bible, it is obvious that it must be interpreted. Each Christian has the obligation to be "a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the owrd of truth" (2 Tm 2:15). Just how do we know what we CAN do in our service to God? What are things that we MUST do? And what are we FORBIDDEN to do? If we do not know how to prove Bible authority and answer these questions, then we will not be able to carry out our responsibilities before God and be pleasing to Him. Thus, "Bible Authority" is truly an important topic.

"Authority" means power, right, sanction, or justification for doing something. If we say "religious authority," then we are talking about what we have the right or authority to do in religious matters. If we say "Bible authority," then we are talking about what the Bible authorizes or gives us the right to do. When we talk about "Bible authority," then we are pointing to the Bible as a standard that sanctions and authorizes actions which men take in serving God.

There is definitely a need to discuss Bible authority, for today many have misunderstandings about religious authority in general. In present times even some Christians are saying that the New Testament is not really a pattern for us. Others say that if the Bible does not specifically say that some action is wrong, then it is authorized, in other words, it is okay for us to do it. It would be fair to say that many persons have never really asked themselves if their actions in religious affairs are authorized by the Bible or not.

We must be careful that we do not try to force others to do things that God does not require. At the same time we must not loose what God has not loosed: if God says that a certain action is required, then we have no right to say that it is not required. Therefore, we must diligently study the Bible and strive to make our thinking in harmony with God's will. One clear, basic difference between the Lord's church and denominations is the difference in our outlook and approach to Bible authority. Let us say plainly now ALL of our religious activities and teachings must be authorized by the Son of God through His word, for God commands, "And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col 3:17).

If God wills, we will be preparing several more lessons on Bible authority in the next few weeks, for we are convinced that properly understanding this topic is essential in our service to Christ. Many people want to follow a subjective standard, that is, one that is based upon one's own feelings or opinions. But for God's children, there is an objective standard to guide us, a standard that God has set or fixed as right and unchangeable in every land in every generation--the Bible!

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