BIBLE AUTHORITY (2 of 8)
Roger Campbell

At the close of our last study on Bible authority we mentioned two types of standards, subjective and objective. A subjective standard is one that is based on one's own feelings or opinions. This really means that one does what he or she feels is right. On the other hand, an objective standard is one that is set or fixed as right and unchangeable, without regard to one's feelings or opinions. What mankind needs for a guide in religious affairs is the objective standard that God gave us, the Bible: "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path" (Psalm 119:105).

Do we not all realize that we must have certain objective standards in our daily affairs of life? For example, when we buy vegetables at the market, there is a set standard of weight used, the kilogram (in Ukraine, drl). When a woman buys cloth to make a dress, there is a set standard of measurement, the meter (in Ukraine, drl). Many other examples could be given, but all of us know that without such objective standards of measurement in society, there would be utter chaos in many aspects of life.

Please consider now the situation in the religious world. Is there religious division or religious confusion in our world today? Of course. But why do such divisions and confusion exist? The major reason is that men follow different standards in their religious lives. Is God the one who causes such division and confusion to exist? NO! In fact, the Bible says, "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace," and He desires that we "all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions" among men (1 Cor 14:33; 1:10). What if all men followed the same objective standard of authority in religion? Then divisions would cease to exist between religious people and unity would be the beautiful result. That safe, objective standard of authority DOES exist for all people to follow. It is the word of the God of heaven that He has given to us in the Bible: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness" (2 Tm 3:16).

Shortly before Jesus died, He had an important discussion about authority with the Jewish leaders of His day. When Jesus was teaching in the Jewish temple in Jerusalem, some Jewish leaders came to Him and asked, "By what authority doest thou these things? And who gave thee this authority?" Jesus replied that He would answer their question if they would first answer this question of His: "The baptism of John, whence was it? From heaven, or of men?" They refused to answer the question, and the discussion ended (Mt 21:23-27).

The question which the Jews asked ("By what authority doest thou these things?") is a good one, if it is asked with the proper motive. But let us note carefully the reply of Jesus: "The baptism of John... from heaven or of men?" What does Jesus' question show? It shows that in matters of religion or service to God there are only two types of authority: from heaven (from God), and from men (manmade). Thus, there is man's way, and there is God's way. Every religious practice and every religious teaching belongs to one of two categories: it came from and is authorized by God, or it came from men (and thus, not from God). This is a serious matter, and we pray that all of us will stop to ask ourselves, "By what authority do we teach and practice what we do?" Let each of us follow God's word as our only standard, for only the truth can set men free (Jn 8:32).

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