BIBLE AUTHORITY (4 of 8)
Roger Campbell

When we talk about Bible authority, it is necessary to discuss and understand THE AUTHORITY OF JESUS CHRIST. After Jesus' beautiful "Sermon on the Mount," those who heard him were amazed at His doctrine, "For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" (Mt 7:28-29). Why was Jesus' teaching so powerful? He Himself said, "My doctrine is not mine, but His that sent me" (Jn 7:16). But how much authority does Jesus possess, and how important is it for us to recognize His authority today?

About one year before Christ died, He took three apostles onto a high mountain and was transfigured before them as He spoke to Moses and Elijah. Three apostles, two Old Testament prophets, and the Son of God! That was a special assembly that came together. And what was God's special message that He gave that day? "This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased, hear ye Him" (Mt 17:5). Hear whom? Jesus! Who said that we are to hear Jesus? God did. What does that mean? That means that Jesus possesses authority in religious affairs, and it is God's will that we submit to the teachings of Christ.

Consider another event that took place after Jesus rose from the dead and not long before He ascended to heaven. Jesus came to the apostles and said, "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit; teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you; and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world" (Mt 28:18-20). Please note these facts: all power or religious authority has been given to someone. To whom has it been given? To the pope? No! To the brother who preaches where you attend? No! To a religious council of men? No! All religious authority has been given to the Son of God. Thus, in all religious affairs we must ask, "What does Jesus want us to do?" The apostles were to go throughout the whole world and preach a message. What message? "All things" that Jesus had commanded them (28:20). And what are all people to do with the things that Jesus has commanded? "Obey" them. All men living on the earth are obligated to hear and obey the voice of Jesus Christ. Let each of us, like Saul of Tarsus, ask, "What shall I do, Lord" (Acts 22:10)?

Who has all authority over the church? Only the one who serves as the Head of it. God put "all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body..." (Eph 1:22-23). About whom are these verses speaking? Jesus. Where is the proof? "Christ is the head of the church" (Eph 5:23). The very next verse says that, "The church is subject unto Christ." It thus must be our goal to obey Jesus in all things.

The Bible teaches: "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus" (Col 3:17). To do things "in the name of" Jesus means to do them BY HIS AUTHORITY. When Peter and John healed a lame man at the temple, they said they did it by the name of Jesus, in other words, by His authority and power (study this in Acts 4:7-10). Let us hear Jesus!

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