Articles
What Standard Of Authority Should We Follow In Religious Matters (5)
What Standard Of Authority Should We
Follow In Religious Matters (5)
By Greg King
Jesus once asked, “The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men” (Matthew 21:25). By posing such a question Jesus was actually showing that in religious affairs there are only two sources of authority for what men do. All religious teachings and practices come either “from heaven” (i.e. they come from God) or “from men” (they are man-made). There are no other choices. What Standard Of Authority Should We Follow In Matters Of Religion?
Some want to follow whatever their preacher says. Have you ever seen a newborn bird eat? He just opens his mouth and takes in anything that his mama puts in there. Sadly, many people today, like the tiny birds, just “close their eyes” and blindly accept what their preacher or pastor says about any topic. That is incredibly dangerous!
Jesus said, “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15). The Holy Spirit further predicted “there shall be false teachers” who would bring in damnable heresies that would deceive “many” (2 Peter 2:1,2). Just because someone preaches does not mean that what he says is right in God’s sight! We must compare all that we hear or read with what God’s word says. Regardless of how much we love or respect someone, if his message is not in harmony with the will of God, we must reject it. Why? Again, because, “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). Like the Bereans we must, “search the scriptures daily to see whether things are so.” Acts 17:10
