Articles
What Standard Of Authority Should We Follow In Religious Matters (6)
What Standard Of Authority Should We
Follow In Religious Matters (6)
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?
Everyone should desire to follow what the bible says. As we have noted in this series of articles, one’s feelings, the wisdom of men, the traditions of men, what the majority does, what preachers say – none of these are safe standards for us to follow in our service to the Lord. The Bible, and the Bible alone, is the safe, absolute, unchanging standard or guide that God wants all men to follow.
Why did the Lord give us the Bible? To show us the way of salvation – how to live in this life in order to enter heaven in the next one! “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). God’s word, like a source of light, shows us the path to take in life in order to please the Lord.
Jesus declared, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). What is this wonderful truth that can give us freedom from sin and condemnation? Jesus prayed to the Heavenly Father, “Sanctify them through thy truth; thy word is truth” (John 17:17). According to Christ, what is truth in all spiritual matters? The word of God. So we must accept all that God’s word, the Bible, says, and reject anything that contradicts it.
The Bible is God’s inspired book that makes its true followers complete. It provides all the instruction that one could ever need in his spiritual life. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16,17).
How powerful is the gospel? It is written, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth …” (Romans 1:16). What is it that can save man’s soul? The gospel of Christ!
Jesus commanded His followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel (Mark 16:15), instructing men to observe or follow all things that He commanded (Matthew 28:20). The teaching of Jesus Christ is the only safe standard to follow in all religious matters.
