Category: Authority

Sometimes when Jesus gives authority through His word, what He commands is specific in nature. In these instances, no discretion is available to His disciples. It is their place simply to heed and obey His command.

As we demonstrated in our article on the general nature of authority, the principle can be plainly demonstrated in God’s command to sing. In Ephesians 5:19 Paul wrote, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” When it comes to musical worship in the Lord’s church, God specified singing.

While the command to sing is generic in that it allows various styles and types of singing (unison, chanting, four part harmony), it is specific in that it identifies the type of worship – singing as contrasted to playing mechanical instruments of music.

The pattern of musical worship in Christian adoration to God is limited to that specific act. New Testament scriptures command us to sing. New Testament examples of worship reveal that Christians sang. The assertion that the commands to, and examples of Christians singing could lawfully include the use of mechanical instruments of worship is both illogical and without scriptural basis. It is an addition and iniquitous (cf. Matthew 7:21-23).

When adding to God’s specific pattern, innovators are forced to the simplistic cry, “It doesn’t say we can’t!” They have gone beyond the pattern, and rest their hope in God’s acceptance of that willful act. This hope is vain.

Apostasy is the end of those who do not fully understand this simple principle.

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Sometimes when Jesus gives authority through His word, what He commands allows for the exercise of some limited discretion by His disciples. The command is general in nature, allowing choices. A good example of this is the command to sing, as revealed in Ephesians 5:19, “speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.”

While the command to sing is specific in that it identifies the type of worship – singing as contrasted to playing; it is general in that choice is given regarding the type of singing. Nowhere in scripture has God identified a specific type of singing (unison, chanting, four part harmony). So, Christians are given choice in the matter.

Of course, the choice is not unlimited. A style of singing lacking in reverence, causing confusion, or interfering with proper edification would be excluded based on other guidelines given by inspiration regarding acceptable worship.

Continuing the example, other choices we make in singing include the use of song books, projection screens, pitch pipes, an appointed leader, etc. When such choices are made, they aid in the command to sing, and in no way violate the command or parameters set by the Holy Spirit. Such choices merely expedite our fulfilling God’s requirements for us. Please note that such choices must themselves be inherently lawful. They must not violate other principles established in God’s word.

Objections may be raised to an acceptable religious practice because this principle of general authority is not fully understood.

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The third principle we affirm is authority is established through Divine implication. The principle is wrongly under attack as an arbitrary invention of man rather than a God ordained principle.

By “Divine implication,” we mean truths to be found in God’s word that are not explicitly stated. Instead, they are implicit in the text of scripture. We use our God given ability to reason to INFER the truth that is IMPLIED.

A simple example of this principle is Jesus’ debate with the Sadducees in Matthew 22. They denied the resurrection. Jesus answered, “You are mistaken, not knowing the Scriptures nor the power of God” (29). He then established the truth about the resurrection by appealing to Exodus 3:6. He argued the phrase, “I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob” implied a resurrection. Though Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were physically dead at the time God spoke these words, the words “I AM” are used rather than “I was.”

The inference Jesus made? “God is not the God of the dead, but of the living” (32). The text does not explicitly mention the resurrection. Rather, it is implied.

One caveat, the implication must really be there. Our inference must be necessary as we examine the text. It is not acceptable to say that it MAY be so. We are not to read possibilities into the text. That is eisegesis. Instead, we take out only what is actually there. That is exegesis, our goal.

We must not deny the validity of a principle used by the Lord Himself as we seek to establish authority.

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The second principle we affirm is that approved examples give us authority to act. Whenever we find Christians in the New Testament engaging in behavior that is approved by God, we can copy that behavior. We are on safe ground, guaranteed to please Him.

This is both logical and scriptural. It is true because Christians today live today under the same covenant as those of the first century (cf. Hebrews 1:1-4; 8:10-13). It is true because God does not show partiality (cf. Acts 10:34). It is true because we are called to emulate other Christians (cf. 1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1).

The Holy Spirit intends for us to learn from all examples. Paul wrote of Israel’s disobedience, and said, “Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. And do not become idolaters as were some of them” (1 Corinthians 10:6-7a). However, for us to be safe in doing or teaching anything, the examples we follow must be approved by God.

A demonstration: In Acts 20, Paul was in Troas. Verse 7 states, “Now on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul, ready to depart the next day, spoke to them and continued his message until midnight.” Since the disciples met on Sunday to partake of the Lord’s Supper, we can do the same with God’s approval.

This principle is seldom denied. The problem is not the belief that we are wrong to emulate Christians in the first century, but that we are free to depart from that pattern they create by their actions and teaching. This will be discussed in a later article.

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In the next few, short articles I will write, I intend to discuss the ways we can ascertain God’s pattern for us today. Each article will be a concise affirmation of a particular aspect of that pattern, so more detailed discussion will have to wait for the comments, later articles by me, or the writings of other men.

The first principle is a simple one, easily understood. We can know what God requires of us, and the limits He places upon our behavior, by the explicit commands He reveals to us. As one wag said, “They are the 10 commandments, not the 10 suggestions!”

Put concisely, it is required that any group obeys the explicit instructions God gives particularly to it. In calling for Israel’s obedience, Jehovah said, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy” (Leviticus 10:3).

All men today are amenable to the commands of Jesus Christ. All authority has been given to Him (cf. Matthew 28:18). Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). He further directed His apostles to wait for the Holy Spirit, who would inspire them, and direct them into “all truth” (John 16:12-14). So, what the New Testament writers command, are the commands of Jesus Himself. (cf. 2 Peter 1:19-21).

It is amazing how many claim that Jesus is their Lord, and yet refuse to do what He tells them to do. The concept of Lordship requires of us complete submission. If Jesus said do it, we must obey. If Jesus said don’t do it, we must refrain. When He comes again, He will come in righteousness to punish the disobedient (2 Thessalonians 1:8-9).

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FAQ’s. The acronym is well known with the advent of the internet. Frequently asked questions. Here are some simple answers to frequently asked questions about the church of Christ. Feel free to share with others:

Continue reading “FAQ Sheet: Church of Christ” →

Do you believe in an Almighty God who created the universe? Not all men do, but for those who believe in God, there is a consequence to their faith. God exists, so what’s next? The Psalmist said, “I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well” (Psalm 139:14).

That God who is responsible for our existence deserves praise and obedience, if He so requires it. It is disrespectful of us to acknowledge His existence, and not willingly submit to His will. Consider the punishment of Aaron’s sons who were guilty of disobeying God (cf. Leviticus 10). God killed them because of their disobedience. When Moses explained to Aaron why Nadab and Abihu were destroyed, he quoted God as saying, “By those who come near Me I must be regarded as holy; and before all the people I must be glorified” (vs. 3). Aaron understood, and accepted the punishment as just.

The lesson for us? God expects us to carefully follow His instructions. He deserves praise and obedience, and He does indeed require it! In our time, He has granted all authority to His Son Jesus Christ (cf. Matthew 28:18). As God Himself said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him!” (Matthew 17:5). Those who refuse to listen to the Son, and obey His words are foolish indeed (cf. Matthew 7:26-27).

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In the last issue of The Christian Chronicle, which claims to be an “International newspaper for Churches of Christ” I found information about the following:

The social gospel is alive and well. The churches that began back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, to embrace the idea that the church’s purpose and work includes secular entertainment and social engineering have continued to conceive and implement ever more outlandish and silly ideas. It has reached the point where they never even ask the question “is it authorized?” They no longer consider the admonition of the apostle Paul, given in Colossians 3:17, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to god the Father through Him.” We must be ever vigilant in our efforts to submit to God’s will.

The question is as old as the Kingdom itself, “Men and brethren, what shall we do?” (cf. Acts 2:37). When confronted with the reality of sin, those convicted of their guilt desire to know what they must do to be saved from condemnation.

An examination of God’s word reveals five things to be done for a person to be saved. So, Christians have often referred to the five steps to salvation. This phrase has been ridiculed as simplistic, legalistic, PATTERNISTIC. What it is, is scriptural.

1. HEAR. “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).
2. BELIEVE. “For with the heart one believes unto righteousness…” (Romans 10:10).
3. REPENT. “Repent…for the remission of sins…” (Acts 2:38).
4. CONFESS. (That “Jesus Christ is the Son of God” Acts 8:37) “…with the mouth confession is made unto salvation” (Romans 10:10).
5. BE BAPTIZED. “For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27).

The process of passing from death to life begins when an alien sinner hears the good news of Jesus Christ, and is completed when he arises from the waters of baptism to “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

For those who object to such a listing of steps to salvation, we ask two simple questions. Are any of the listed steps unnecessary? Did we leave any steps out? In reality, this teaching approach has led to the salvation of multitudes. The gospel is sublime, but simple.

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Paul admonished the Colossians, “And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him” (Colossians 3:17).

The admonition does not mean that we are to SAY we are doing what we do in His name. Jesus asked, “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?” (Luke 6:46). The key to doing “all in the name of the Lord” is to do what HE tells us to do.

The phrase “in the name of the Lord” is an indication that what we do is authorized by Jesus. It can’t be done “in His name” unless it is His will. No man has the right to go beyond the pattern established by Jesus.

There is a consequence to accepting Jesus as your Lord. If He is your Lord, He has authority over you. This limits your actions to what He allows and approves. As Paul, you must say, “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me” (Galatians 2:20).

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Many religious people are willing to accept that Jesus Christ is the Lord of their lives. However, they are resistant to accepting the consequences of that pledge. As Lord, Jesus is to be obeyed without hesitation or questioning.

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Webster’s Dictionary defines progressive as, (a) of, relating to, or characterized by progress; (b) making use of or interested in new ideas, findings, or opportunities. In relation to politics and societal trends, a progressive is interested in change. He wants to try new ideas, take advantage of new technologies, and is always trying to make the world a better place by replacing old ideas and ways with new ones.

One antonym of progressive, as supplied by Webster, is the word conservative. Again, speaking politically and societally, the conservative is wary of change. He embraces the way things have been done in the past, declaring them tried and true. He does not believe that change is for the better, and rejects new ideas and technologies as merely novel, fearing unknown consequences should they be adopted.

Continue reading “Progressive VS Conservative” →

The lesson gives a concise history and description of the ark of the covenant. Examining Israel’s dealing with the ark, several applications come to mind:

• God’s instructions are to be followed
• What happens when the glory of God departs
• The concept of Sanctification
• The consequences of disobedience

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In 2 Corinthians 10:8 Paul noted that he had authority to preach the gospel to the Corinthians. This lesson answers the question concerning the origin of Paul’s authority, and makes applications.

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The lesson posits that the church that Jesus built can be identifed by its builder, as well as its place and time of origin. This church is the one true church, acceptable to God.

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