Text: Matthew 28:18-20
It is good and necessary to revisit certain topics from time to time. We do not want to “drift away” from what we have learned previously (Hebrews 2:1). Some topics are so foundational that they affect what we believe, teach, and practice (individually and collectively). The topic of bible authority is one of these foundational topics. We will take another look at it here, perhaps in a different way to help reinforce the concept for us.
The Authority of Christ
- Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18) – this was the basis for the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20); His disciples were to DO what He commanded (Matthew 28:20); He is Lord (Luke 6:46)
- His will is expressed through the apostles (2 Corinthians 5:20) – they were guided by the Spirit (John 16:13)
- We are to follow the pattern handed down by them (2 Timothy 1:13) – they taught with the authority of Christ (1 Corinthians 14:37)
The Importance of Patterns
- God has always used patterns to instruct His people (Hebrews 8:5; cf. Exodus 25:40) – the pattern was so important that the rule could not be altered even for Jesus (Hebrews 8:4; 7:14)
- God also used patterns in the New Testament – examples in the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26) and conversion (Romans 6:17, 3-4); this is why churches following God’s pattern will generally look about the same (1 Corinthians 4:17)
- We are to hold fast to the pattern (2 Timothy 1:13)
- We are to walk according to the pattern (Philippians 3:17) – and follow the example of those who do
Identifying Patterns
- Patterns are often found in looking at a comprehensive list of passages – this means we take several passages dealing with a particular topic, put them all together, and get a comprehensive picture of what the Lord expects us to believe, teach, and practice
- For example, consider the instructions about conversion in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:16; Luke 24:47) – separately, they mention 1-2 things; together, they teach belief, repentance, and baptism
- Two options – either we consider the passages comprehensively and complement one another or conclude that they are contradictory (cf. John 10:35)
What Has Been Bound or Loosed
- When Jesus promised to build His church, He spoke of the power to bind and loose (Matthew 16:18-19) – what is bound and loosed will be “in heaven”; rules are from God; permissions are from God
- Rules from God – how we know what is required… commands, examples, and implications; example in the Lord’s Supper… command (Matthew 26:26-28), example (Acts 20:7), implication (Matthew 26:26, 17)
- Permissions from God – how we know what is allowed… God is indifferent (Romans 14:1-3); God was not specific (Hebrews 7:12-14); not a violation of what has been revealed (1 Corinthians 10:23)
Conclusion
- Bible authority is an important topic because Jesus has all authority – His will is expressed in His word
- We need to do all things by His authority (Colossians 3:17) – to become a Christian and as a Christian
