“Authority in Religion”

Ben Bailey

           

“Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father” (Col 3:17).  In times of ritualism, sacraments and idolatry, one great lesson Paul reminds the Colossians of is the authority of God’s word.  Many in the religious world today are doing things that are not found or authorized in the Bible.  The Bible very clearly teaches that all that we do in worship and life must be authorized by the word of God.  Paul told the Corinthians “not to go beyond what is written…” (1 Cor. 4:6).  By inspiration John pronounces divine curse upon anyone who adds to or takes away from the commands written in God’s Book (Rev. 22:18-19).  The Apostle John would say this is such a serious matter that if we don’t have the proper teaching of Christ we don’t even have God as our father (2 Jn. 9).  Let us then consider the application of authority in worship to God.

Authority for Singing.  Since the New Testament is our law today, we must look to it for authority regarding singing (Eph. 2:14ff, Col. 2:14ff, Jn. 12:48).  One thing is evident from a study of singing in the New Testament—there is no mention of using a mechanical instrument!  In Ephesians 5:19 Christians are to “speak one to another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” In this context we are told that singing must be a teaching event where we exhort each other through hymns and songs, vocally singing to God.  Nowhere in this passage or any other passage in the New Testament will a person find authority for an instrument.  Let us remember what the writer of Proverbs said, “Do not add to His Word lest He rebuke you and you be found a liar” (Prov. 30:6).

Authority in Leadership.  In many denominations today women are placed in authority roles where they preach, teach and exercise authority over Christian men.  However, the Bible says God is not pleased with this.  For example, Paul said, “Let a woman learn in silence with all submission. And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence” (1 Tim 2:11-12).  In another context Paul said, “Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says” (1 Cor. 14:34).  Paul was not a woman-hater or mad at women in this context.  He simply recognized God’s standard of authority from creation (1 Cor. 11:3).  If we are going to please God we must recognize the principle of authority in the church. 

            May God help us to realize that all authority belongs to Jesus, and we must find the authority of the Bible before we do anything in life or worship (Matt. 28:18, Col. 3:17).  Remember “not to go beyond what is written…” (1 Cor. 4:6).