God is true authority
Hey savvy news reader! Thanks for choosing local.
You are now reading
1 of 3 free articles.
Editor,
What is the source of authority? Secularists maintain man is autonomous and therefore his own source of authority. Biblical Christianity recognizes “there is no authority but of God” (Romans 13:1). The conflict arising from these contrasting worldviews is inevitable and permeates all areas of life.
Jesus boldly proclaimed “All authority is given unto me in heaven and in earth.” (Matt. 28:18) I understand why secularists would be offended by such a claim. Do they understand why Christians would be likewise offended by claims that man is his own source of authority?
In “The Lords Prayer” (Matt. 6), Jesus prayed “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” What is done in Heaven that Jesus prayed to be done in earth? Was it that justice and righteousness be established? Who but God has authority to define justice and righteousness?
By His authority as Creator, God commanded men “to subdue the earth” and “take dominion.” (Gen. 1:28) Jesus added to this mandate when he told his disciples “to teach all nations...all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” (Matt. 28:19) (“All nations” includes Israel.) Wouldn’t this mean that Christian people should fully understand their duty to influence the culture towards what God says is justice and righteousness?
Three God-ordained institutions are family, church and state. God has delegated to each specific authority to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. Each works best within that framework. Has the Church failed to teach this? When we acquiesce to usurped authority by an all-powerful government god, the institutions of family and church become less relevant in society, and even subservient to government.
When we fail to confront usurped authority by government, are we reproving “the unfruitful works of darkness” as we should (Eph. 5:11) or are we conformed to the world and sleeping with the devil?
Scott Kerr
Charlo
