God’s Authority – Bible Authority (part 2) Religions today that call themselves Christian basically view God’s authority today in one of three ways. 1. God delegates authority through church leadership for example through Peter and an unbroken chain of successors and the Bible. 2. God expresses His authority through ongoing visions, dreams, and revelations and the Bible. 3. God expresses His authority completely and only through His perfectly inspired and preserved word called the Bible. We continue from last week where we were considering if God today continues to give us additional revelations, visions, and dreams? If there are additions, corrections, or updates regarding God’s first century revelation given through four writing apostles Matthew, John, Peter, and Paul and four writing prophets Mark, Luke, James, and Jude we need to ask some serious questions regarding what the Spirit has said in the Bible. According to Peter do we, or do we not with first century Christians through God’s divine power possess ALL THINGS THAT PERTAIN TO LIFE AND GODLINESS (2 Peter 1:3)?  If they did and we do then there is no need for any changes, instability, or uncertainty to be found among the believers.  The God who stabilizes and builds a firm foundation for faith would not be sending to His children mixed, confusing and conflicting messages.  Our God would reveal Himself to His people as being the same yesterday, today, and forever (Heb. 13:8). Are the sheep of God to be tossed about to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting (Eph. 4:14)?  NO!  Christians can, know the truth even a specific truth that frees from doubt and ignorance (Jn. 8:32).  Why don’t you know simply stated, “God’s Word is Truth” (Jn. 17:17). (See p. 2) (Continued from page 2)   Thirdly let us consider the security and stability God gives to those who lock their faith in the Word that became flesh.  Many today minimize the significance and POWER of God’s word the Bible.  God says that His word will not return to Him void (Isa. 55:11).  This means His word can produce fruit.  We need to see God’s word as living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, being able to pierce even the division of the soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and furthermore the word of God is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of one’s heart (Heb. 4: 12).   Today among those who call themselves Christians there is much confusion.  Much of it comes from those who have a divided allegiance with Christ and something else.  Many try to balance their faith trying to do God’s will and man’s will at the same time.  Much confusion, rationalizing, and unbelief has resulted because of this.  There are multitudes who say right things about God with their lips but when it comes right down to it their worship is worthless because they add to God’s word the teachings and doctrines of uninspired men (Mk. 7:7).  God sees those who do this as valuing their traditions above His Holy inspired and preserved word (Mk. 7:8).   Judgment day is coming.  We will not be judged by churches, preachers, or popes.  We will be judged by the one who shed His blood for His blood bought people.  He says in John 12:48-50 that He knows who His rejecters are.  They are those who reject HIS word!  What is His word?  Where can I find it?  It is in the Bible!  We need to know furthermore that this word (standard) is what will be used for the final judgment.  This isn’t just Christ’s idea this is the idea of the Father as well.  In the Father’s command (not the churches) we find everlasting life.   Come judgment day let us not be surprised when some so called Christians call Jesus their Lord are resoundly rejected by Christ.  Some of these have done awesome works in the name of Christ.  Problem is, they just never got around to obeying Him (Matt. 7:21-23).  These token superficial ones Jesus will say he NEVER knew.   Who will believe 2 Tim. 3:16, 17?  Do you believe ALL SCRIPTURE (Old in this context and now also the NEW) is given by inspiration of God?  Who will believe that ALL SCRIPTURE is beneficial for areas of DOCTRINE, reproof, and correction?  Who will believe that ALL SCRIPTURE is all we need for instruction in righteousness?  Who will believe that the child of God is COMPLETE and thoroughly equipped by the SCRIPTURE to satisfy every good work?   God believes this and His people believe this! You see SCRIPTURE (including the apostles word) alone is what God uses to make all believers ONE in Christ (Jn. 17:20, 21).  Isn’t this a grand idea?  Unity in Christ!  We really can be one body of believers (1 Cor. 1:10) IF we let God have His way with us and in us. Christ has ALL AUTHORITY/POWER in His church.  His power is revealed in the perfect and inerrant word.  The equal and fair across the board word of God will be the standard of fair judgment for us all.  Will we trust God and obey God?