Why be
concerned about biblical authority? For this one simple reason: "Your
God reigns!"
(Isa. 52:7).
If we aren't concerned for authority, then we place ourselves in God's
position of reigning. It really is just that simple. Jesus is Head
(Col. 1:18).
We aren't.
Does
stressing authority mean we don't think grace plays any role in
salvation? That would be a ludicrous jump to assume such. Just bear this
in mind: grace can only come from One who has the authority to give it.
Otherwise, grace is not really grace at all, but a false hope. Pitting
authority and grace against each other results in both a graceless and
headless religion, regardless of what else is being professed in the
name of Christ.
Does
stressing authority mean that we believe we are saved by law? Again,
that's an unwarranted jump. It means that we are stressing that
salvation can only come from One who has the power to give it, and that
we need to listen to what He teaches.
What's the
alternative? When we quit stressing authority, we quit stressing the
Kingship, Lordship, and Headship of the One who came to save us by His
grace. Once we do that, we have, ironically, entered into a situation in
which we think that our own wisdom and power justifies us -- even while
saying God is the One who saves.
Other
Articles by Doy Moyer
Jesus Emptied Himself a Basic Approach
"As Long as It Does not Harm Anyone"
Pathetic Dust or a Living Hope
You May be Surprised to Learn
Moralizing Over the Gospel
Alcohol
and Wisdom
Brotherly Love
The Logic of Authority
Was Jesus Literally
Forsaken?
Baptism and the Blood
The Problem With Creeds
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