Biblical Authority
“And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?” Matthew 21.23
Many discussions abound within our society, i.e. global warming, liberalism versus conservatism, etc.: however, the problem is not so much with the integrity of the one doing the discussing as it is with the pool of information from which the data is drawn. As an example, within the global warming debate, good people argue from sincere hearts on each side of the issue as they rely upon the “experts” who offer their data to shape their thoughts.
If neither side can agree to gathering their supporting data from the same source as the other, an agreed upon consensus will never be obtained. In other words, if the two sides do not decide upon a common, authoritative information source, there will never be agreement because supporting information will differ. One will continue maintaining that global warming will eventually (if not sooner) cause the demise of the human race with the other suggesting that there is no need to worry.
There was a similar situation during the days of Noah. Noah listened to God as his authoritative data source while the world used historical tradition. Some years ago I stood with my church group at the entrance to Mepkin Abby as Brother John began his introduction to the tour. It began something like this: “Friends, you may notice that the ground is covered with small sea shells. These shells show that about 100,000 years ago, the ocean covered this entrance.” Well, do you have a problem with that statement? If you believe the Bible you do, because the earth is not 100,000 years old.
Likewise, those who suggest that global warming will destroy the planet within the next twelve to fifteen years could not possibly believe in the Word of God. According to God’s Word, there must be at least 1,007 years left in the future of the earth. (i.e. the tribulation period and the millennial reign of Jesus Christ – See Revelation 19 & 20) Furthermore, the world cannot end before the Gospel of Christ’s kingdom has been preached in all the world. (Matthew 24.14) Until every ear has heard the Gospel, the world cannot end. Do you believe God’s Word or the logistics of reaching every person?
Is abortion a biblical and/or ethical answer to a “problematic” pregnancy? The world, apart from the teaching of God’s Word, has made this the conversation of lunatics, while the Bible makes the argument crystal clear. The world searches in vain for an answer with no clear, authoritative voice concerning this volatile issue. Some on that side of the discussion suggest that a new born baby may be slain as part of the abortionist’s agenda.
The Bible, on the other hand, gives a clear definition of when life begins and to whom it belongs, says: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1.5) By using the world’s arguments, the unborn is a part of the mother’s body over which she has absolute control; however, the Bible declares that God not only knew us but also had a plan for us while we were still within our mother – a separate and distinct plan for each of us individually. (Psalm 139.13-16)
But, then, there must be agreement upon our source material.
What is the foundation upon which you stand? The Bible warns: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11.3)
Unfortunately, the world will never agree with the Word of God – there has been great enmity between these two opposing factions since the original sin. Furthermore, to try to reconcile the world’s wisdom with the wisdom of God is to bring God’s wisdom into error and to bring the discussion to a dead end.
Since the world is a passing fancy and the Word of God is forever established, it should make sense to base our discussions upon that which is eternal (without hesitation or admixture) rather than upon that which is temporal.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 3.11)
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5.18)
“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119.89).
“And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority?” Matthew 21.23
One of the greatest challenges in establishing any logical discussion is to determine a basic foundation from which to build the conversation. (Amos 3.3)
Many discussions abound within our society, i.e. global warming, liberalism versus conservatism, etc.: however, the problem is not so much with the integrity of the one doing the discussing as it is with the pool of information from which the data is drawn. As an example, within the global warming debate, good people argue from sincere hearts on each side of the issue as they rely upon the “experts” who offer their data to shape their thoughts.
If neither side can agree to gathering their supporting data from the same source as the other, an agreed upon consensus will never be obtained. In other words, if the two sides do not decide upon a common, authoritative information source, there will never be agreement because supporting information will differ. One will continue maintaining that global warming will eventually (if not sooner) cause the demise of the human race with the other suggesting that there is no need to worry.
There was a similar situation during the days of Noah. Noah listened to God as his authoritative data source while the world used historical tradition. Some years ago I stood with my church group at the entrance to Mepkin Abby as Brother John began his introduction to the tour. It began something like this: “Friends, you may notice that the ground is covered with small sea shells. These shells show that about 100,000 years ago, the ocean covered this entrance.” Well, do you have a problem with that statement? If you believe the Bible you do, because the earth is not 100,000 years old.
Likewise, those who suggest that global warming will destroy the planet within the next twelve to fifteen years could not possibly believe in the Word of God. According to God’s Word, there must be at least 1,007 years left in the future of the earth. (i.e. the tribulation period and the millennial reign of Jesus Christ – See Revelation 19 & 20) Furthermore, the world cannot end before the Gospel of Christ’s kingdom has been preached in all the world. (Matthew 24.14) Until every ear has heard the Gospel, the world cannot end. Do you believe God’s Word or the logistics of reaching every person?
Is abortion a biblical and/or ethical answer to a “problematic” pregnancy? The world, apart from the teaching of God’s Word, has made this the conversation of lunatics, while the Bible makes the argument crystal clear. The world searches in vain for an answer with no clear, authoritative voice concerning this volatile issue. Some on that side of the discussion suggest that a new born baby may be slain as part of the abortionist’s agenda.
The Bible, on the other hand, gives a clear definition of when life begins and to whom it belongs, says: “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jeremiah 1.5) By using the world’s arguments, the unborn is a part of the mother’s body over which she has absolute control; however, the Bible declares that God not only knew us but also had a plan for us while we were still within our mother – a separate and distinct plan for each of us individually. (Psalm 139.13-16)
But, then, there must be agreement upon our source material.
What is the foundation upon which you stand? The Bible warns: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11.3)
Unfortunately, the world will never agree with the Word of God – there has been great enmity between these two opposing factions since the original sin. Furthermore, to try to reconcile the world’s wisdom with the wisdom of God is to bring God’s wisdom into error and to bring the discussion to a dead end.
Since the world is a passing fancy and the Word of God is forever established, it should make sense to base our discussions upon that which is eternal (without hesitation or admixture) rather than upon that which is temporal.
“For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.” (I Corinthians 3.11)
“For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.” (Matthew 5.18)
“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven.” (Psalm 119.89).
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