As we delve deeper into our exploration of the Church of Christ, focusing on a crucial aspect: the recognition of Bible authority. It’s a fundamental principle that guides our understanding and practice of Christianity. As God’s inspired Word, the Bible is our ultimate authority in all matters of faith and conduct.
The story of the two sons in Matthew 21:28-31 serves as a powerful illustration of obedience to God’s Word. It highlights the importance of hearing God’s commandments and acting upon them. This narrative sets the stage for our discussion on recognizing and adhering to the Bible’s authority.
We emphasize the need for scriptural backing for our beliefs and practices in the Church of Christ. The New Testament provides the foundation for our church’s doctrine and worship. It’s not about personal preferences or traditions; it’s about aligning ourselves with what the scriptures instruct.
A key aspect of understanding Bible authority involves looking at examples and inferences in the New Testament. For instance, Acts 20:7 gives us a clear example of the early Christians breaking bread on the first day of the week. This practice forms the basis of our observance of the Lord’s Supper each Sunday, demonstrating how we derive our practices directly from scriptural examples.
However, recognizing Bible authority goes beyond just following explicit commands and examples. It also involves making necessary inferences from the scriptures. For example, while the New Testament does not prescribe specific methods of spreading the Gospel, it commands us to evangelize (Matthew 28:19-20). Therefore, we use various means available today–whether technology, print media, or personal interactions – to fulfill this command.
This concept of Bible authority also means we reject human traditions or doctrines that aren’t rooted in the New Testament. This stance can sometimes be challenging, especially in a religious landscape where traditions and human creeds often hold significant sway. But our commitment remains steadfast to the Bible as our sole authority.
As we continue in our series, we invite everyone to reflect on the role of Bible authority in their lives. Are our beliefs and practices in line with what the scriptures teach? Are we open to letting go of traditions and ideas that aren’t grounded in the New Testament?
Let us strive to be like the son who, despite initially refusing, ultimately did the will of his father. Let our actions and lives reflect our commitment to following God’s Word, recognizing and respecting its authority in all aspects of our faith. Let’s embrace this journey together, continually seeking to align ourselves more closely with the teachings of the New Testament.
May God bless our continued study and application of His Word.
Discussion Questions and Answers
1. What principle can be gleaned from Noah’s obedience to God’s command to build the ark with gopher wood? How might this principle affect the way we view God’s command to sing in Ephesians 5:19?
• We learn that God’s specific instructions cannot be altered if we hope to do just as God commands us. Explicit instruction is not open to interpretation. In Ephesians 5:19, God says to sing and to substitute “play” for sing is to reject God’s will for our own.
2. Does the fact that God did not explicitly forbid milk and cookies in the Lord’s Supper allow us to
make the substitution? Why, or why not?
• God does not need to specify everything forbidden for when he commands one thing, it necessarily
eliminates every other possibility.
3. What are some examples of things done in the name of religion that is defended against questions of authority as being good works, too good to neglect? How does the case of Uzzah affect this principle?
• Orphan homes, retirement homes, colleges, recreational facilities, banquet facilities, homeless programs, etc. Uzzah had good intentions in reaching for the ark but violated the law when he did.
4. What things are done in the name of religion that can only be traced to personal preference, rather than scriptural mandate? What does the case of Nadab and Abihu add to this concept?
• Instrumental music, denominational names, modern worship forms, etc. Nadab sought what was either more convenient or personally pleasing in offering perverse fire to God and were condemned.
5. Summarize what each of the following passages contributes to an understanding of Bible authority:
a. Matthew 28:18: All authority belongs to Christ, not mere men with their creeds and traditions.
b. Matthew 15:7-9: Christ forbids us to teach as doctrines the commandments of men.
c. James 4:12: God is the only lawgiver for the church; no man has the right to amend the Bible.
d. 1 Peter 4:11: We should only speak as the word of God reveals, not according to our wills.
e. Col. 3:17: Whatever we do should be by Christ’s authority.
6. Why are denominational creeds unnecessary? What does Catholicism claim as additional authority to the Bible?
• They claim to interpret the Bible but in fact, are amendable documents that change as society reconsiders various matters of morality like remarriage, homosexuality, and women’s roles. Catholicism claims oral tradition from its succession of popes as an additional authority.
7. Why is it improper to appeal to the Old Testament to use instrumental music, animal sacrifice, and the burning of incense (Gal. 5:3, James 2:10)?
• The Old Testament was nailed to the cross with Jesus and so is no fit authority in the age of the last will and testament of God’s son. To pluck one of these from the Old Testament would require keeping them all.
8. Give an example of a direct command as the authority in the New Testament.
• The Lord’s Supper (1 Cor. 11), the great commission (Matt. 28), the collection (1 Cor. 16).
9. Give an approved example as authority for action in the New Testament.
• Lord’s supper on the first day of the week, assembling on the first day of the week, traveling by boat.
10. Give an example of necessary inference as the authority in the New Testament.
• The command to assemble necessarily implies a place in which to assemble; the command to go preach necessarily implies a means of transportation.
