Following Jesus without Denominationalism
Part 7: ‘Further Thoughts Related to Authority in Religion’
I never would have thought I would have gotten so many responses to the last message, but I thank GOD that so many of you have taken such an active interest to this Email Ministry, for if it weren’t for you, this Email Ministry wouldn’t be where it is today . . . so I say thank you to all of you!
There were a lot of questions that came in from the last message, so hopefully in this message; I will be able to answer some of them . . .
In the past two messages of this series, I have stressed that to be free from religious division; we all must have the same ‘standard of authority’.
Now please keep in mind that this standard is the Will of CHRIST! This is not me telling you this on my own accord, for the Bible reveals this in the ‘apostles’ doctrine’, which is the teaching of CHRIST’S apostles.
This doctrine was inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT, and preserved for us in the pages of the New Testament.
Other standards, both objective and subjective, are not suitable guides to lead us in the way of salvation . . . not the Old Testament, majority rule, parents, preachers, creeds, and traditions of men . . . nor conscience, human wisdom, or feelings . . .
But before we leave the subject of authority, I want to try to answer some of those questions that are worthy of consideration that you sent in to me . . .
(1) Exactly how does one use the New Testament to establish authority?
(2) Are there limitations placed upon how far we may go in matters of religion?
(3) Will having the same standard of authority ‘guarantee’ unity among the followers of Christ?
I know there were several other questions sent in, and I responded to them personally, for they were more of an individual need basis.
As for these top questions . . . let’s begin with:
(1) How authority is established . . .
When you really get down to it, authority can be established in one of three different ways . . .
One being a direct command or precept, such as a direct statement of something that can or cannot be done . . .
Take for example Acts 2: 38, where it refers to “Repent, and be baptized” . . .
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Another example can be shown in John 13: 34 where JESUS commands us to “love one another” . . .
“A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.”
And finally, we can use the example of the ability to “abstain from fornication” as written within 1st Thessalonians 4: 3:
“For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that ye should abstain from fornication:”
We can also look at an approved example, such as an illustration that shows a practice was done with the approval of the LORD’S apostles.
You see, as an apostle, Paul taught by both precept and example as he encouraged others to imitate him, and he sent Timothy to remind people of “his ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church” . . .
1st Corinthians 4: 16 – 17:
“Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me.
17 For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church.”
The GOD of peace will be with those who do the sort of things both heard (precept) and seen (example) in an apostle like Paul . . .
Philippians 4: 9:
“Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.”
Therefore, when we have an example that meets with apostolic approval, we should then know there is authority for the practice . . .
Such as having a plurality of elders in one church . . .
Acts 14: 23:
“And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.”
20: 28:
“Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.”
Philippians 1: 1:
“Paul and Timotheus, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:”
Another good example could be meeting on the first day of the week for the purpose of breaking bread for the Lord’s Supper . . .
1st Corinthians 10: 16 – 17:
“The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ?
17 For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread.”
Acts 20: 7:
“And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight.”
And we can’t overlook the necessary implication, or ‘forced conclusion’, which can be considered something as neither expressly stated nor specifically exemplified, yet it is necessarily implied by the clear import and meaning of the language used so that one can only draw a particular conclusion.
Buy this I show you how JESUS appealed to necessary implication when HE reasoned that there must be a resurrection of the dead based upon the implication of GOD’S statement to Moses . . .
Matthew 22: 29 – 33:
“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.
30 For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.
31 But as touching the resurrection of the dead, have ye not read that which was spoken unto you by God, saying,
32 I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.
33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at his doctrine.”
I can also show you Peter and the brethren in Judea when they understood the necessary implication of the Gentiles receiving the HOLY SPIRIT and by that, it meant Gentiles were permitted to be baptized and enjoy the repentance that leads to life. . .
Acts 10: 44 – 48:
“Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly;
41 Not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.
42 And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
43 To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins.
44 While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.
45 And they of the circumcision which believed were astonished, as many as came with Peter, because that on the Gentiles also was poured out the gift of the Holy Ghost.
46 For they heard them speak with tongues, and magnify God. Then answered Peter,
47 Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we?
48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
Therefore, if the evidence of the Scriptures warrant it, we may draw certain conclusions because of the necessary implication.
I’m still a bit confused, Reverend Sam . . . can you give any examples of this?
Okay . . . let’s look at the issue of baptizing infants . . .
First off, the prerequisites for baptism include faith and repentance, as we see in:
Mark 16: 16:
“He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.”
Acts 2: 38:
“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.”
Acts 8: 37:
“And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
Now I know this might be stepping on a few toes, but please take time to consider this point . . .
INFANTS ARE INCAPABLE OF FAITH AND REPENTANCE!!
Therefore, the necessary implication, or forced conclusion, is that baptism is not required of infants.
Another example could be used in the matter of using unleavened bread in partaking the Lord’s Supper . . .
THERE IS NOTHING EXPRESSLY STATED OR SPECIFICALLY EXEMPLIFIED IN REFERENCE TO USING UNLEAVEND BREAD AS WE OBSERVE IN THE LORD’S SUPPER!!
Yes, I know when JESUS instituted the Lord’s Supper at the Last Passover, I know HE was using unleavened bread . . .
Luke 22: 7 – 19:
“Then came the day of unleavened bread, when the passover must be killed.
8 And he sent Peter and John, saying, Go and prepare us the passover, that we may eat.
9 And they said unto him, Where wilt thou that we prepare?
10 And he said unto them, Behold, when ye are entered into the city, there shall a man meet you, bearing a pitcher of water; follow him into the house where he entereth in.
11 And ye shall say unto the goodman of the house, The Master saith unto thee, Where is the guestchamber, where I shall eat the passover with my disciples?
12 And he shall shew you a large upper room furnished: there make ready.
13 And they went, and found as he had said unto them: and they made ready the passover.
14 And when the hour was come, he sat down, and the twelve apostles with him.
15 And he said unto them, With desire I have desired to eat this passover with you before I suffer:
16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
17 And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, Take this, and divide it among yourselves:
18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
19 And he took bread, and gave thanks, and brake it, and gave unto them, saying, This is my body which is given for you: this do in remembrance of me.”
I would think myself that the necessary implication is that we should use unleavened bread as we keep HIS commandment to observe the Lord’s Supper.
Now you need to keep in mind that there is both ‘general’ and ‘specific’ authority.
A good way to think of ‘general’ authority would be the use of a direct command, which is not limited in scope, area, or application. Take for example the command to “go” in Matthew 28: 19:
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:”
This one command is generic enough to authorize all methods of transportation . . .
Now there are those times that a ‘direct command’ is specific in its authority, that is to say explicitly set forth or definite. Here we can observe when GOD commanded Noah to build the ark with gopher wood (Genesis 6:14). It is here that we see where the specific nature of the command ruling out using any other kind of wood.
The ‘specific’ command may itself have a degree if ‘general’ authority, as we look at the command to ‘sing’, which could specify the acapella style music we see in some churches. And in that same respect, it’s not really generic enough to authorize instrumental music, but it is generic enough to authorize the use of different aids (aka: expedients) to help people sing.
I personally love hearing a pipe organ in church . . . I love hearing the piano . . . and even a guitar . . . as long as the music glorifies GOD, what difference does it make?
‘Expedients’ (meaning appropriate to purpose) may be used to carry out authorized practices in a number of different ways.
The best way to view on how an expedient works is to just remember that it has a purpose to aid that which is suitable for carrying out that which is authorized.
Scripture gives us many good examples on this . . . such as assembling is authorized, so the meeting house is an expedient to carry out the command to assemble.
Teaching is authorized . . . so arrangement in classes is an expedient to carry out the command to instruct.
Giving is authorized . . . so collection plates, baskets, whatever your church uses, are expedients to gathering the contribution.
Baptism is authorized . . . so the baptistery is an expedient to provide a place for immersion.
Singing is authorized . . . so hymn books and possibly musical instruments are expedients to help people sing.
Now the principles on how to establish authority from the Scriptures may seem prosaic (not having any features that are interesting or imaginative) but they can be very useful in applying the “apostles’ doctrine”, aka: the Word of GOD, to our lives.
When properly understood and applied correctly, they might even prove to be useful ‘tools’ for you to maintain the unity and peace of a local congregation.
Another really good question sent to me was:
Are there limitations placed upon how far we may go?
This one is a real ‘fireball’ . . . for some believe we must have authority in all that we do in religious matters . . .
To help answer this question, I bring out my next point . . .
(2) Warnings found in the New Testament . . .
There are FIVE really stern and direct warnings in the New Testament, which EVERYONE needs to know . . .
ONE – We must NEVER change the message . . .
THIS IS ESPECIALLY TRUE IN REGARDS TO THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST!!!
Galatians 1: 8 – 9:
“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
9 As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.”
EVEN IF WE CLAIMED A CHANGE WAS AUTHORIZED BY AN ANGELIC MESSENGER . . .
WE WOULD BE ACCURSED!!!
Therefore, the gospel of salvation in CHRIST must be preserved in every respect!!!
TWO – We must NOT add or take away from it . . .
We find such a warning at the conclusion of the last book of the Bible . . .
Revelation 22: 18 – 19:
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:
19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.”
Though primarily applicable to the book of Revelation, this warning is consistent with others pertaining to the revelation of GOD’S will to man . . .
Deuteronomy 4: 2:
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”
Proverbs 30: 5 – 6:
“Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him.
6 Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
THREE – We MUST abide in the doctrine of CHRIST . . .
Otherwise, we will not have that fellowship with the FATHER and the SON . . .
2nd John 9:
“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.”
Now you have to wonder . . . does this passage refer to the doctrine ‘about’ CHRIST, or the doctrine ‘taught’ about CHRIST?
In several Bible commentaries, I have read where this question was of little if any importance to John, for he held equally to both positions . . .
--- It is fundamental to the faith to hold to the proper views about CHRIST . . .
2nd John 7:
“For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.”
--- It is fundamental to the faith to obey the commandments of CHRSIT . . .
1st John 3: 24:
“And he that keepeth his commandments dwelleth in him, and he in him. And hereby we know that he abideth in us, by the Spirit which he hath given us.”
So as you can see, what John says here applies in either case . . .
FOUR – We MUST NOT allow ‘traditions of men’ to make the ‘commands of God’ to no effect . . .
I loved the way JESUS charged the Pharisees with ‘vain’ worship for doing this . . .
Mark 7: 5 – 13:
“Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands?
6 He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me.
7 Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
8 For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.
9 And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.
10 For Moses said, Honour thy father and thy mother; and, Whoso curseth father or mother, let him die the death:
11 But ye say, If a man shall say to his father or mother, It is Corban, that is to say, a gift, by whatsoever thou mightest be profited by me; he shall be free.
12 And ye suffer him no more to do ought for his father or his mother;
13 Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”
I do not particularly care for the man made tradition of ‘sprinkling for baptism’, for we render the command of GOD for immersion to no effect.
FIVE – We MUST NOT abuse our liberty in Christ . . .
In CHRIST, we enjoy a wonderful freedom, but we must be careful in our use of it . . .
Galatians 5: 1 and 13:
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.
“13 For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.”
We must also be considerate of our brothers’ consciences . . .
Romans 14: 14 and 15: 3:
“I know, and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself: but to him that esteemeth any thing to be unclean, to him it is unclean.
3 For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.”
We should also be willing to forego our liberty rather than let it destroy a brother . . .
1st Corinthians 8: 9 – 13:
“But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.
10 For if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the idol's temple, shall not the conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are offered to idols;
11 And through thy knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died?
12 But when ye sin so against the brethren, and wound their weak conscience, ye sin against Christ.
13 Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend.”
And most importantly, we should not only ask “Is it lawful?”, but we should also ask, “Does it edify?”
1st Corinthians 10: 23 – 24:
“All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.
24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.”
31 – 33:
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
32 Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:
33 Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.”
With all these warnings weighing in and upon our hearts, we are more likely to approach the Word GOD with the humility it deserves as we seek to establish the authority for our service to GOD.
My last point deals with a really good question sent in, as it related to having the same standard of authority . . .
Will it guarantee unity among the followers of Christ?
With this, I cover the last point . . .
(3) Agreeing upon the same standard will not guarantee unity . . .
I only have two brief points to make here . . .
FIRST – There are still challenges to face, such as which commands are binding today?
To this, we need to understand that some commands must be understood to be limited in application. And effort must be made to determine whether a command was intended to be limited or universal in application.
Also, which approved examples are to be considered normative for the church today?
For this, much of what we learn about the church pertaining to its work and organization is by example, not precept.
Effort must be made to determine whether an example should be understood as teaching a binding principle for the church to observe universally.
And finally, many will ask just when are necessary implications really necessary implications?
Now although searching the Bible for the right answer is always a good idea . . . there are still too many Christians that often infer (to come to a conclusion or form an opinion about something on the basis of evidence or reasoning) from the Bible and call their opinions a ‘necessary’ implication.
BUT . . . it may only be a ‘possible’ implication, NOT one to be ‘necessarily’ inferred . . .
There are always challenges and questions faced by every congregation of Christians . . . question is, how are they being handled?
SECOND – As Christians seek unity, we need more than just the same standard of authority . . .
Barton W. Stone, an effective promoter of Christian unity in the early 1800’s, had these insightful words in an article entitled; “Christian Union”, which was published in The Christian Messenger (1828):
“On no other foundation can the parties ever meet, than on the Bible alone, without note or comment; and in no other name will they ever unite, but in that given to the disciples at Antioch – CHRISTIAN.
But should all the professors of Christianity reject all their various creeds and names, and agree to receive the Bible alone, and be called by no other name than Christian, will this unite them?
No . . . we are fully convinced that unless they all possess the sprit of that book and name they are far, very far, from Christian union.”
Now in addition to agreeing on the same standard of authority, the Word of GOD, we need the proper spirit to “rightly divide the word of truth” . . .
2nd Timothy 2: 14 – 16:
“Of these things put them in remembrance, charging them before the Lord that they strive not about words to no profit, but to the subverting of the hearers.
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
16 But shun profane and vain babblings: for they will increase unto more ungodliness.”
As Paul told Timothy, the servant of the LORD must carefully apply the Word when seeking to teach others . . .
2nd Timothy 2: 23 – 25:
“But foolish and unlearned questions avoid, knowing that they do gender strifes.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,
25 In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;”
I will close with these final thoughts . . .
The apostle Paul has more to say on the attitudes necessary to “maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace”, but I will go over that in the next message . . .
My sole purpose in this message has been to share with you some thoughts that I pray will help steer you in the right direction as you Following Jesus without Denominationalism
The Bible teaches us all, not only by way of direct commands, but through approved examples and necessary implications.
It is helpful to understand the principles of general and specific authority, and when something may be expedient to fulfill things that are authorized.
Warnings throughout the scriptures should serve to keep all of us on the “straight and narrow” . . .
But as valuable and needful the same standard of authority may be, simple agreement on what the standard is will not guarantee unity . . .
WE NEED TO APPLY THE PROPER SPIRIT OF LOVE . . .
THE PROPER SPIRIT OF PATIENCE . . .
THE PROPER SPIRIT OF HUMILITY. . .
THEN . . . AND ONLY THEN . . . CAN WE GROW TOGETHER TOWARDS UNITY IN CHRIST!!!
I love you all!
Reverend Sam
