On TV we see police officers chasing bad guys all the time and actually commanding them to stop. Why were they able to do this? Authority. What is authority? By definition, it is the power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge. Also one that is invested with this power, especially a government or government officials, but more than this, authority is the right to rule.

A lack of respect for authority can get us in real trouble. A lack of respect for Biblical authority is getting a lot of churches in trouble today. It is important for Christians to understand how Biblical authority is established. Biblical authority is so important in the church. It determines how we are to worship God. It determines how we are to work. It determines how we can be saved. Today, we will observe the different kinds of authority and the chain of authority. Later we shall examine the different ways the Bible authorizes, and the way we must respect God's authority.

There are two kinds of authority. First, there is primary authority. Primary authority is not derived, but original, absolute authority and those commanded have the duty to obey. God is the fountain of all primary authority whether it be in the civil or religious field (John 19:10-11). God has the absolute right to command, because He is our Maker, Preserver and Benefactor (Gen 1:1; 2 Cor 5:18). God is 1st in position and importance. God is the highest authority in the universe. We are the creatures of God's hands and the product of His intelligence. It is our absolute duty to obey Him (Deut 13:4;Acts 5:29;Ecc12:13).

Second, there is delegated authority. Delegated authority is the authority which can be given to another by the party holding primary authority. First, God delegated authority to His Son (John 5:26-27; Mat 28:18). Jesus stands nearest to the Father in delegated authority (Heb 1:3). Jesus is a reflection of the purity of God. Jesus is a manifestation of the power of God. Jesus is a declaration of the love of God. Second, Christ delegated authority to the apostles. Jesus instructed them face-to-face while on the earth (Mat 18:18). Jesus instructed them through the Holy Spirit from heaven (John 16:13). Third, the apostles delegated authority to no one. However, the apostolic authority is in the written word (Luke 10:16).

There is a chain of authority. Authority extended from the Father to the Son (Mat 17:1-5). Jesus placed authority in the words He spoke (John 12:48). As a result we will not be judged by what we think (Isa 55:8-9), what seems all right (Prov 14:12), by our hearts or feelings (Prov 28:26), by preachers, pastors, priests (1 Cor 4:6) or by creeds, prayer books or manuals. Our access to authority today rests in the New Testament (1 Cor 14:37; 2 Pet 3:15-16; 2 Tim 3:16-17). By it we will be judged. It is the end of the chain of authority extending from God to us. Next time we will consider the different ways the Bible authorizes, Lord willing.

Send comments or questions to the Clintwood Church of Christ, POB 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228 or E-mail me at bryanwa@ntelos.net