If any individual believes what the bible claims concerning the religion of Christ, that same individual must of necessity see the need for bible authority in this religion. If we are to please the Almighty we must believe and practice what He says in His word. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him" (Heb. 11:6). "Faith comes by hearing the word of God" (Rom. 10:17).

In the true religion of Christ, we seek not to please men, but God (Gal.1:10). Therefore, whatever we do in the name of religion we do all to glorify and please almighty God. "Whether therefore ye eat, or drink or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God" (1Cor. 10:31) and "Whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus giving thanks to God and the Father by him" (Col. 3:17).

We therefore, always realize that God is in charge and His eternal will to ultimately be done. It will be done whether we like it or not, or whether we agree or not or whether we are even a part of it or not. The unloving, uncaring, disbeliever in the sovereign power of God and His word will never see the need for bible authority in religion. However, if we believe the bible, if we reverence God and are humble persons, we readily see the sovereign power of God and His word and a need for authority. "He spake, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast" (Psm. 33:9); "He rules by his power forever" (Psm. 66:7); "God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to be had in reverence by all them who are about him" (Psm. 89:7). So we rely on God’s word for guidance not only in religion but in life. "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path" (Psm. 119:105); "Through thy precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way" (Psm. 119:104); "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works" (2Tim. 3:16-17).

The need for authority from the word of God has always been important. Moses stated: "Thou shalt not add unto the words of thy God neither shall ye diminish ought from it..." Why Moses? "...that ye may keep the words of the Lord thy God which I command you" (Deut. 4:2). We understand that if one adds to or subtracts from God’s word that they see no need for God’s word, but are interested in their own ideas, for if we add or diminish it is not God’s word any longer, but our own word. When we insist on bible authority we see the need to keep God’s word and thus please Him and not ourselves.

When people differ on religious questions it has to be because of (1) a failure to see the need for bible authority or (2) an ignorance of how to establish bible authority. Surely anyone interested in serving God and doing His will sees the need for bible authority in religion. Remember the promise of the Savior, "If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself" (Jn. 7:17).