When people differ on religious questions it has to be because: (1) a failure to see the need for bible authority or (2) an ignorance of how to establish bible authority. In a previous article we discussed the need for bible authority, now let us turn our attention to some false standards men use to establish authority.

In discussing how to establish bible authority we understand that we are answering the basic question of "what saith the scriptures" Rom 4:3 and that we are to speak as the oracles of God 1Pet 4:11. Faithful people are forevermore interested in what God's word has to say on any particular subject. These people realize that in order to please God they do the things they do because these things are in harmony with God's will as revealed on the pages of His word. 2Tim 3:16-17. God's people are interested in and follow God's word.

It seems that authority for some who profess to be brethren is, "the church has always done this", or " if the church does a thing then it must be okay". If this is correct, then we must be able to establish that the church did any particular thing by finding the church doing that thing on the pages of the New Testament. If authority for what the church does is not established by the word of God then it must be branded as an unauthorized tradition of men. I sometimes wonder how these brethren think Roman Catholicism started and developed.

Others seem to think authority for anything must be established by majority consent. These fail to realize that the kingdom of God is a monarchy and not a democracy. Jesus has all authority Matt 28:18 and He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords 1Tim 6:15. You do not have a vote and neither do I. We all must submit to His authority Col. 3:17. In regard to what most people think or do being authority for anything we remember the words of Jesus: "Enter ye in at the strait gate for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life and few there be that find it." Matt 7:13-14.

Authority in religious matters for some is what mama or daddy did or believed. This standard is proven to be false unless and except what parents do is in harmony with the bible. Jesus said, "He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me". Matt 10:37.

For many others authority rest with what the preacher says or what "I think" or "what seems right". Passages from God's word quickly condemn these methods of establishing authority. "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" Gal.1:9. "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" Prov 14:12. "It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" Jer 10:23.