by Troy Spradlin
In today’s world, the lines between right and wrong often blur, making truth feel elusive. To complicate things further, some people have crowned themselves as the ultimate judges of morality. But who appointed them to this lofty role? What gives them the right to decide for everyone else? When it comes to faith, the waters are just as muddied.
So, how can we be sure what is truly correct? Who has the authority to define right and wrong? Is there a supreme guide over all spiritual matters? If so, is it the church, a creed book, a charismatic leader, a headquarters, or a council of experts? Who, in the end, writes the rules? Where do we turn for real answers?
These questions matter deeply, because the fate of our souls hangs in the balance.
Too often, those searching for answers end up following a self-appointed chieftain—that is, someone who claims to rule over spiritual matters. Others turn to creed books, statements of faith, or church rule books for direction. Still others look to the verdicts of councils, synods, or conventions.
The problem with all these is that they rest on human logic and emotion. When we compare these different “authorities” to each other, the contradictions and hypocrisies leap out. The truth is, human wisdom alone cannot bring true unity in matters of faith when so many minds pull in different directions (Jeremiah 10:23). And, as evidenced in our current religious environment, division and disunity prevail.
There must be a singular authority that supersedes all else to which we can appeal or consult. Such a foundational authority can be found only in the Bible, the Word of God.
The Bible tells us that religious authority originated with the Creator, God (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Scripture should and must be the center of all decisions concerning matters of faith and religion. I encourage you to read 1 Thessalonians 2:13, then John 17:17 and Psalm 119:160.
Understanding the importance of a central authority in all religious matters is such a critical concept for every soul on earth to understand. Knowing the true standard of authority will influence one’s eternal destination. This is illustrated in the warning Jesus gave to His followers:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter” (Matthew 7:21).
It is our responsibility to seek out and discern what the will of God is. Can His will be found among the decisions of a man, a group of men, or a creed book written by a man? It certainly cannot. But as we have already illustrated, this is not so obvious to everyone.
It saddens me to see how so many flippantly dismiss authority in their spiritual walk. Yet, everyone is capable of recognizing it in their secular lives. For example, when a police officer commands us to stop, he is acting on authority, and we must obey; otherwise, we will suffer the consequences for our actions according to the law.
The concept is not difficult to comprehend. So, when it comes to religious matters, why isn’t authority understood in the same way? The Bible tells us why. Perhaps the apostle Paul explains it best in 2 Timothy 4:3—certain people simply don’t want to adhere to an established, prescribed set of rules, no matter whether it is of divine origin or not. They want what they want, period.
But we should all contemplate the words of Jesus:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18).
Jesus received His authority from the Supreme Authority. It is God who sets the rules and guidelines. We have no right to change His commands.