The Source of Authority (Part 1 of 3)

In the two prior posts I have attempted to briefly show why “Will I go to heaven?” is the wrong question; however, the intent of that question casts a shadow on this week’s post. Ultimately that question boils down to “Have I done right?” and or “Have I done enough?” The answer however is not about what we have done, it is about what Christ did for us. We could never be right before God without Jesus, which means we can never do enough either. However, just because we cannot do enough to earn salvation, we are not excused from serving because of our salvation. The question then becomes “How do I know what to do?” The answer is clear – we are do what the Bible says.

The previous sentence is easy enough to type (and easier to say), but it is not so easy to do. However, just because something is challenging does not mean it is not right. In this case, the essence of the question might be asked in a variety of ways, such as:

• “As a follower of Christ, who or what do I obey?”
• “To whom or what should I submit?”
• “Where does my allegiance lie?”

These questions are a part of our daily routine, especially apart from religion.

• “Do I obey the speed limit or drive faster (for whatever the reason)?”
• “Do I stick to my diet or give into the temptation to eat __________?”
• “Do I go to work or call in sick because it is such a nice day?”
• “Do I listen to the advice of ________, or do I just do it as I intended?”

Certainly, many other questions could be added and not all of them would directly put our desires on trial. But oftentimes our desires are the issue! Therefore, we must choose where our allegiance lies, if/how we will submit, and/or who or what to obey. And thus, we are squarely faced with the bigger picture of how our current decisions impact not just the moment, but the future as well. And for the Christian, that means not only on earth, but eternity.

Again, nothing we do, or can do, punches our ticket into eternity apart from our response to what Jesus did for us on the cross. This post is not about earning our salvation, it is about responding to it. Specifically, the idea is about working out our salvation (Philippians 2.12), instead of working for it. The Bible is clear that those who claim faith in Jesus will find themselves serving others (e.g. James 1.22). Although the exact manner of serving, loving, and living a life for Christ may be different for each person, the basic characteristics of that service, love, and life are provided in the Bible. Consequently, for those who are asking questions about God, or how they should live, or if they should serve, etc., the source for the answer is the Bible, not because it is an important book, but because it is the written Word of God.

Next week, in part two, I will further elaborate on why the Bible deserves our obedience, and why it must be our source of authority.