I. THE NEED FOR AUTHORITY IN RELIGION

II. THE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY IN RELIGION

III. THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES

IV. THE DISPENSATIONS OF GOD

V. THE METHOD OF INTERPRETATION

VI. SPECIFIC AND GENERIC TERMINOLOGY

VII. APPLICATIONS IN THE WORK OF THE CHURCH

VIII. CONCLUSION

1. THE NEED FOR AUTHORITY IN RELIGION
1. Authority Defined

As defined by Merriam-Webster, our English word "authority" has four basic usages:

1. Testimony - The citation of conclusive, credible statements or the source from which the statements are cited for support or defense, as an expert appealed to as a witness in court.
2. Right - The power to influence or command granted by one in authority, as in law enforcement.
3. Government - The agency or corporation by which people are controlled to administer some production or enterprise, such as in business or civil institutions.
4. Grounds - A convincing force in action that warrants accepting one's claims, as in a persuasive presentation or performance.

In the New Testament, at least five Greek words come into our English translations as "authority" (definitions are from Thayer's Greek Lexicon):

• DUNASTES (3 NT occurrences); A prince, a potentate, a courtier, high officer, royal minister of great authority:

Acts 8:27 So he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace the queen of the Ethiopians, who had charge of all her treasury, and had come to Jerusalem to worship (NKJ).

• HUPEROCHE (2 NT occurrences); Elevation, pre-eminence, superiority, excellence:

1 Timothy 2:2 for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity.

• AUTHENTEO (1 NT occurrence); One who with his own hands kills another or himself, one who acts on his own authority, autocratic, an absolute master, to govern or exercise dominion over one:

1 Timothy 2:12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or exercise authority over a man, but to remain quiet.

• EPITAGE (7 NT occurrences); an injunction, mandate, command:

Titus 2:15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.

• EXOUSIA (103 NT occurrences); 1) power of choice, liberty of doing as one pleases 1a) leave or permission 2) physical and mental power 2a) the ability or strength with which one is endued, which he either possesses or exercises 3) the power of authority (influence) and of right (privilege) 4) the power of rule or government (the power of him whose will and commands must be submitted to by others and obeyed) 4a) universally 4a1) authority over mankind 4b) specifically 4b1) the power of judicial decisions 4b2) of authority to manage domestic affairs 4c) metonymically 4c1) a thing subject to authority or rule 4c1a) jurisdiction 4c2) one who possesses authority 4c2a) a ruler, a human magistrate 4c2b) the leading and more powerful among created beings superior to man, spiritual potentates 4d) a sign of the husband's authority over his wife 4d1) the veil with which propriety required a women to cover herself 4e) the sign of regal authority, a crown

EXOUSIA is the most significant original word translated as "authority" in our English Bibles. Furthermore, in the King James version, it is translated "power" 69 times, "authority" 29 times, "right" 2 times, "liberty" 1 time, "jurisdiction" 1 time, and "strength" 1 time.

Matthew 21:23 And when He had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?"

The chief priests and elders in Jesus' day recognized, as is true, that authority involves two things:

(1) The right to rule (2) given by one who has the right to give it.

2. The Need For Authority

The need for authority is intuitively obvious in every aspect of life. Whether in the family home, the business workplace, or the civic community, without authority, utter chaos and mayhem will result. The need for authority in religious matters is no different. Only in religion will people accept that one source of authority is as good as another, or that one interpretation of the standard is as good as another.

Authority in religion should be a primary concern in the church. If there is not a standard and a method of applying that standard, then anything goes. This is basically what we see in religion today; there seems to be no limit to the things religious organizations today choose to do. All the different denominations are teaching and practicing whatever they please, and the need to establish scriptural authority for what they do is typically never mentioned or considered.

Virtually every false doctrine and practice in religion today has its source in a misapplication of authority. We simply need to have the conviction that if we cannot find authority for what we are doing in religion, we will stop doing it no matter how right, good, traditional, or harmless we otherwise think it is. Most people will probably view this as narrow minded, but we must simply obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29).

A church that is not soundly teaching about authority is a church that will weaken and eventually wander into apostasy. The distinguishing characteristic of the church of Christ has always been the appeal to provide scriptural authority for everything we do. Only in this way can we attain the unity of the Spirit.

The first observation concerning authority is that God requires it:

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.

1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;

The original word here translated "make a defense" is the Greek word apologia, meaning a verbal defense, a reasoned statement or argument. From this, we get our word apologetics, which is, in theology, the defending of doctrine on the grounds of reason.

3. The Burden Of Proof

When authority for action in the church is demanded, the one asking for it is often accused of being nit-picky, uncaring, or Pharisaical. (The Pharisees were a Jewish sect particularly known for binding human traditions to the minutest detail, Matthew 23:23, 24; Mark 7:1-13). Though maybe not consciously, those who would so accuse are basically attempting to disparage the process of establishing authority. In application, however, these accusations accomplish nothing. We should still be able to provide proof of authority for every action in the church whether the one demanding it is of pure motives or not.

The burden of proving authority for a certain action in the church rests upon those who wish to perform it, not those who do not. In other words, it is not so much needful to prove from the scriptures what is unauthorized but, rather, that which is authorized. Ask not if there are any objections; ask if there is any authority.

James 1:22 But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

We require proof of authority from other religious institutions. We should accept the same standard for the church and ourselves.

Matthew 7:1-5 Do not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, 'Let me take the speck out of your eye,' and behold, the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother's eye.

4. Sincerity And Ignorance

When discussing religion, people often say, "God doesn't care how you worship, as long as you are sincere," or "God will not hold us accountable if we don't know any better." However, the Bible is full of lessons that teach ignorance is no excuse and sincerity alone is no substitute for obedience.

It seems some people today often think we should not always be held accountable for our actions. People want to shift blame to their parents, their peers, or their environment for their evil deeds, and they expect God to overlook their ignorance. However, God has given us every opportunity to know His will, and His word teaches us that He will hold us accountable for our deeds. To demonstrate this, Peter states that even those who crucified Jesus did so in ignorance; nevertheless, they needed to repent to receive forgiveness. God was obviously holding them accountable, in spite of their ignorance.

Acts 3:17, 19 Yet now, brethren, I know that you did it in ignorance, as did also your rulers… Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord,

Furthermore, a clean conscience alone is not enough. It is altogether possible that we may be serving Satan while thinking in all good conscience that we are serving God. Before his conversion, this is exactly what Paul was doing when persecuting Christians. Nevertheless, he stood condemned for his actions.

Acts 23:1 Then Paul, looking earnestly at the council, said, "Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day."

Acts 26:9-11 Indeed, I myself thought I must do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. This I also did in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests; and when they were put to death, I cast my vote against them. And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme; and being exceedingly enraged against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities.

If sincerity is a valid reason to excuse a violation of the Lord’s command, then it seems God should have spared the unnamed prophet who in Jeroboam's day was deceived and acted in ignorance (1 Kings 13). Instead, our service to God must not reside in sincerity alone, but in sincerity and truth.

1 Corinthians 5:8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth.

Romans 10:2,3 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.

5. The Result Of Actions Without Authority

Without authority, the consequences are serious. We may think it is a small thing, but God has rendered severe punishment for those acting without authority. Let's note some examples:

Leviticus 10:1 Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took their respective firepans, and after putting fire in them, placed incense on it and offered strange fire before the LORD, which He had not commanded them. And fire came out from the presence of the LORD and consumed them, and they died before the LORD. Then Moses said to Aaron, "It is what the LORD spoke, saying, 'By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy, And before all the people I will be honored."' So Aaron, therefore, kept silent.

2 Samuel 6:3, 4, 6, 7 They placed the ark of God on a new cart that they might bring it from the house of Abinadab which was on the hill; and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, were leading the new cart. So they brought it with the ark of God from the house of Abinadab, which was on the hill; and Ahio was walking ahead of the ark… But when they came to the threshing floor of Nacon, Uzzah reached out toward the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen nearly upset it. And the anger of the LORD burned against Uzzah, and God struck him down there for his irreverence; and he died there by the ark of God.

Nadab and Abihu had been told that the fire for the incense was to come from the alter. We may like to reason that fire is fire and it shouldn't matter where it comes from, but God saw it differently. Likewise, Uzzah had been told not to touch the ark, though he probably had all good intentions. We may like to think in this special situation it would be okay to touch the ark, but God saw it differently.

Our tendency may be to think God's punishment was too severe for such minor infractions. However, a closer consideration shows that the infractions were not necessarily as minor as they appeared to be. What was it really that these people did that was wrong? It actually had little to do with fire and a wooden box and more to do with rebellion. Note what was said as the reason for God's wrath: "By those who come near Me I will be treated as holy," and "God struck him down there for his irreverence." We must realize that when we act without divine authority, we are in utter rebellion against God. No matter how much good we may think we are accomplishing, how sincerely we may think we are serving Him, or how innocent the action appears, without authority for our actions, we are profaning and defying the Lord. This is a serious matter not to be taken lightly.

Matthew 7:21-23 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. Many will say to Me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name cast out demons, and in Your name perform many miracles?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from me, you who practice lawlessness.'

In spite of all this, when discussing religion, people will still sometimes say, "I know that's what the Bible says, but I just don't see it that way." When anyone can read and understand plainly what the Bible says and still reject it, this is nothing but brazen defiance. The fundamental matter is that some people are determined to selfishly believe what they want to believe because the truth is uncomfortable. Too many people don't want to take up a cross, they just want to live however they want to live without being accountable to a supreme, divine being.

Mark 8:31-34 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. And He was stating the matter plainly. And Peter took Him aside and began to rebuke Him. But turning around and seeing His disciples, He rebuked Peter and said, "Get behind Me, Satan; for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's." And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.

2. THE SOURCE OF AUTHORITY IN RELIGION

1. A Place To Start

The scope of this study assumes that it has already been established by an examination of evidences that God exists and that the Bible is the inspired word of God. A thorough investigation of evidences is recommended as a precursor to this study. For a brief synopsis, the following review is offered.

1. General Revelation

God has revealed Himself in a general way through nature. In His creation, we see purpose, order, design, complexity, and morality. We accept as an axiom that nothing ever comes from nothing and that life comes only from life. So, since living things obviously exist, then some living, ultimate, originator must also exist and have always existed. Looking at the universe, it becomes more logical to conclude that its eternal originator is life and intelligence, not matter and chance.

Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork.

Romans 1:19, 20 Because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.

Hebrews 3:4 Every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.

2. Special Revelation

In the Bible, God reveals Himself in a special way, by which we come to know God personally. This book is truly amazing. It was written during a time period spanning about 1500 years, by 40 different writers, 3 different languages, and over a geographic area extending about 2000 miles. The occupations and cultures of the writers could not be more diverse. Notwithstanding, the message of the Bible is consistent, unified, uncompromising, profound, impartial, pure, and without confirmed contradiction. The Bible even accurately describes scientific matters before the confirming science was ever discovered. Its credibility and authenticity are supported more than any other literary work of antiquity known. The Bible is truly the voice of God:

2 Timothy 3:16, 17 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 complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

3. Two Possibilities

There are only two possible sources for authority in religion, man and God:

Matthew 21:23-27 And when He had come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came to Him as He was teaching, and said, "By what authority are You doing these things, and who gave You this authority?" And Jesus answered and said to them, "I will ask you one thing too, which if you tell Me, I will also tell you by what authority I do these things. "The baptism of John was from what source, from heaven or from men?" And they began reasoning among themselves, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' He will say to us, 'Then why did you not believe him?' "But if we say, 'From men,' we fear the multitude; for they all hold John to be a prophet." And answering Jesus, they said, "We do not know." He also said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.

2. Wrong Sources For Authority In Religion
1. Human Tradition

There are many things done in the church today that are merely matters of judgment and personal discretion, such as where and when we will assemble together to worship. Churches traditionally meet at a certain time and place and have a customary way of organizing worship services. There is nothing wrong with such traditions, until they are viewed as authoritative and binding.

Mark 7:7-13 'But in vain do they worship me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.' "Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men." He was also saying to them, "You nicely set aside the commandment of God in order to keep your tradition. "For Moses said, 'honor your father and your mother'; and, 'he who speaks evil of father or mother, let him be put to death'; but you say, 'If a man says to his father or his mother, anything of mine you might have been helped by is Corban (that is to say, given to God),' you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or his mother; thus invalidating the word of God by your tradition which you have handed down; and you do many things such as that."

Colossians 2:8 See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.

2. Man's Opinion And Reasoning

It is only natural to show respect for those with years of experience or a high education. However, God has never placed a great amount of emphasis on a college education. A preacher with a Doctor Of Divinity degree from a respected seminary may have a stronger influence with his opinions. We must be careful not to follow human reason, no matter how distinguished a scholar one might be.

Proverbs 16:25 There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.

Isaiah 55:8, 9 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," declares the LORD. "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts."

Jeremiah 10:23 I know, O LORD, that a man's way is not in himself, Nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.

1 Corinthians 1:26, 27 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; but God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong.

Colossians 2:21-23 "Do not handle, do not taste, do not touch!" (which all refer to things destined to perish with the using)-- in accordance with the commandments and teachings of men? These are matters which have, to be sure, the appearance of wisdom in self-made religion and self-abasement and severe treatment of the body, but are of no value against fleshly indulgence.

3. The Inconsistency Of Others

Authority in religion is often sought by trying to find inconsistency in someone else's practices. Apparently, the misconception is that if I can find something others are doing without authority, then I should have the right to act without authority, too. Pointing out someone's inconsistency only points out inconsistency, it doesn't authorize anything.

2 Corinthians 9:10-12 For they say, "His letters are weighty and strong, but his personal presence is unimpressive and his speech contemptible." Let such a person consider this, that what we are in word by letters when absent, such persons we are also in deed when present. For we are not bold to class or compare ourselves with some of those who commend themselves; but when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are without understanding.

4. Personal Feelings

Human emotion is a very strong thing. Decisions in the church based solely on sympathy or a sense of obligation to comply with another's wishes are often wrong. If the request is not scriptural, the tendency is often to try to find a way to somehow justify it in order to satisfy someone's desire. Authority for actions can sometimes be overlooked this way.

2 Kings 5:11 But Naaman was furious and went away and said, "Behold, I thought, 'He will surely come out to me, and stand and call on the name of the LORD his God, and wave his hand over the place, and cure the leper.'"

Expanding on wrong sources, we list the following examples of things to which people frequently appeal for authority in religion:

• What other churches and people do and think
• What creed books and catechisms contain
• What scholarly people proclaim
• What the commentators write
• What gospel preachers think
• What we have always done
• What the people desire
• What the elders decide
• What folks used to do
• What our parents did
• What colleges teach
• What the Pope says

3. Our One True Source For Authority In Religion

In secular life, we are authorized to act by numerous sources: civil government, our own free will, employers, teachers, parents. For example, if my boss sends me to Chicago for a week on company business, I have the freedom to visit a museum or library during my off-hours while I'm there. This is because my authority to act is not solely my employer. I am also allowed to act on my own free will (provided by our government for life, liberty, and the pursuit happiness).

1. The Authority Of Christ

In religion, however, authority is sole-sourced; all authority belongs to Christ:

Acts 4:12 "And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men, by which we must be saved."

Galatians 1:6-9 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you, and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even though we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to that which we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to that which you received, let him be accursed.

Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth."

Ephesians 1:21-23 far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age, but also in the one to come. And He put all things in subjection under His feet, and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Colossians 1:18 He is also head of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will come to have first place in everything.

The definition of authority demands not only the right to rule but also that right given by one who has the right to give it. Even so, the authority of Christ was not merely His own, it was rightfully given Him by God, the Father.

John 12:49, 50 "For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me a commandment as to what to say and what to speak. I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me."

John 14:10 "Do you not believe that I am in the Father, and the Father is in Me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own initiative, but the Father abiding in Me does His works.

2. The Words Of The Apostles

Christ commissioned the apostles to take His message to the world. In doing so, there was no transfer of authority; Christ maintained His sovereignty. The apostles were not lawmakers, only ambassadors. Their words were not their own; they were merely the mouthpieces of God. The Holy Spirit put His words in their mouths and guided the pen in their hands. Some may argue that what Paul said does not carry as much weight as what Christ said. This is not true; the apostles' teachings are most certainly binding and authoritative because they are, in actuality, the teachings of Christ:

Matthew 18:18 Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven.

John 16:12-15 "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you."

1 Corinthians 11:23 For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you;

1 Corinthians 14:37 If anyone thinks he is a prophet or spiritual, let him recognize that the things which I write to you are the Lord's commandment.

2 Corinthians 5:20 We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe.

1 Thessalonians 4:2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

2 Peter 1:21 For no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

3. The Scriptures

The apostles and New Testament prophets are obviously not here with us today. However, the things which they spoke, they have written, and these have been preserved in the Bible and are authoritative for us today. The Bible is, in essence, the voice of God:

Mark 12:24 Jesus said to them, "Is this not the reason you are mistaken, that you do not understand the Scriptures, or the power of God?"

2 Corinthians 13:10 For this reason I am writing these things while absent, so that when present I need not use severity, in accordance with the authority which the Lord gave me for building up and not for tearing down.

2 Timothy 2:15 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.

2 Timothy 3:14-17 You, however, continue in the things you have learned and become convinced of, knowing from whom you have learned them; and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Jude 3 Beloved, while I was making every effort to write you about our common salvation, I felt the necessity to write to you appealing that you contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all handed down to the saints.

If the scriptures are perfect and complete and thoroughly furnish the man of God for every good work once and for all, then there is nothing more needed. Many religious bodies today augment the scriptures with their creed books and catechisms. Some place equal weight of authority in oral traditions and secular works, such as those of the early church writers ("Church Fathers," as they are usually called). If we accept these other documents as also authoritative in the church, then we are effectively telling God that His Bible is not complete; He has obviously left a few things out.

In modern theology, the concept that only scripture is authoritative has been given a technical name: "solo scriptura." Those who denounce this idea claim that oral traditions of church leaders are also authoritative. They will further claim that solo scriptura is inherently flawed, because in the first century before the written word was completed, the Bible itself asserts that the spoken word was also authoritative:

2 Thessalonians 2:15 So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us.

This argument is a smoke screen; it is unscrupulous to compare first-century divinely inspired authors who confirmed their words with miracles to later or modern-day orators of tradition. Besides, the New Testament writers made it clear for us that the words they spoke were the same as the words they wrote; that which was spoken eventually became the same as that which was written:

1 John 1:3, 4 What we have seen and heard we proclaim to you also, so that you too may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father, and with His Son Jesus Christ. These things we write, so that our joy may be made complete.

4. The Confirming Work Of Miracles In Revelation

A person does not have authority in religion just because he or someone else says he does. He must provide some undeniable proof that his words are coming from God the Father, the only true source with the right to give authority to others. This proof requires a miracle: a sign which demonstrates that the word is coming not from nature, but from a higher power, which created nature. The miracle, then, confirms or gives credence to the words of the one performing it.

The words of the Moses and the Old Testament prophets are confirmed to be the words of God by various signs and wonders:

Exodus 4:1-5 Then Moses said, "What if they will not believe me or listen to what I say? For they may say, 'The LORD has not appeared to you."' The LORD said to him, "What is that in your hand?" And he said, "A staff." Then He said, "Throw it on the ground." So he threw it on the ground, and it became a serpent; and Moses fled from it. But the LORD said to Moses, "Stretch out your hand and grasp it by its tail" -- so he stretched out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand -- "that they may believe that the LORD, the God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you."

The wonderful works of Jesus, especially His resurrection, are testimony to His divine authority:

John 2:2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him."

John 20:30, 31 Therefore many other signs Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name.

Acts 1:3 To these He also presented Himself alive after His suffering, by many convincing proofs, appearing to them over a period of forty days and speaking of the things concerning the kingdom of God.

The words of the apostles and New Testament prophets are also accredited as the words of God by the miracles they performed. Their words are further confirmed by their persecution and martyrdom, for no one would be willing to suffer or die for that which he knows for certain is a lie and a hoax (Hebrews 11:32-40). Incidentally, the original word in Greek for "witness" is the word from which we get our English word "martyr".

Mark 16:17, 18 "These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover."

Hebrews 2:1-4 For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it. For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty, how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will.

The scriptures themselves bear the mark of miracles, being the product of miracles. The fact that a book as extraordinary as this exists today is testimony to it's divine conception. We have received the gospel not only in word but in power:

1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

Without the miracles of Jesus and the Apostles, we could have no authority in religion today.

The word has been confirmed by the ones who first spoke it. It does not need to be reconfirmed, and there are no new revelations from God today which would likewise need to be confirmed. We therefore have no need for modern-day miracles (1 Corinthians 13:8-12). The written record of the miracles performed in scripture are adequate to confirm the word today.

5. Acceptance Of A Fixed Standard

The point is, we must have a standard to follow, and we must all agree to the standard. We understand this in secular life. Units of measure have been defined and accepted worldwide. In fact, organizations such as The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have been established to do nothing more than regulate and publish accepted standards. The acceptance of these standards settles many disputes. For instance, if we go to the store to buy an eight foot long wooden board or five pounds of potatoes, we can know with certainty what we are getting. With a tape measure and scale, a dispute can be resolved.

In application, it is self-evident that for any standard to be authoritative, the following must be true:

1. The standard must originate from one who has the right to originate it, that is, confirmed credible.
2. The standard must be exclusive, that is, there must be only one set of rules in force at a time.
3. The standard must be in an understandable and communicable format, for example, in word.
4. The standard must be available to those who are to be subjected to it, that is, revealed and delivered.

Without such a credible, exclusive, intelligible, tangible, and revealed set of rules, there can be no religious authority. The scriptures alone fulfill these requirements. They are originated by One who created all things and are confirmed with miraculous works, they are unified and uncontradictive, they are discernible, and they are preserved and accessible to virtually all of every language known today. God has certainly given us a standard by which we will all someday be measured. Such a divine set of regulations that we must understand and follow is a biblical concept:

Amos 7:7, 8 Thus He showed me, and behold, the Lord was standing by a vertical wall with a plumb line in His hand. The LORD said to me, "What do you see, Amos?" And I said, "A plumb line." Then the Lord said, "Behold I am about to put a plumb line In the midst of My people Israel. I will spare them no longer.

Daniel 5:25 "Now this is the inscription that was written out: 'MENE, MENE, TEKEL, UPHARSIN.' "This is the interpretation of the message: 'MENE' -- God has numbered your kingdom and put an end to it. "'TEKEL' -- you have been weighed on the scales and found deficient. "'PERES' -- your kingdom has been divided and given over to the Medes and Persians."

Philippians 3:16, 17 However, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained. Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us.

Hebrews 8:5 Who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, "SEE," He says, "THAT YOU MAKE all things ACCORDING TO THE PATTERN WHICH WAS SHOWN YOU ON THE MOUNTAIN."

Revelation 11:1 Then there was given me a measuring rod like a staff; and someone said, "Get up and measure the temple of God and the altar, and those who worship in it."

Revelation 20:12 And I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life; and the dead were judged from the things which were written in the books, according to their deeds.

Our plea is that we accept the Bible as our only source of authority in religion. Anything less than this is incomplete; anything more than this is impure.

3. THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES
1. The Mind Of God

Other people cannot know our thoughts unless we somehow communicate them. We can do this in only three ways: we can orally tell someone what we are thinking, we can put it in writing, or show them by our actions. So it is with God; we can't read God's mind. When Jesus was in the flesh, He used at least two of these methods to reveal His mind, the spoken word and the example. After His ascension, Jesus continued to reveal His will through the apostles and prophets. By divine inspiration, they utilized the medium of the written word for revelation. Now that they also are departed, we have their preserved writings, the New Testament, as our source of divine authority.

1 Corinthians 2:7-16 But we speak God's wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory; but just as it is written, "things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard, and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him." For to us God revealed them through the Spirit; for the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may know the things freely given to us by God, which things we also speak, not in words taught by human wisdom, but in those taught by the Spirit, combining spiritual thoughts with spiritual words. But a natural man does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually appraised. But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no one. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he will instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ.

The point is this: we can only know the mind of God by that which He has revealed, not by that which He has not revealed. That which God revealed is that which was spoken, not that which was not spoken. We cannot come to know God's will through His silence or that which He has not instructed.

2. Points Within Limits

We might illustrate the body of doctrine as a circle. The circle encloses an area so that every other point on the plane is either inside the circle or outside the circle. Every point inside the circle is part of the teaching of Christ. There are no teachings of Christ that are outside the circle. If any point moves from inside the circle to outside the circle, it has moved outside the body of Christ's teaching. This might seem too black and white for some, but the idea that we can cross outside a defined boundary of Christ's teaching is conveyed in scripture:

2 John 9 Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.

1 Corinthians 4:6 Now these things, brethren, I have figuratively applied to myself and Apollos for your sakes, so that in us you may learn not to exceed what is written, so that no one of you will become arrogant in behalf of one against the other.

The area inside the circle is where God has spoken; the area outside the circle is where God is silent.

3. Two Viewpoints On God's Silence

The attitude people take regarding the silence of the scriptures reveals a lot about their understanding of God's authority. A sensible attitude about the matter is essential. There are basically two viewpoints taken by people today:

1. "On matters where the Bible is silent, we are at liberty to act as we think best. The silence of the scriptures thus permits. We are restricted in our actions only where the Bible expressly prohibits."
2. "On matters where the Bible is silent, we are prohibited from acting. The silence of the scriptures thus restricts. We are authorized in our actions only where the Bible expressly permits."

Many people today believe viewpoint 2 is too narrow-minded. However, those who hold viewpoint 1 regarding the scriptures would not apply that principle to any other aspect in life. Only in religious authority, the most important aspect of life, will people believe that silence permits. The misdirected plea is often made, "I have looked all through the Bible and have not been able to find where God said not to do it." Consider whether this is sound reasoning.

Imagine the end result of the "you didn't say not to" approach to authority. Let's take the view that silence permits to its logical conclusion in everyday life. In order for us to specify anything, we would effectively have to list every possible thing we could imagine to also be restricted. For example, in chess, the movement of the knight can be specified as moving "to the nearest square of opposite color that is not adjacent." That is about all that should need to be said. However, those that think silence permits would have to say more. They would have to say also that the knight does not move like the pawn, and it does not move like the rook, and it does not move like the bishop, and you get the point.

We do not accept this logic, or lack of it, in any other matter of life, not in business, not in government, and not in the home. If a parent gives his child 5 dollars and says to go to the store and buy a gallon of milk, the parent does not expect the child to also bring home candy with that 5 dollars. What if the child says, "But you didn't say NOT to buy candy, also?" The parent thinks he should not have to say NOT to buy candy, comic books, soda pop, and the list could virtually have no end.

Turn now again to religious matters. If it doesn't make sense for silence to permit in secular matters, then it should not make sense in religion. We could again take the view to its absurd conclusion. If God's silence permits, then everything and anything God would not want to be a part of religious practice today would have to be specifically mentioned in scripture, or we could say, "You didn't say not to do it." The Bible could not contain the list of all possible prohibitions.

We conclude, then, that the silence of the scriptures authorizes nothing.

4. Silence In Application

Early in the 19^th century, gospel preachers were pleading, "let us speak only where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent." This statement is in harmony with scripture:

1 Peter 4:11 Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is speaking the utterances of God.

The New Testament writers used the power of God's silence to reach important conclusions. For example, the Hebrew writer recognized that God's silence regarding Mosaical priests coming from any other tribe than Levi meant that all other tribes were excluded from the priesthood without each one being expressly mentioned as forbidden. On this basis, the writer concludes that Jesus could not be a Mosaical priest:

Hebrews 7:14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.

During the first century, a dispute in the church regarding circumcision was settled in part by recognizing that God's silence excluded circumcision as a religious rite under the law of Christ. Invalid reasoning would have said, "God didn't say NOT to circumcise:"

Acts 15:24 Since we have heard that some of our number to whom we gave no instruction have disturbed you with their words, unsettling your souls,...

When we consider a certain action or function in the church, we need to search for God's word authorizing it rather than looking for a statement that prohibits it. We need to wait until we find a positive indication of authority for our action before proceeding, not acting and then looking for the authority later. Waiting to hear the word of the Lord was an uneasy lesson for the Israelites. Moses told them to stand by; they did not move until the Lord told them to move:

Exodus 14:13-15 But Moses said to the people, "Do not fear! Stand by and see the salvation of the LORD which He will accomplish for you today; for the Egyptians whom you have seen today, you will never see them again forever. "The LORD will fight for you while you keep silent." Then the LORD said to Moses, "Why are you crying out to Me? Tell the sons of Israel to go forward.

5. Things Practiced Today Under Pretext Of Silence

Sadly, much of the religious division today is over what God has said nothing about. Here are some things done in religion today assuming God's silence is license:

1. Instrumental music in worship

The New Testament contains no command not to use mechanical instruments of music in worship. Many people think that by God's silence on the matter, He is permitting us to use our own judgment and do as we think best concerning worship. Those who would use instrumental music in worship must show authority for it, not simply require others to prove it wrong.

2. Church-sponsored social and recreational activities

The New Testament nowhere indicates that the early church as a body engaged in entertainment, social, athletic, or recreational activities. Many people think that since God didn't say the church should not be involved in those things, it's okay to do them. The church needs to be doing only the things God has ordained it to do and nothing He has not ordained.

3. Praying to Mary

In all of scripture, there is never an indication that we can pray to any deceased person or they can hear our prayers, much less respond in any way, not even Mary. However, many people think this is possible, since God didn't say we could not do it. We should be praying as God tells us to, not as He has not told us.

4. Burning Incense In Worship

In the New Testament, the church is never seen burning incense in worship. Many people think that since the Bible does not expressly forbid this in worship today, it doesn't hurt to practice it if we want to. We should be worshiping as God has spoken, not as He been silent.

5. Celebrating Holy Days

The New Testament bears no record that the early church ever celebrated the holidays of Christmas or Easter as religious observances. Many people think it is okay to do so anyway, since the scriptures nowhere expressly condemn the practice. We should be observing the days God has instructed us to observe, not the ones about which He has not instructed.

6. Silence Is Not An Option Category

Most people will agree that we are obliged to comply where God has spoken and expressly commanded. However, people seem to consider optional the things practiced today on the basis of silence. For example, it would evidently be wrong to refuse to worship God by singing, because God obviously instructs us to do so (Ephesians 5:19). However, many people believe it is also okay use mechanical instruments in worship today if you want to, because God didn't say not to. Nevertheless, these same people would probably agree it is also okay not to play the instruments, since God didn't say you had to.

This reasoning of silence as an option area is unfounded in scripture. When King Saul was given a divine order, God's silence was not an area of option.

1 Samuel 15:2, 3 "Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'I will punish Amalek for what he did to Israel, how he set himself against him on the way while he was coming up from Egypt. Now go and strike Amalek and utterly destroy all that he has, and do not spare him; but put to death both man and woman, child and infant, ox and sheep, camel and donkey."'

God did not say NOT to bring back some of the best livestock for a religious sacrifice; that was not an option. Nevertheless, that is just what Saul did, and God considered it rebellion and idolatry:

1 Samuel 15:20-23 Then Saul said to Samuel, "…But the people took some of the spoil, sheep and oxen, the choicest of the things devoted to destruction, to sacrifice to the LORD your God at Gilgal." Samuel said, "Has the LORD as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as the sin of divination, and insubordination is as iniquity and idolatry."

We see from this that God expects what He has commanded, and that which He has not commanded is not an option. If God had desired that we worship Him today with instruments of music, He would have said something about that in the New Testament, and it would not be an option for us. If He had wanted the church to celebrate Christmas and Easter as holy days, He would have said something about that in the Bible, and it would not be an option.

4. THE DISPENSATIONS OF GOD
1. We Have What God Has Delivered

God's revelation was hidden until it was revealed; we didn't know it until we were told it. We do not come to know by that which was not written; that which was unknown is now known.

Ephesians 3:2-5, 9, 10 If indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace which was given to me for you; that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places.

Colossians 1:25-28 Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.

Acts 16:4 Now while they were passing through the cities, they were delivering the decrees which had been decided upon by the apostles and elders who were in Jerusalem, for them to observe.

1 Corinthians 11:2, 23 Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you… For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you…

1 Corinthians 15:3 For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures,

2 Peter 2:21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than having known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them.

Matthew 28:18-20 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."

"Dispensation" or "Stewardship" as used above refers to the delivery of God's law, whether through the Patriarchs, Moses, or Christ. In the original language, the word means "house rules." By metonymy, we sometimes use (or misuse) the word "dispensation" to refer to the age through which God's law is in effect. The Patriarchal dispensation was given to Adam, and the Patriarchal age endured until Moses. The Mosaical dispensation, the law given to Moses, endured throughout the Mosaical age until Christ.

2. Distinction Between The Old And New Covenants

The law of God delivered to men is called a "covenant" or "testament" in scripture. A covenant is essentially a contract or an agreement. Both the Old Covenant (Moses' law) and the New Covenant (the law of Christ) were ratified with blood:

Hebrews 9:15-20 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book itself and all the people, saying, "This is the blood of the covenant which God has commanded you."

Our agreement with God is that if we follow His law, He will bless us, but if we reject His law, He will condemn us.

We are now in what the Bible calls the "last days." This indicates that there will be no further law changes. If there were new revelations to come, then this would not be the last days. When Jesus brought the new law, the law of Christ (1 Corinthians 9:21, Galatians 6:2), there was to be no other new dispensations to come in the future. Jesus has the final word.

Isaiah 2:2, 3 Now it will come about that In the last days The mountain of the house of the LORD Will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it. And many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, To the house of the God of Jacob; That He may teach us concerning His ways And that we may walk in His paths." For the law will go forth from Zion And the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

Acts 2:16, 17 but this is what was spoken of through the prophet Joel: 'and it shall be in the last days,' God says, 'that I will pour forth of My spirit on all mankind; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams;

Hebrews 1:1, 2 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.

The New Testament is perfect or complete. God has now delivered to us everything we need to know. If there were yet more to be revealed, then we would not now have everything. If there were anything else we needed to know that is not revealed in the New Testament, then it would not be complete.

2 Peter 1:3 Seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.

Jude 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.

The terminology in Jude 3, "once for all," means "one time for all time." It is the same terminology used in Hebrews 9:27, "And as it is appointed unto men once to die" (KJV). The faith was delivered once never to be delivered again, just as we will die once never to die again.

In contrast, the Old Testament held no such claims to perfection and endurance. In fact, the Old Testament proclaimed that the New Testament was coming. Therefore, the coming of the New Covenant was not in conflict with the Old Covenant but in fulfillment of it. The New Testament makes no such proclamation of yet another future Testament to come.

Hebrews 10:1 For the Law, since it has only a shadow of the good things to come and not the very form of things, can never, by the same sacrifices which they offer continually year by year, make perfect those who draw near.

Hebrews 8:7, 8, 13 For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion sought for a second. For finding fault with them, He says, "Behold, days are coming, says the Lord, when I will effect a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah"… When He said, "A new covenant," He has made the first obsolete. But whatever is becoming obsolete and growing old is ready to disappear.

The original word here translated "new" means new in quality (KAINOS) not new in time (NEOS). The former covenant became old because of the coming of a better one, not merely a more recent one.

Galatians 3:19-25 Wherefore then serveth the law? It was added because of transgressions, till the seed should come to whom the promise was made; and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law. But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe. But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.

The Old Testament endured until coming of the New Testament; the New Testament will endure until the end.

3. The Old Testament Is Not In Force Today

The former Law had been delivered by Moses. A new and final dispensation has come into force: the dispensation of Christ. Moreover, when Jesus delivered the new law, He took the old law out of force.

Jeremiah 31:31 'Behold, days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will make a new covenant...'

Hebrews 8:13 When He said, 'A new covenant,' He has made the first obsolete.

Hebrews 10:9 Then He said, "BEHOLD, I HAVE COME TO DO YOUR WILL." He takes away the first in order to establish the second.

Colossians 2:14 Having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us, which was hostile to us; and He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.

At the mount of transfiguration, Peter's thinking was that Jesus, Moses, and the prophets were on an equal plane. A voice from the heavens made clear that the prophet Moses spoke of, like unto himself, was there, and the time was upon them to heed this prophet's words, even above Moses' and the former prophet's:

Matthew 17:4, 5 Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here; if You wish, I will make three tabernacles here, one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah." While he was still speaking, a bright cloud overshadowed them, and behold, a voice out of the cloud said, "This is My beloved Son, with whom I am well-pleased; listen to Him!"

Deuteronomy 18:18 (Acts 3:22, 23) I will raise up a prophet from among their countrymen like you, and I will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I command Him. It shall come about that whoever will not listen to My words which he shall speak in My name, I Myself will require it of him.

The apostle Paul allegorically explains that rites and rituals of the Law Of Moses are no longer in effect:

Galatians 4:22-31 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by the bondwoman and one by the free woman. But the son by the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, and the son by the free woman through the promise. This is allegorically speaking, for these women are two covenants: one proceeding from Mount Sinai bearing children who are to be slaves; she is Hagar. Now this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia and corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. But the Jerusalem above is free; she is our mother. For it is written, "REJOICE, BARREN WOMAN WHO DOES NOT BEAR; BREAK FORTH AND SHOUT, YOU WHO ARE NOT IN LABOR; FOR MORE NUMEROUS ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE THAN OF THE ONE WHO HAS A HUSBAND." And you brethren, like Isaac, are children of promise. But as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so it is now also. But what does the Scripture say? "CAST OUT THE BONDWOMAN AND HER SON, FOR THE SON OF THE BONDWOMAN SHALL NOT BE AN HEIR WITH THE SON OF THE FREE WOMAN." So then, brethren, we are not children of a bondwoman, but of the free woman.

This is a point that is not easily understood. For example, some people today are working to have the Ten Commandments taught in our public schools. Why? The Ten Commandments were part of the Law Of Moses which has been taken out of force. True, nine of the Ten Commandments are reiterated in the New Testament. However, the commandment to keep the Sabbath day holy is not part of the Law Of Christ. Few people today professing to be Christians keep the Sabbath day holy, yet many want it taught in our schools.

1 Corinthians 3:5-11 But our adequacy is from God, who also made us adequate as servants of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. But if the ministry of death, in letters engraved on stones, came with glory, so that the sons of Israel could not look intently at the face of Moses because of the glory of his face, fading as it was, how will the ministry of the Spirit fail to be even more with glory? For if the ministry of condemnation has glory, much more does the ministry of righteousness abound in glory. For indeed what had glory, in this case has no glory because of the glory that surpasses it. For if that which fades away was with glory, much more that which remains is in glory.

Furthermore, people will often cite Old Testament passages about instrumental music in worship as a reason to use it today. That law has been taken away; it is no longer applicable to us. A similar problem was prevalent in the early church: Judaizing teachers were proclaiming that circumcision was required of Christians (Acts 15:5). Paul makes the argument that if we are going to bring back part of the old law, we must bring back all of it. If instrumental music in worship is brought back from the Old Testament, then we must also bring back circumcision, animal sacrifices, feast days, etc.

Galatians 5:3 And I testify again to every man who receives circumcision, that he is under obligation to keep the whole Law.

Nevertheless, the Old Testament is not a worthless document for us today. There are many great lessons we can learn from studies in the Old Testament. We can see how God required them to observe the law He gave them, as was shown earlier in Nadab, Abihu, and Uzzah. He likewise requires us to observe the law He has given us with similar warnings:

Romans 15:4 For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

1 Corinthians 10:6-11 Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, "THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY." Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.

4. Old Testament References In The New Testament

In many instances, New Testament scripture will make reference to Old Testament law and practices. The fact that such references are made does not make those Old Testament regulations become part of New Testament ordinances, unless they are stated to be so. For example, Acts 7:8 mentions the law of circumcision contained in the Old Testament. However, the text makes no indication to enforce that rite in the New Testament. We understand that circumcision is not therefore a New Testament ordinance. Likewise, the Old Testament animal sacrifices are referred to in Hebrews 9. Again, the text makes no indication to enforce such in the New Testament. Animal sacrifices are not therefore a New Testament ordinance.

Similarly, New Testament scripture frequently makes reference to the teachings, traditions, and commandments of men. Examples of this include hating our enemies (Matthew 5:43), baptism for the dead (1 Corinthians 15:29), and the statement that Cretans are always liars (Titus 1:12). The mere occurrence of these references in New Testament scripture does not suggest that God sanctions or condones those teachings and practices.

Certainly, the entire Bible is the inspired word of God, but clearly, not every statement contained therein is to be taken as divine ordinance. We must examine all things carefully to determine what God has ordained as law.

5. What God Has Ordained; What Man Has Originated

The revelation is God's; it is that which God has set forth, appointed, legislated, and ordained, not man. Only God is the source, origin, author, and beginning. That which God has appointed must differentiated from that which man has originated.

2 Peter 1:20, 21 But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter of one's own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God.

Hebrews 8:2 ...a minister in the sanctuary and in the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.

God ordained things which man had not previously invented, known, or performed. Before God delivered them, they did not exist or were not practiced for God's intended purposes. Things divinely appointed are binding upon us; they are not optional nor subject to change or modification by man. Only God, by means of a new dispensation, can change what He has appointed. This He will not now do, for that which He has delivered in these "last days" is perfect and complete. Some examples of divine appointments are:

• The church (Matthew 16:18)
• Baptism for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38)
• The Lord's Supper (Mark 14:22-25)
• Elders and deacons in the church (Titus 1:5)
• Modes of worship (John 4:24)
• Prayer to God (Luke 11:1-4)
• Civil law (Romans 13:1)
• Marriage (Matthew 19:4-6)

Man has discovered, invented, and initiated certain practices and customs. These matters of human origin are not binding upon us, and we have the right to change them as our traditions change. The Bible mentions many such practices, and God may regulate these practices in keeping with divinely appointed precepts. The fact that the Bible mentions them or that God regulates them does not mean He has appointed them or ordained them. People were doing these things already before God's word makes mention of them. They have not thus become binding upon us. Some examples are:

• Kissing as a greeting (Romans 16:16)
• The therapeutic use of ointments (James 5:14)
• The medicinal use of wine (1 Timothy 5:23)
• Washing feet (John 13:14)
• Women wearing a veil (1 Corinthians 11)
• Bodily exercise (1 Timothy 4:8)
• Athletic competition (2 Timothy 2:5)
• Weddings and other civil ceremonies (Luke 14:8)

As a case in point, when God created Adam and Eve on the sixth day, they were married by divine appointment and likewise for all who become married (Genesis 2:23, 24). However, Adam and Eve had no wedding; wedding ceremonies came later of human origin as a matter of civil custom that varies from culture to culture.

Some have argued that the church is inconsistent here, proposing that if the church does not bind kissing (Romans 16:16), we should not condemn the practice of, for example, instrumental music in worship. However, this is not a fair comparison. The assumption is made that we are arbitrarily binding certain commandments and disregarding others as a matter of tradition. This is simply not the case; the issues are different: one is God-ordained, one is not. Besides, even if this was inconsistent, the inconsistency does not authorize anything. Their argument is basically designed to blur and obscure the lines of doctrine, not to pursue sound teaching.

1 Timothy 6:3, 4 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions,

Titus 2:1 But as for you, speak the things which are fitting for sound doctrine.

5. THE METHOD OF INTERPRETATION

It finally arrives at this: how do we come to understand the scriptures? Are there rules and methods of interpretation that must be observed? Should there be some plan of investigation to be followed? The answer to these questions is a branch of study all its own called "hermeneutics," the science of interpreting, that is, bringing out the message of a writing that might otherwise be difficult to comprehend. This forum does not permit a full investigation of the matter, but a condensed explanation is offered.

Many believe that one person's understanding of the Bible is as good as another's, even if they disagree. "You see it your way, and I'll see it mine" is the frequent response. Supposing the Bible does not have a singular interpretation, many will try to make it say whatever they want it to say. The idea is that no one can really come to a true knowledge of God's will, so no one has the right to say someone else is in error. This is a false supposition; the God that created the heavens and the earth did not give us a book that cannot be understood. If two have a true understanding, they will be in agreement; confusion is not of divine origin.

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Philippians 1:9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment.

Colossians 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.

Colossians 2:2 That their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God's mystery, that is, Christ Himself.

We must accept that there is a right way and a wrong way to interpret scripture. This is readily acknowledged regarding secular documents, whether we are reading a will, a contract, an ordinance, a specification, a policy, or a building code, we understand that it means what it says. The same is true of the Bible.

2 Corinthians 10:5 We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.

1 Timothy 6:20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge."

2 Timothy 2:15, 16 Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth. But avoid worldly and empty chatter, for it will lead to further ungodliness.

A sound method of interpretation will be, logical, consistent, free from human motives, and applicable to all scripture. If we start with an erring method of interpretation, we will end up with an erring interpretation. Let's consider the right way to handle scripture and see what our God is saying to us.

1. Direct And Indirect Authority

The scriptures reveal the method of interpretation; it is not left to man to invent, and it is not "church-of-Christ theology." As will be shown, three major processes of establishing authority from scripture are (1) directly, from recorded commands or statements, (2) indirectly, from approved New Testament examples, and (3) from necessary inferences or forced conclusions.

The principle of the necessary inference must first be understood, as it is fundamental to the word-method of revelation.

1. The Necessary Inference

Words and phrases have a direct, overt meaning when we hear them. However, these words and phrases also carry indirect and inferred conclusions, some of which are necessary, mandatory, and unavoidable. For example, when we hear the word "drink", our understanding is intuitive. However, certain conclusions about this are forced. For one, when we drink, swallowing is required. Though it is not stated, it is understood; it is not an assumption but a certainty. Swallowing is an unavoidable part of drinking.

Another way to think about things necessarily inferred is by the rules of cause and effect. Logic says that if a cause always produces a specific effect and only the cause is stated, the effect is necessarily inferred. This is easier to understand by illustration: if you have a wood fire in your fireplace, you can be certain beyond doubt that smoke is coming out of your chimney without going out to see it. Likewise, if an effect is always produced by a specific cause and only the effect is stated, the cause is necessarily inferred. For instance, if there is ice on your car's windshield in the morning, you can be certain beyond doubt that the temperature had dropped below freezing without checking the weather report.

Sometimes words and phrases may suggest a variety of possible conclusions. To assume a possible conclusion when it is not forced is mere conjecture. We can use the same cause-and-effect logic as before. We understand that if our car will not start, it could have no gas, a broken timing belt, or bad spark plugs. We do not assume it is out of gas and add more without investigating further by checking the fuel gage. Assumptions like this are dangerous in religion. For example, it has been argued in favor of infant baptism that when Lydia's household was baptized, there were no doubt infants in that household. This is simply not necessarily so. Possible or probable conclusions are not authoritative.

It is important to reiterate that authority indirectly derived on the basis of a necessary inference is equally binding to that based on a recorded direct command or statement. The conclusion is forced, unavoidable, and non-optional.

2. Direct Authority; Recorded Commands And Statements

Everything the early church did in practice was in keeping with commands and statements by the direction of the apostles and other inspired individuals. As established earlier, they could not know the church's mission, function, organization, benefits, and conditions of membership unless they were told; the word was the only way. They got their authority directly from the commands and statements of the Lord's ambassadors.

Matthew 28:20 Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you...

Ephesians 6:19, 20 And pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.

Romans 10:13-17 For "Whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved." How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news of good things!" However, they did not all heed the good news; for Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our report?" So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ.

We obviously do not have with us today God's spokesmen in the flesh, but we have only the words preserved which they wrote with pen and parchment. These documents contain direct recorded statements and commands that the inspired writers gave to the early church. By a necessary inference and through our understanding of God's dispensation in the last days, we recognize that the instructions given to the early church apply to us as well, just as the Law of Moses applied to those in the time of Christ.

The difference between a command and a statement is that a command is in the imperative mood, a statement is in the indicative. To illustrate, Jesus said, "He that believes and is baptized shall be saved." This is indicative: a mere statement of fact. However, Peter said, "Repent every one of you and be baptized for the remission of your sins." This is imperative: a call to action. Both are equally binding and authoritative.

3. Indirect Authority; Approved Examples

In some cases, the New Testament tells of the early church performing a certain approved action for which the authorizing command or statement is not recorded. The fact that they were doing such a thing with God's approval necessarily infers they were told to do it. Though we have no record of the command being given, we can be certain beyond doubt the authorizing command was delivered, we simply do not have a record of it. For instance, Jesus said to His disciples, "I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father's kingdom" (Matthew 26:29). He said that there was a certain day when the Lord's Supper was to be observed, but the commandment regarding which day, specifically, was not recorded. We have no recorded command or statement for that day we are to do it. We have only one recorded example of the church performing this action on the first day of the week (Acts 20:7). Though not recorded, we can be certain that the command to observe it on the first day of the week was given, because the early church was doing it with God's approval. The only way they would have known to do it then is to have been told.

Authority in the church today can thus be established by approved examples recorded in the New Testament. However, New Testament approved examples are limiting only when the command is not recorded. If the command is recorded, we have that for our authority. Any recorded examples would then simply exemplify. If only the command is recorded but no examples, we would still have authority to act. If, however, the command and examples are recorded, the examples are not restrictive.

This is best seen by illustration. We have the recorded command to go preach the gospel (Matthew 28:19). Also, there are recorded examples of preachers going, but only by foot, chariot, or ship. There are no examples of preachers ever going by car or airplane. This does not mean preachers today cannot go by car or airplane. The recorded examples are not limiting when the recorded command exists. We should certainly have New Testament authority for everything we do, but we do not need to have a New Testament example for everything we do.

This becomes the source of frequent confusion. For instance, it has been noted that there is no example in the New Testament of a church owning a building in which to meet. This does not mean we do not have authority for it. The church is instructed to assemble together (Hebrews 10:25). This necessarily infers a place; it is impossible to assemble together with no place to do it. The New Testament examples only show the church meeting in the Jewish temple, in rented quarters, or in their homes. However, we are not limited by these examples, because the command to act is recorded. We are commanded to assemble, and that requires a place, which can be new or old, wood or brick, rented or owned, air conditioned or not, with or without indoor plumbing, with a gravel or an asphalt parking lot.

During the apostasy concerning institutionalism, the plea was offered, "We do a great may things we do not have authority for." This is not true. Actually, we do many authorized things we have no example for. If we are doing things we have no authority for, we need to stop them. However, this reasoning was used by some trying to justify using the Lord's treasury and what it can buy for unauthorized practices.

It is also important to note that authority indirectly derived on the basis of an approved example is equally binding to that based on a recorded direct command or statement. The example is, after all, proof that the command or statement was given, though not recorded.

2. The Method Illustrated

Jesus recognized and utilized these three methods of interpreting Old Testament scripture. If Jesus is seen using these methods, then they are clearly sanctioned for us, since we are instructed to imitate Christ.

Jesus uses a necessary inference to interpret the scriptures concerning the resurrection. He reasons that since the scripture does not say "I was the God" but "I am the God of Abraham, Issac, and Jacob," though they be dead, they must live again in the resurrection:

Mark 12:26, 27 But regarding the fact that the dead rise again, have you not read in the book of Moses, in the passage about the burning bush, how God spoke to him, saying, 'I AM THE GOD OF ABRAHAM, AND THE GOD OF ISAAC, and the God of Jacob'? "He is not the God of the dead, but of the living; you are greatly mistaken."

Jesus uses the direct command to teach from the scriptures what to do to inherit eternal life:

Luke 10:26-28 And He said to him, "What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?" And he answered, "YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND; AND YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF." And He said to him, "You have answered correctly; DO THIS AND YOU WILL LIVE."

Jesus uses the approved example to interpret the scriptures concerning the Sabbath. The Pharisees considered their own traditional limits on Sabbath activities to be lawful, which limitations the law never intended. Jesus exposes their error by the example that the priests were permitted by law to do certain works on the Sabbath that would be in violation of the Pharisee's tradition:

Matthew 12:5 "Or have you not read in the Law, that on the Sabbath the priests in the temple break the Sabbath and are innocent?

To further illustrate biblically, these methods of interpretation were used by the early church to settle the circumcision dispute in Acts 15. Some were demanding that Christians follow certain aspects of Moses' Law. In verses 7 - 9, Peter, on the grounds of a necessary inference, concludes that God makes no distinction between Jews and Gentiles. In verses 12 - 14, Barnabas and Paul relate their work among the Gentiles, and James concludes from their approved example that God is taking from among the Gentiles a people for His name. In verses 15 - 18, James further concludes on the foundation of recorded statements in scripture that God is not requiring them to observe Moses' Law. Moreover, concerning the silence of scripture, verse 24 further indicates that, since no instruction on this had been given, the binding of Moses' Law was not authorized.

To illustrate secularly, our government similarly recognizes the same methods of establishing authority. First, there is Statutory Law; these are the recorded statements on the books that spell out what is legal. Second, there is Common Law; this is the approved example. At times, a judge or lawyer will refer to a past similar case to see how it was previously ruled. Rowe v. Wade has thus unfortunately set the standard on abortion in our country. Third, when a bill is passed and becomes law, there is an Enabling Clause to include all means and methods by necessary inference required to put it into practice.

3. Consider Everything The Bible Says On A Subject

We must take the sum total of God's word on a matter. We are not free to pick and choose only the scriptures we want and disregard the rest.

Matthew 18:20 Teaching them to observe all that I commanded you…

When we consider every scripture that deals with a certain subject, they must be combined in a harmonious way, not a conflictive way. For example, typical denominational doctrine misses this point concerning the plan of salvation. Mark 16:16 says that one must believe and be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. However, Acts 2:38 says one must repent and be baptized, and Romans 10:9 says one must believe and confess. Furthermore, John 3:16 only says one must believe. So which ones are required? These passages are not in conflict with one another; they all state the truth, but no one passage states everything that is true on the whole matter. When we add them all up, we find that one must believe and repent and confess and be baptized to obtain salvation; they are all required.

4. The Meaning Of Words

Words are the building blocks of all language. It is important to understand the meaning of words used in scripture. Translations today are very reliable, and it is often beneficial to see how various ones render certain passages. Make sure to use real translations, not paraphrased versions.

For deeper study, it is also helpful to use reference material on New Testament terms, such as a lexicon or a concordance. These works give the words used in the original language and the definitions in English. Language is a living thing, and words change meaning as time goes by. The New Testament was written in the Koine dialect of the Greek language in the first century AD. It is helpful to know what the word meanings were at the time of the writing to truly understand what is said.

Also, it is often of benefit to consider the tense, case, mood, number, and gender of words used. For example, the apostle Paul used number to make an important point on Abraham's promise:

Galatians 3:16 Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed," that is, Christ.

Problems in authority often arise from a misuse of terms. Occasionally, an attempt is made by someone to shape the meaning of scripture to fit their personal desire by suggesting that in certain contexts words take a different meaning. For example, some will argue that in the context of 2 Thessalonians 3:6 the word "unruly" actually means, more specifically, "lazy." This places a limit on the meaning and is an unconscionable twisting of scripture. Observe the many New Testament warnings against playing word games:

1 Timothy 1:3-4 As I urged you upon my departure for Macedonia, remain on at Ephesus so that you may instruct certain men not to teach strange doctrines, nor to pay attention to myths and endless genealogies, which give rise to mere speculation rather than furthering the administration of God which is by faith.

1 Timothy 6:3-5 If anyone advocates a different doctrine and does not agree with sound words, those of our Lord Jesus Christ, and with the doctrine conforming to godliness, he is conceited and understands nothing; but he has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, out of which arise envy, strife, abusive language, evil suspicions, and constant friction between men of depraved mind and deprived of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain.

2 Timothy 2:14 Remind them of these things, and solemnly charge them in the presence of God not to wrangle about words, which is useless and leads to the ruin of the hearers.

2 Timothy 4:2-4 Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.

5. Figurative Language

Much of the Bible is written in figurative language that ranges from the deepest apocalyptic imagery to satire. Many of the figures of speech we use in our own language are used in the sacred writings: parables, fables, metaphors, similes, allegories, irony, metonymy, hyperbole, synecdoche, sarcasm, parallelism, apostrophe, personification, interrogation, ellipsis, and prolepsis. A thorough study of hermeneutics would include examination of the use of this speech in scripture, which for the scope of this study, we will abbreviate.

The questions comes, how can we know when the language of the Bible is figurative? Much religious error abounds today because that which is intended to be understood literally is taken figuratively, and vise versa. The following rules are offered to help the student recognize figurative language in scripture.

The first principle to follow is to take the language literally if at all possible. Any passage can have a figurative interpretation applied to it, if our imaginations are allowed to run unabated. However, if a literal interpretation is plausible, it must be accepted. A figurative interpretation will be a necessary, forced, and unavoidable conclusion, and a passage does not become figurative simply because someone says it is.

1. The Rule Of Context

As stated before, nothing should be taken as figurative, unless such a conclusion is not merely suggested but demanded from the immediate context. For example, it is evident from the following context that the building from God is not anything like a literal building we are familiar with:

2 Corinthians 5:1, 2 For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For indeed in this house we groan, longing to be clothed with our dwelling from heaven.

2. The Rule Of Impossibility

The text is regarded as figurative if the literal meaning poses an impossibility. In the following text, it is impossible for a literally dead person to do anything. We are forced to conclude that these were dead in a figurative sense:

Matthew 8:22 But Jesus said to him, "Follow Me, and allow the dead to bury their own dead."

We should be careful, however, not to confuse an intrinsic impossibility with that which could be possible miraculously. For example, it is impossible for us to raise the dead. However, when the scriptures state that Jesus raised the dead, we are not forced to take it figuratively.

3. The Rule Of Contradiction

The scripture is understood to be figurative if the literal interpretation contradicts the teaching in other passages. In the following text, if we conclude that we are to literally hate our parents, this contradicts the instruction to love one another. We must accept this as figurative:

Luke 14:26 If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple.

4. The Rule Of Absurdity

The passage is regarded figurative if the literal meaning is absurd. In the scripture to follow, it is absurd to think Jesus is a literal door. The language is obviously figurative:

John 10:9 I am the door; if anyone enters through Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.

5. The Rule Of Revelation

The language is to be taken figurative when the writer reveals that it is. If for no other reason, we understand in the following passage that Jesus was speaking figuratively of the temple because John said that He was:

John 2:19-21 Jesus answered them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." The Jews then said, "It took forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" But He was speaking of the temple of His body.

6. Areas Of Judgment And Matters Of Opinion

Before we start sounding too idealistic, we recognize that there are certain difficult scriptures and complicated situations from time to time that can make it hard for us to agree. Admittedly, some issues also fall into areas of opinion and judgment, and we will not all agree what those areas are. It is not that the explanation doesn't exist, it is only difficult to find. How can we remain in fellowship and function in unity, even with differences of opinion?

The scriptures give us much insight to this issue. The churches in Paul's day were very much like most churches today. They had diverse backgrounds, various former religious beliefs, differing levels of spiritual maturity, and an evil society in which to live. Let's observe how they were instructed to deal with matters of opinion.

Romans 14:1-3 Now accept the one who is weak in faith, but not for the purpose of passing judgment on his opinions. One person has faith that he may eat all things, but he who is weak eats vegetables only. The one who eats is not to regard with contempt the one who does not eat, and the one who does not eat is not to judge the one who eats, for God has accepted him.

Romans 14:13-15 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather determine this -- not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way. I know and am convinced in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself; but to him who thinks anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. For if because of food your brother is hurt, you are no longer walking according to love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died.

1 Corinthians 8:9-13 But take care that this liberty of yours does not somehow become a stumbling block to the weak. For if someone sees you, who have knowledge, dining in an idol's temple, will not his conscience, if he is weak, be strengthened to eat things sacrificed to idols? For through your knowledge he who is weak is ruined, the brother for whose sake Christ died. And so, by sinning against the brethren and wounding their conscience when it is weak, you sin against Christ. Therefore, if food causes my brother to stumble, I will never eat meat again, so that I will not cause my brother to stumble.

Paul does not tell them to stand boldly on matters of opinion, regardless of how others feel about it. He tells them to find common ground and stand there together, where no one has to either compromise their convictions or violate their conscience.

Occasionally, people will suggest a certain function for the church to be engaged in. Typically, they feel it is authorized, else they would not suggest it, but they believe it is also okay not to do it. If a question of authority then arises, they usually claim that it is an area of opinion, especially if they are having trouble showing scriptural authority for it. When that occurs, the matter needs to be dropped.

We maintain that there is no authority for instrumental music in worship, church-supported human institutions, and church-sponsored recreational activities. Now, most who believe that these things are okay to do also believe that they are okay not to do; they are just differences of opinion. If they are truly just matters of opinion, then the common ground is to not do them for unity's sake. There will be much less division in the church today if this attitude is in practice.

Unfortunately, some in the church today try to blur some of God's word to gray instead of diligently seeking the proper understanding. These "gray areas" are apparently comfort zones for some folks. More often than not, the issues are not actually areas where God's revelation has been fuzzy but matters in which people need to grow in knowledge. Sometimes, they are matters of tradition and emotion in which people do not easily change. Romans 14 has become today one of the most abused passages in scripture. God never intended it to be a safe haven for those who cannot show authority for what they believe and practice. Standing in the gray areas is dangerous ground. True, some passages are hard to understand, but we must be careful not to twist them into whatever shape we want:

2 Peter 3:16-18 As also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the untaught and unstable distort, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction. You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, be on your guard so that you are not carried away by the error of unprincipled men and fall from your own steadfastness, but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

6. SPECIFIC AND GENERIC TERMINOLOGY
1. Definitions

Specific means precisely formulated and restricted, distinguished from others of a different type, form, class, or category. Generic means pertaining to each, any, and all of a class, kind, order, or type that apply to the term. Every word has a generic and a specific significance. For example, "table" is specific as a home furnishing item and distinguished from chairs, carpeting, lamps, appliances, or pictures on the wall. On the other hand, "table" is generic in that the term includes dinner tables, coffee tables, end tables, pool tables, and card tables. This is not church-of-Christ theology; this is a basic rule of all word-based communication.

2. The Characteristics Of Specific Terminology

Specific terminology is limiting; it excludes and restricts. When a thing is specified all other things are automatically omitted. For example, under Moses' law, God said that priests were to come from the tribe of Levi. He did not have to also list by name every other tribe from which priests were not to come. Specifying Levi already excluded all other tribes. This was discussed previously regarding the silence of the scriptures.

Some claim authority for almost anything by saying it praises and glorifies God or saying that it edifies and encourages people. With such logic, anything and everything would be authorized except that which is expressly forbidden, like adultery. A term that has no specific meaning or limiting property in its application is a term misunderstood. That which authorizes too much authorizes nothing.

Moreover, specific instruction does not include as authoritative all the possible circumstances in which we could carry out the command:

• We pray at dinner time; this does not authorize church suppers.
• We might sing while we play a piano; this does not authorize instrumental music in worship.
• We can edify at a graduation ceremony; this does not authorize such in church services.
• We can teach at a political inauguration ceremony; this would not authorize such in the church (even though government is God-ordained).
3. The Characteristics Of Generic Terminology

Generic instruction is loosing; it includes and permits. The means and methods of execution are at the discretion of the doer within the limits of the thing commanded. Generic commands are carried out with expediencies. An expediency is a means to an end, a method of performance, or a tool to aid the action. Expediencies never add to or take away from the thing being done.

By contrast, to the degree a command is specific, it is not expedited. We either do it or rebel against God.

Two extreme positions are held, both are wrong:

1. In order for a thing to be right we must have specific instruction authorizing it.
2. In order for a thing to be wrong we must have specific instruction condemning it.
4. Illustrating The Difference Between Specific And Generic Authority

We can illustrate the difference between generic and specific authority. For example, if I tell my landscaper to plant an oak tree in my back yard, there are senses in which that is a specific command. Specifying my back yard indicates that he must not put the tree in the front or side yards. He also cannot plant a pine tree or some shrub. When I specify the kind of tree I want and where I want it, I do not have to also list all the other kinds of trees and plants I do not want and all the possible places I do not want it planted.

However, there are also senses in which this is a generic command. Anywhere in the back yard will meet the requirement, either on the left side, the right side, or in the middle. Also, any species of oak will meet the requirement, either a red oak, a white oak, or a pin oak. He can plant a small tree or a large one from any nursery he chooses. He has the freedom to make these choices as he sees fit. In so doing, he is not acting without my authority but within it.

Now let's illustrate the difference between generic and specific authority with a biblical example. The New Testament is specific about music in worship. It says nowhere to make music in general in worship, it says specifically "sing" every time. Where authority is specific, silence does not permit. We do not need to have a verse that tells us instrumental music is forbidden, God has specified what kind of music He wants in worship, and that excludes all other kinds of music. We have no choice but to simply do it.

However, there is also a sense in which the command to sing is generic. To this extent, we have authority to expedite it as desired with whatever means and methods we may choose. We can sing in unison or in four-part harmony. We can sing standing up or sitting down. We can choose to use whatever songbook or no songbook at all. A songbook is only a tool inherent to singing. If I sing using a songbook, am I still just singing; nothing else has been added to what I am doing.

5. The Use Of Tools: Expediencies

To continue the landscaping illustration, a necessary and unavoidable part of tree planting is digging a hole in the ground to put it in. One way of digging a hole is with your bare hands. A better way is to use a tool, a hand tool or even a power tool. When I order my landscaper to plant a tree, I also authorize him to dig a hole and to use any means, methods, and tools useful to the task, even if I do not explicitly mention digging a hole or using a tool