In a previous blog we noted that we need to respect God's due order. Why? 1) It was because he did not respect the “due order” that Cain’s sacrifice was objected. (Genesis 4:5; Hebrews 11:4), 2) Because he did not seek God after “the due order” in bringing water out of the rock, Moses was compelled to relinquish his leadership of Israel and was denied the privilege of entering Canaan. The “due order” was for him to “speak ye unto the rock.” (Numbers 20:8) Instead, he smote the rock. (Numbers 20:11) AND 3) Saul was rejected by the Lord as the king of Israel because he did not seek God “after the due order” in the destruction of the Amalekites. (1 Samuel 15:22-23) The “due order” was to utterly destroy them, but he spared Agag the king and the best of the sheep and of the oxen.
GOD’S AUTHORITY IS SUPREME
Authority is the great regulator of our lives. People cannot survive without some “due order” to guide them. Without some standard of authority, chaos will result. We are to practice in Christian work and worship only that which us authorized by the word of God.
“To the law and to the testimony:
if they speak not according to this
word, it is because there is no light
in them.” (Isaiah 8:20)
“If any man speak, let him speak
as the oracles of God.” (1 Peter 4:11)
“And these things, brethren, I
have in a figure transferred to
myself and to Apollos for your sakes;
that ye might learn in us not to
think of men above that which is
written, that no one of you be
puffed up for one against another.”
(1 Corinthians 4:6)
From these passages three things are clearly taught: (1) a failure to speak according to divine truth plunges one into moral and spiritual darkness; (2) when we speak of things eternal we should rely upon what Gods says about the matter; (3) we cannot go beyond the bounds of inspired revelation.
Frequently, men use other things other than God’s Word as a standard of authority, thus they seek not God “after the due order.”
The religion of one’s father is often used as the sole basis of religious activity. If such had been acceptable, Paul would have been justified in his past actions. “And profited in the Jews religion above wrong my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.” (Galatians 1:14) He followed the religion of his ancestors, but he was wrong.
Conscience is used as the final authority with some. However, Paul lived in all good conscience (Acts 23:1) only to learn he was in error. Conscience can only be a safe guide if set by the proper regulator, which is God’s word. (1 John 3:20-21)
The decisions of the majority do not determine the “due order” of things divine. The majority have ever been in the wrong. (Matthew 7:13-14)
Church councils, synods, and conferences are not our authority. Men often contradict themselves.
The Bible and the Bible only is our authority. It is a divinely given book. “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2 Peter 1:21) “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
In Revelation 22:18-19 the Lord said: “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.” Obviously, God’s condemnation rests upon any who would go beyond, fall short of, seek to alter, disregard or attempt to make substitution to His Word.
May the Lord bless you and keep you!
Billy
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