The Authority Of God
As we spend a lifetime on this earth we are, and will yet be, faced with many problems. Where we will spend eternity depends upon how well we solve the problems of this life. It is not enough for us to arrive at an answer, we must come to the proper answer. When we were given math problems in school it was not sufficient for us to write down just any figure as an answer. Neither was it sufficient for us to work long and diligently to solve the problem and yet arrive at an answer that did not check with the answer book. We had not solved the problem until we arrived at the solution that was correct. Even so, until we arrive at the solutions to lif e's problems that will check- with the answer book - the bible, we have not solved the problems.
In view of the forgoing, there is one problem which takes priority over every other problem of life, and which will, when properly solved go a long way toward solving every other problem of life. This is the problem of submission to the proper authority. If we can always keep the proper perspective with regard to authority, then it becomes only a matter of understanding what that proper authority over me desires.
In studying this problem, the first thing that is essential is an understanding of one supreme authority that governs every activity of the universe, and everyone therein. God made the heavens and the earth, and everything that is found within them. The record of this creation is found in Genesis, chapter one. Men of old recognized this fact. In 2 Kings 19:15 and Isaiah 37:16 we read of Hezekiah's acknowledgment of this truth. In Acts 4:24 the apostles also affirm this thought. "Lord, thou art God, which has made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all that in them is . . ." Even the kings of heathen nations were made to understand this truth - 2 Chronicles 2:12.
Naturally if God made everything, then everything must belong to God. "Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the Lord's, thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is." Deut. 10:14. "Blessed be thou Lord God of Israel our father, for ever and ever. Thine, 0 Lord, is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom 0 Lord, and thou art exalted as head above all. Both riches and honour come of thee, and thou reignest over all; and in thine hand is power and might; and in thine hand it is to make great, and to give strength unto all. Now therefore, our God, we thank thee, and praise thy glorious name. But who am I, and what is my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly after this sort? For all things come of thee, and of thine own have we given thee. For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:16-17. Again we read that "his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue . . ." 2 Peter 1:3, The Bible is all I need to make me everything God wants me to be. Jude tells us we "should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints." Verse 3. We need no new revelation, and Paul shows the uselessness of such in these words: "though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed." Gal. 1:8.
All authority is concentrated in the will of God which is revealed in his word, the Bible. May we use the principles that are found therein to guide us in the solution of life's problems, ever checking the answers we derive by the great Answer Book!
Truth Magazine I:1, pp. 4, 18
October 1956