What is Biblical Authority?
Biblical authority might be interpreted in many ways. It might be seen as the power and authority wielded by religious institutions, maybe authoritative figures such as the Pope, or the authority of inspired authors such as the Apostle Paul. It might be seen in the level of prominence in which the bible is held. However, all these might be just the subjective machinations of human endeavour if the source of authority isn't based in the preeminence of the one who created everything defined as authoritative. God, as the author of the entire biblical corpus, is the highest objective definition of this authority. All beliefs, opinions, theology, preferences, statements, or actions are judged by him, and he decides what is true and what meaning is. Christians do not always agree about the interpretation of this authority, but this doesn’t change where the final authority lies. Unfortunately, religious institutions have created their own additional laws, rules, and traditions, conceived from personal and denominational preferences, and we rarely question why any of these preferences should have any authority. Almost every denomination today has evolved into some form of hierarchical religious construct, that portrays itself as the authority representing the truth. All this sounds very spiritual but all denominations disagree, which is a problem when deciding what the truth is. Interpretations of authority are often drawn from very subjective historical opinions, and often politically motivated.
All Christians have access to God through the Holy Spirit, therefore all Christians are capable of acting and speaking with biblical authority. Ephesians 5:21 calls us to submit one to another in reverence to Christ, as the head of the church. We’re not called to obey religious authorities that undermine Christ as the head of the Church or any practice that's unsupported by scripture.
Biblical authority doesn’t reside in the creation itself, a title we assume, or the charismatic nature of our personality. Spiritual authority is the voice of the Holy Spirit working through us, but the source of authority remains with God. Therefore authority can be communicated through every Christian, but anything we say or do should reflect the character of God.
The authority of the Church is best understood through the metaphor of the human body, wherein the Apostle Paul illustrates all believers' equality under Christ's headship. When Christ enables the foot to move, the foot has spiritual authority (or anointing) to benefit the whole body but only insofar as the direction is biblical, beneficial, and consistent with God’s teaching. The foot does not assume control or singular authority to dictate where the body moves.
Spiritual authority is selective and therefore fluid and flexible. It’s not owned or held captive by one person, or any group, who may claim to have authority. If the church functions as a true spiritual community, then decisions should be evaluated by the community. In this regard, some will demonstrate greater maturity, although maturity doesn’t need or employ a title or position to justify its authority.
Christians only represent God’s authority; they don’t seize it, own it, or substitute for it, either by commissioning, gifting, or delegation. Biblical authority always remains with God.
