In our daily lives, we have a standard for all that we do. God has also given us a standard to govern us in religion. That standard is the gospel of Christ (John 12:48; Acts 2:42; 2 John 9). How do we correctly understand and use the standard God has given us?
How does God give instructions?
- He plainly tells us what to do. He provides a direct statement (Genesis 6:14; 12:1; Exodus 20:1-16; Mark 16:15; Acts 2:38; 1 Corinthians 6:15; 11:24; Ephesians 6:1).
- He shows how someone else did it. He provides an approved example (Philippians 4:9; Acts 20:7),
- He implies something in the Scripture. The reader is forced to make a necessary inference (Matthew 3:16; Acts 8:35-36).
- These are everyday rules of communication! They are principles that govern how we communicate with others each day.
What is specific authority?
- Specific authority is when God commands an act, and the means of obeying it are specified.
- God specified to Noah the ark and type of wood to build it (Genesis 6:14).
- He specified to Naaman that He dip seven times in the Jordan (2 Kings 5:10).
- He specified preaching the gospel (Mark 16:15).
- He specified baptism (Matthew 28:19).
- He specified unleavened bread and fruit of the vine for the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:17, 26).
What is generic authority?
- Generic authority is when God commands an act, but the means of obeying it are not specified.
- While God specified the ark to Noah, the tools for building it were not.
- While Jesus specified baptism, the place to baptize is not.
- While the elements for Lord’s Supper are specified, the day to partake is not.
Why is this important?
- We want to respect God as the One who has the authority to give us instructions.
- We want to respect God’s instructions. Much of the division in the religious world is due to people’s failure to apply the basic principles of communication to God’s word.
Conclusion:
God has given us instructions in His divine word. We can study, understand, and obey them.
