ESTABLISHING SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY

ESTABLISHING

SCRIPTURAL AUTHORITY

INTRODUCTION:   In talking about establishing authority for our practices in service to God, we are talking about how to apply the scriptures in the appropriate way.  It is really a discussion of how to determine from the complex variety of writings in the Bible the things that God would be pleased for us to do. How can we determine from the poetry, drama, history, wisdom, and prophecy the things that will please God in our lives? Can we understand the will of God for us? How can we determine that will appropriately?

Hermeneutics is the” science of interpreting the Bible” (or any piece of literature). The word comes from a Greek word, “hermeneuo” which means “to interpret or to explain”. (Holman Bible Dictionary, p.179, 180) The way of law, even the law of the land is to look at the legal documents pertaining to the issue, gathering from the statements, commands, and even examples (case studies where previous decisions of law seem pertinent), and drawing the necessary inferences that these sources provide. Jesus and the early apostles seemed to have used these very things in their applications of divine law.

In some circles of fellowship between people, even in churches of Christ, there is the idea that no hermeneutical principle is valid.  There is a growing desire to cast away the old idea that scriptural authority is necessary or that it can be derived from commands, statements, and examples.  The appeal some preachers are making for a “new hermeneutic” ends in never‑never‑land.

CENI is a useful abbreviation for “Commands, Examples, and Necessary Inference”. That is a simple way of looking for authority. However, it is not perfect or exhaustive of all the contextual considerations that must be made along with that formula.  There are some who are overly critical of that formula. Beware of them, because they usually never have any better formulas or offer a better approach to establishing biblical authority. The truth is that they usually do not desire to submit to biblical authority, and they resent those who think authority is essential. (Read II Peter 2 about this mentality).  It is easy to criticize an old way of interpretation by remaining vague and uncommitted as to the right way of interpretation. There is a sense of safety in vagueness because one never has to defend anything and never has to say “this is right and that is wrong”. This vagueness allows one to rub elbows with denominational churches because it doesn’t feel a need to stand for “truth” on anything since no one can really be sure they know the truth on anything (according to them).

How do we establish scriptural authority today?

I.      DETERMINE THE PERIMETERS OF THE “PATTERN” ON THE SUBJECT.

THERE ARE TWO WAYS OR SOURCES FROM WHICH TO ESTABLISH THE PATTERN:

 #1 Commands or direct statements that have a bearing.

 #2 Approved examples that have a bearing.

II.     THE “PATTERN” IS DETERMINED BY ALL THAT IS NECESSARILY INFERRED FROM YOUR SOURCES.

A.  For example: What does the Bible say about baptism?     All the pertinent information on that topic creates the pattern to be followed today. The two sources of information lead to necessary conclusions to be drawn. The totality of that information represents the pattern of sound words on that topic.

B.  The same would be true on the Lord’s supper, church organization, cooperation of churches, the work of the church, worship, music, morals, church discipline,  marriage, divorce, the family, etc.

III.    DETERMINE IF THE PATTERN GIVES GENERAL    AUTHORITY OR LIMITS BY SPECIFICATIONS.

A.   VIOLATORS OF SPECIFIC AUTHORITY:

1. Nadab and Abihu. (Lev.10) Got fire from an unauthorized place.

2.    David, the ark on a cart. The law specified how to transport the ark. (II Sam.6). He ignored the pattern.

3.    Saul, sparing King Agag and the best sheep . . . violated specific instructions. (I Sam.15)

4.    These serve as warnings that we should not do the same kind of things they did. (Rom.15:1‑4; I Cor. 10)

          B. ILLUSTRATIONS OF SPECIFIC AUTHORITY:

1.    Ark of “gopher” wood. Did not allow choice. (Gen.6)

2.    The animal and meal offerings. Again, no choice is allowed. (Lev.1‑3)

3.    Unleavened bread, fruit of the vine. (Matt.26) Choice?

4.    Buried in baptism. (Rom.6; Col.2:12) Choice?

5.    Sing, make melody in heart. (Eph.5:19) Choice?

          C. ILLUSTRATIONS OF GENERAL AUTHORITY:

1.    Abraham – “get out of your country” (Gen.12:1). Walk, ride a horse, ride a camel, ride a wagon. He has general authority to go however he sees fit.

2.    Noah – “make yourself an ark” (Gen.6:14). Use an ax, a hammer, a saw, rope, chisels, etc. He has general authority to use whatever tools he sees fit.

3.    Assemble: find a suitable place and time, rent a place, or buy a place. . . whatever it takes to assemble with the saints. (Heb.10:25)

4.    Sing: learn a song from memory and pass it along, acquire some songs from a song writer, purchase a collection of songs in a book. . . .whatever it takes to sing is authorized.

5.    Teach: designate teachers, times to assemble, learn and teach, acquire teaching tools such as power point, whiteboards, overhead projectors, etc. . . whatever it takes to teach is authorized unless the pattern restricts by specification.

D. DETERMINE WHAT IS AUTHORIZED AND WHAT IS EXPEDIENT IN CARRYING OUT THE WILL OF GOD AS EXPRESSED IN THE PATTERN.

IV.    ARE ALL COMMANDS AND EXAMPLES RELEVANT TOWARD DETERMINING A PATTERN?

A.  using Common sense helps one determine that “INCIDENTALS” are irrelevant TO a pattern.

1.    We find an example of someone learning God’s will while riding in a chariot (Acts 8). Does that imply that we must ride in a chariot to learn the truth? Was that only incidental, unnecessary to the chief purpose of the story?

2.    Was meeting in an “upper room” just incidental? (Acts 20:7f) . . . or is there a “pattern” that suggests a binding purpose?

B. DOES AN EXAMPLE NECESSARILY LEGISLATE A NEW PRACTICE OR REGULATE A CULTURAL PRACTICE . . . CUSTOM?        

1.    Foot washing was cultural custom regulated by divine law but not LEGISLATED regardless of culture.  Feet were commonly dirty due to the nature of shoes and travel and roads.  Clean feet were not the objects of this service. (Jn. 13)

2.    Kissing as a form of greeting.  Did God impose a new way of greeting, or did He legislate that in your customary greeting make sure it is “holy”? (Rom.16:16)

C. IS A PRACTICE LIMITED FROM THE PATTERN BECAUSE IT WAS PART OF A TEMPORARY SYSTEM and had temporary objectives?

1.    Rules concerning spiritual gifts. (I Cor.12‑14) They cannot be copied today. Perhaps principles of order apply, but the gifts specifically discussed cannot be regulated when we do not have them to regulate.

2.    Pray “Thy Kingdom Come”.  After the kingdom came, (Col.1:13) it is more appropriate to pray that it increase, grow, expand, and be realized in more hearts; however, praying for the kingdom to come had a limited context.

D. IS A PRACTICE LIMITED BECAUSE IT WAS PERSONALLY ADDRESSED TO SOMEONE SPECIFIC?

1.    “Bring the books and the parchments” (2 Tim.. 4:13) Can we bring Paul the books?

2.    “Greet Priscilla and Aquila” (Rom. 16:13) Can we obey “greet Priscilla and Aquila”   today?

Conclusion:  There is a common sense way to determine authority from the scriptures just as we would determine what is lawful or “constitutional” under the laws of the land; however, it is not always simple for every subject matter.  We must be willing to search and handle the scriptures appropriately, carefully, and prayerfully.  Those who really want to know the truth can find the “pattern of sound words” pertaining to all issues that pertain to life, godliness, and service to God. -   Terry W. Benton

QUESTIONS:

1.    Can the Bible be understood?  Give scripture to prove it.

2.    What two sources are used to reach necessary conclusions?

3.    Is there a pattern of sound words on the subject of baptism, for example?

4.    How is that pattern determined?

                        Biblical example:

5.    Is there a pattern of sound words on the work of the church?  

                        Biblical example:

6.    Is there a pattern of sound words on church-to-church contributions?

                        Biblical example:

7.    Does one have to have at least general authority for what he does? Why?

8.    Does specific authority limit in any way? How?

9.    What is a New Testament example of something specified?

                        10. What is a simple, but useful, formula to remember in trying to gather proper information to determine a “pattern”?

Truth does not Bind?

Truth does not Bind?

In a recent article, “Truth is a Hijacked Word”, we are told that “truth does not bind”, and that brethren have basically “hijacked” this word and forced a new meaning upon the word. In the effort to cast suspicion upon brethren for “hijacking” and therefore misusing this word, the author actually unwittingly casts suspicion upon his own thinking. He says:

Truth brings liberty; it does not bind. Whatever truth is, it is for our good. –Unquote! http://www.mandevillechurch.org/?p=1624

Let us test this position (1 Thess.5:21) and if it proves good, hold to it, but if it proves to be wrong, then let us reject it and expose it (Eph.5:11).  Jesus said “Thy word is truth”(John 17:17). So, does God’s word “bind” anything upon us?  If the word of God binds things upon us, then our brother has ”hijacked” the word “truth” and tried to give it a meaning that does not include any binding law.  Yet, he quoted some verses that mentions “obeying the truth” which shoots his argument that “truth does not bind” in the foot.  Even when he tries to tell what the true meaning of “obey the truth” is, he still contradicts himself. He explains that “obeying the truth” actually means: “coming to Him and being like Him. It is being who God intends us to be.”  Well, then truth BINDS that we “come to Him” and that we “be like Him” and that we “be who God intends us to be”. Our brother’s goal was to make us think that brethren have hijacked and misused this word, but he actually accomplished making it suspect that he is the one who hijacked the word and got himself tangled in the mess of error one gets in when he says “truth does not bind”.

One of the basic things about “truth” in the Bible is that it includes the truth of God’s law and how to properly “handle the word of truth”(2 Tim.2:16).  Improper handling of the word of truth is what is causing our brother to try to cast suspicion on his brethren’s use of words like “pattern” and “truth” and “sound doctrine”.  He wants people to think that truth does not “bind” and that brethren are “hijacking” the word “truth” and making it “bind”. 

This reminds me of Satans’ discussion with Eve.  He cast suspicion upon God and His word, the truth that God had bound upon the first couple in the Garden not to eat of the tree in the midst of the Garden. She knew the truth about what God’s word had bound upon her, and she knew the liberty she had to eat of all the other trees, but Satan tried to get her to cast off the part of truth that bound and restricted her.  Even so, we find Peter talking about the false teacher and how he “allures through the lust of the flesh” and “promises liberty” that the truth does not give (2 Pet.2:18f).  This is the way of error used by Satan, and you can see that it is very often characteristic of the false teacher.

The Way of Truth includes God’s Ordinances

Ps 119:30-31

I have chosen the way of truth and faithfulness; Your ordinances have I set before me.

 I cleave to Your testimonies; O Lord, put me not to shame! AMP

Ps 119:43-45  -And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I hope in Your ordinances.

I will keep Your law continually, forever and ever [hearing, receiving, loving, and obeying it].  And I will walk at liberty and at ease, for I have sought and inquired for [and desperately required] Your precepts. AMP

God’s LAW is Truth

Ps 119:142  -Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is truth.  [Ps 19:9; John 17:17.]  AMP

Ps 119:151  -You are near, O Lord [nearer to me than my foes], and all Your commandments are truth. AMP

The Total Word of God is Truth

Ps 119:160  -The sum of Your word is truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever. AMP

John 17:17  Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.ASV

To teach that “truth” does not bind is to teach that God’s law is not truth that binds. Surely, it is our brother who has hijacked the word “truth” and tried to give it a different meaning.

Handling the word of God deceitfully is not handling the word of God truthfully

2 Cor 4:2  but we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man's conscience in the sight of God. ASV

Truth Binds us to Walk Uprightly

Gal 2:14 But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said unto Cephas before (them) all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as do the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, how compellest thou the Gentiles to live as do the Jews? ASV

Truth Binds that You Not Go Back to Practicing the Law of Moses

Gal 4:16   -So then am I become your enemy, by telling you the truth? ASV  Paul had exposed the false teachers there for trying to bind part of the Law of Moses, and he ask if his doing so had now made him their enemy?  The insincere would count him as their enemy, but the sincere would appreciate his effort of love to correct them. So it is today!

Truth Binds that you believe and obey Jesus

Eph 1:13 -in whom ye also, having heard the word of the truth, the gospel of your salvation, — ASV

Truth Binds that You Live Righteously and Holy

Eph 4:24  -and put on the new man, that after God hath been created in righteousness and holiness of truth. ASV

Truth Binds that you handle the word aright

2 Tim 2:15  - Give diligence to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, handling aright the word of truth. ASV

Truth Binds that you do not stray from God’s word and turn to fables

2 Tim 4:4  -and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside unto fables. ASV

Truth Binds that One Be Born Again and Bring forth Fruit

James 1:18  -Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. ASV

Truth Binds and Restricts While Giving Liberty within Limits

James 5:19 -My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;ASV . One can err from the truth and need converting. But, one can restrict the actual freedom in Christ (Gal.5:16) by binding the thing Jesus loosed people from, namely the Law of Moses.

Truth Binds us to Obedience to God’s word

1 Peter 1:22  -Seeing ye have purified your souls in your obedience to the truth unto unfeigned love of the brethren, love one another from the heart fervently:ASV

False Teachers Will Speak Evil of the Way of Truth

2 Peter 2:2  -And many shall follow their lascivious doings; by reason of whom the way of the truth shall be evil spoken of. ASV

Truth Is Connected to Keeping God’s Commandments, and Commandments Bind us

1 John 2:4-5  -He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him;  but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him: ASV

Truth Binds Us to Walk a Certain Way

2 John 4 - I rejoice greatly that I have found (certain) of thy children walking in truth, even as we received commandment from the Father. ASV

3 John 4  -Greater joy have I none than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth. ASV

Clearly, truth restrains us from going beyond the boundaries of God’s revealed word. Truth demands that we not pervert the gospel (Gal.1:6-10).  Truth demands that we seek to “prove what is acceptable to the Lord”(Rom.12:1-4), and it compels us to “test all things, hold fast what is good”(1 Thess.5:21). Truth compels us to “test the spirits because many false prophets have gone out into the world”(1 John 4:1-3).  Truth sets us free from sin and false doctrine and error of all sorts.  Don’t let any man hijack the word and tell you that truth does not bind or that it does not include God’s law or living within the restrictions of Jesus’ authority.  Beware when brethren “despise authority”(2 Pet.2:10) and “speak great swelling words of emptiness”(2 Pet.2:18), alluring people through “licentiousness” and promises of liberty (2:18). Remember that these brethren are inside the church “carousing in their own deception while they feast with you”(2:13), “beguiling unstable souls”(2:14).  Beware of people inside the congregation “secretly bringing in destructive heresies”(2:1).  Of these John said:

1 John 2:19 (NKJV)- They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us; but they went out that they might be made manifest, that none of them were of us.

The false teacher is trying to do as much damage as he can before he actually leaves. His heart is already gone from us before he can get his bodily presence out.  He would prefer to change whole congregations to his way of thinking, but he knows he must be subtle in order to accomplish such a mission.  The warnings against false teachers in the first century are written for our own learning and for our protection. Brethren need to be wise and beware!

Terry W. Benton