AUTHORITY

We hear much concerning the subject of “Authority,” especially how to establish authority in religion. I would not take exception to any of them so long as they use as their thesis the old hermeneutic and does not seek for the “new.” But I am interested in the source.

Let’s let Mr. James Strong, imminent scholar, say it. He says it better than I. “1) royal power, kingship, dominion, rule 1a) not to be confused with an actual kingdom but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom 1b) of the royal power of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah 1c) of the royal power and dignity conferred on Christians in the Messiah's kingdom 2) a kingdom, the territory subject to the rule of a king 3) used in the N.T. to refer to the reign of the Messiah.”

Until we reach the point where we are willing to submit to authority, it makes no difference how we establish it. When we are really ready to make Christ our King, then it makes no difference what he says nor how he says it. We read a statement in Luke 17:21: “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” They looked round about them and saw no robed king, no jeweled crown, no elaborate throne room, but they were looking in the wrong place just as many today are looking for a coming kingdom which they can see, which they can experience with their human senses. But the kingdom of which Jesus is King is a spiritual kingdom. It’s here now and “it is within you,” that is, if you are an authenticated Christian.

He rules your life from his throne in your heart. He is your sovereign; he is your ruler, he is your King. Now, what will you, king of my life, have me do? All he wants me to do is contained in His New Covenant, the New Testament. I must not add to nor diminish ought from it and I will not if he is the ruler of my heart.

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