Religious Authority Outside the New Testament?

The New Testament is the fulfilment of God’s plan for man. From Genesis 3 there was an anticipation of future blessings. Redemption was promised in the form of victory over Satan (Gen. 3:15). A man was coming who was to be the son of David (2 Sam. 7:12-14), and who would have authority over all (Deut. 18:18-20). He would give a new covenant, not according to the covenant from Sinai (Jer. 31:31-33). Jesus is the man of prophecy and the New Testament is the promised covenant. In the pages of the New Testament there is no additional person or covenant to come. The future anticipation in the New Testament is humanity’s judgment based on the revelation given by Jesus (John 12:48).

The Old Testament is no longer a binding law for any person. It ended at the cross (Col. 2:12). Paul stated plainly that those who attempted to be justified by the old covenant had fallen from grace (Gal. 5:4). The covenant given at Sinai was a schoolmaster [tutor] to bring humanity to Christ (Gal. 3:23-25). It fulfilled its purpose and is no longer binding on any. Even the ten commandments are no longer binding (see Rom. 7:1-7). Nine of the ten, however, are included in the New Testament. The one not included is specified in Colossians 2:16.

Do you want to know God’s will for you today? Go to the New Testament. Study it thoroughly. Obey it completely. These are the words of God and are able to make us complete (2 Tim. 3;16, 17). Reject any teaching or practice not authorized in the New Testament. Those are not from God.

The New Testament is the final revelation of God for all humanity of every generation. There is no religious authority outside the New Testament.

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