Authority

In the biblical context, authority is a central theme that underscores the sovereignty of God, the lordship of Jesus Christ, and the delegated authority given to human institutions and individuals. The concept of authority is rooted in the very nature of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. In Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," we see the foundational assertion of God's ultimate authority over all creation.

God's authority is further demonstrated through His law and commandments, as seen in the giving of the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20. These laws reflect God's moral authority and His desire for His people to live in accordance with His will. In Deuteronomy 6:4-5, the Shema declares, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One. And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength." This passage emphasizes the authority of God as the one true God deserving of complete devotion.

The New Testament reveals the authority of Jesus Christ, who is described as having authority over all things. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is evident in His teachings, miracles, and His power to forgive sins (Mark 2:10). Jesus' authority is also recognized by the centurion in Matthew 8:9, who acknowledges, "For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell one to go, and he goes; and another to come, and he comes. I say to my servant, 'Do this,' and he does it."

The apostolic authority is another aspect of biblical authority, as seen in the commissioning of the apostles to spread the Gospel and establish the early church. In Acts 1:8, Jesus tells His disciples, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."

Human authority, as ordained by God, is also addressed in Scripture. Romans 13:1-2 instructs believers, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage highlights the divine origin of governmental authority and the believer's responsibility to submit to it, as long as it does not contradict God's commands.

Judgment

Judgment in the Bible refers to the divine assessment and decision-making process regarding human actions, both in this life and the life to come. It is a theme that underscores God's righteousness, justice, and holiness. The concept of judgment is first introduced in the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve face the consequences of their disobedience (Genesis 3).

Throughout the Old Testament, God's judgment is evident in His dealings with nations and individuals. The Flood narrative in Genesis 6-9 illustrates God's judgment on a corrupt world, while the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19 serves as a warning against wickedness. The prophets frequently warned Israel and other nations of impending judgment due to their sin and rebellion (e.g., Isaiah 1:18-20, Jeremiah 25:31).

In the New Testament, judgment is closely associated with the return of Christ and the final assessment of all humanity. Jesus speaks of the Day of Judgment in Matthew 12:36, saying, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken." The parable of the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46 further illustrates the separation of the righteous from the wicked based on their actions and treatment of others.

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the certainty of judgment in Romans 14:10-12, "For we will all stand before God's judgment seat. It is written: 'As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." This passage highlights the personal responsibility each individual has before God.

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment, where the dead are judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:11-15). This eschatological vision underscores the ultimate triumph of God's justice and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.

In summary, authority and judgment are intertwined themes in the Bible that reflect God's sovereign rule and His righteous evaluation of human conduct. They serve as reminders of the accountability all creation has to its Creator and the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ.