Authority

In the context of the Bible, "authority" refers to the power or right to give orders, make decisions, and enforce obedience. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting the sovereignty of God, the authority of Christ, and the role of human authority within the church and society.

1. Divine Authority: The ultimate authority in the Bible is God Himself. His authority is absolute and is demonstrated through His creation, His laws, and His governance 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 authority over all creation. God's authority is further emphasized in passages like Isaiah 45:12, where He declares, "It is I who made the earth and created man upon it. My own hands stretched out the heavens, and I commanded all their host."

2. Christ's Authority: Jesus Christ, as the Son of God, possesses divine authority. This is evident in His teachings, miracles, and His authority to forgive sins. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus states, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is not only over spiritual matters but extends to all creation, as seen in His command over nature and demons (Mark 4:39, Mark 1:27).

3. Scriptural Authority: The Bible is regarded as the authoritative Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." The authority of Scripture is foundational for doctrine, reproof, and instruction in righteousness.

4. Human Authority: The Bible also addresses human authority, including the roles of government, church leaders, and family structures. Romans 13:1-2 instructs, "Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage underscores the belief that all human authority is derived from and accountable to God.

Revelation

Revelation in the biblical sense refers to the disclosure of divine truth. It is the means by which God communicates His will, character, and purposes to humanity. Revelation is both general and special.

1. General Revelation: This refers to the knowledge of God and His attributes as revealed through nature and conscience. Psalm 19:1-2 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." General revelation is accessible to all people and provides evidence of God's existence and power.

2. Special Revelation: This is the direct communication from God to humanity, which includes the Scriptures, the incarnation of Christ, and prophetic messages. Hebrews 1:1-2 states, "On many past occasions and in many different ways, God spoke to our fathers through the prophets. But in these last days, He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, and through whom He made the universe." Special revelation is necessary for understanding the specifics of God's plan of salvation and His will for humanity.

3. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in revelation by inspiring the authors of Scripture and illuminating the minds of believers to understand and apply God's Word. John 16:13 affirms, "However, when the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak what He hears, and He will declare to you what is to come."

4. The Canon of Scripture: The canon of Scripture is considered the complete and final revelation of God to humanity. Jude 1:3 exhorts believers to "contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints," indicating that the revelation contained in the Bible is sufficient and authoritative for all matters of faith and practice.

In summary, authority and revelation are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting God's sovereign rule and His gracious communication with humanity. Through His authority, God governs all things, and through His revelation, He makes known His will and purposes.