Divine Authority

Divine authority refers to the power and right that God possesses as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. This authority is absolute, sovereign, and unchallengeable, as it originates from God's very nature and essence. The Bible consistently affirms God's supreme authority over all creation, human affairs, and spiritual realms.

In the Old Testament, God's authority is evident in His role as the Creator. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational act establishes God's authority over all that exists. Furthermore, God's authority is demonstrated through His covenantal relationships with His people, such as with Abraham, Moses, and David. In Exodus 3:14 , God reveals His name to Moses as "I AM WHO I AM," signifying His eternal and self-existent authority.

The New Testament continues to affirm divine authority, particularly through the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses divine authority. In Matthew 28:18 , Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This statement underscores His authority over all creation and His role in the divine mission.

Divine Mission

The divine mission refers to God's redemptive plan for humanity, which is carried out through Jesus Christ and the work of the Holy Spirit. This mission is rooted in God's love and desire to restore a broken relationship with humanity due to sin.

The Old Testament foreshadows the divine mission through prophecies and promises of a coming Messiah. Isaiah 53:5 speaks of the suffering servant who "was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities." This prophecy points to the sacrificial mission of Jesus Christ.

In the New Testament, the divine mission is fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. John 3:16 encapsulates this mission: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost (Luke 19:10) and to provide a way for reconciliation with God.

The divine mission extends beyond Jesus' earthly ministry through the work of the Holy Spirit and the Church. In Acts 1:8 , Jesus commissions His disciples, saying, "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." This charge highlights the ongoing nature of the divine mission, as believers are called to spread the Gospel and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19).

Interconnection of Divine Authority and Mission

Divine authority and mission are intrinsically linked. God's authority undergirds His mission, ensuring its ultimate success and fulfillment. The authority of Jesus Christ validates His mission and empowers His followers to continue His work. The Holy Spirit, as the agent of divine authority, equips and guides believers in their participation in the divine mission.

Throughout Scripture, the interplay between divine authority and mission reveals God's sovereign plan and purpose for creation. It calls believers to recognize and submit to God's authority while actively engaging in His redemptive mission.