Divine Authority

Divine authority refers to the ultimate power and right of God to govern, command, and judge His creation. This authority is inherent in God's nature as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The Bible consistently affirms God's supreme authority over the universe, human history, and individual lives.

In the Old Testament, divine authority is evident in God's covenantal relationship with Israel. God declares His authority through the giving of the Law at Mount Sinai, as seen in Exodus 20:1-2 : "And God spoke all these words: 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.'" Here, God's authority is rooted in His identity as the deliverer and sustainer of His people.

The prophets also emphasize divine authority, often beginning their messages with "Thus says the LORD," indicating that their words are not their own but are spoken with the authority of God. For instance, in Isaiah 45:12 , God asserts His authority over creation: "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."

In the New Testament, divine authority is most fully revealed in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks and acts with the authority of God, as seen in Matthew 28:18 : "Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.'" This authority is demonstrated through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately His resurrection, which confirms His divine nature and mission.

The apostles, as witnesses to Christ's resurrection, are also granted authority to teach and lead 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." This authority is not inherent in the apostles themselves but is derived from their relationship with Christ and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.

Witness

The concept of witness in the Bible involves both the act of testifying to the truth and the individuals who bear that testimony. Witnesses play a crucial role in affirming God's truth and authority throughout Scripture.

In the Old Testament, the role of witness is often legal and communal. Deuteronomy 19:15 states, "A lone witness is not sufficient to establish any wrongdoing or sin against a man, regardless of what offense he may have committed. A matter must be established by the testimony of two or three witnesses." This principle underscores the importance of corroborated testimony in establishing truth and justice.

The prophets serve as witnesses to God's word and actions, calling the people of Israel to repentance and faithfulness. Isaiah 43:10 declares, "'You are My witnesses,' declares the LORD, 'and My servant whom I have chosen, so that you may consider and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me no god was formed, and after Me none will come.'"

In the New Testament, the apostles are primary witnesses to the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Their testimony forms the foundation of the Christian faith. In 1 John 1:1-2 , the apostle John writes, "That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our hands, concerning the Word of life—the life was revealed, and we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us."

The Holy Spirit also serves as a divine witness, testifying to the truth of Christ and empowering believers to bear witness to the gospel. In John 15:26-27 , Jesus promises, "When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. And you also must testify, because you have been with Me from the beginning."

Believers are called to be witnesses to the world, living lives that reflect the truth and authority of God. This witness is both verbal, through the proclamation of the gospel, and practical, through acts of love and service. As Jesus instructs in Matthew 5:16 , "In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."