By what authority do you and I practice the things we do in religion? Consider the following questions:
Is the majority the correct standard of authority? Surely not. Where was the majority in the flood? What about Sodom and Gomorrah? Jesus said many travel the broad way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13–14).
Are kinsmen the correct standard of authority? Surely not. If they were, then every religion, even those that deny the divinity of Christ and reject the Bible as the infallible guide in religion, would be acceptable if accepted by kinsmen.
Are the creeds of men the correct standard of authority? Surely not. They are contradictory to the infallible Word of God. They contain the doctrines and commandments of men, concerning which Jesus said, “In vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9).
Is “I think” the correct standard of authority? Surely not. Jeremiah wrote, “O Lord, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps” (Jeremiah 10:23). Also observe: “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death” (Proverbs 14:12).
Christ and His testament give us the correct standard of authority. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Christ (Matthew 28:18). His testament is complete, final, and all-sufficient (John 16:13; Jude 1:3). Religious practices are to be based on His Word. Peter wrote, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11). In view of this, can you give book, chapter, and verse for what you practice in religion? —Wendell Winkler
“By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” Matthew 21:23
