Religious Authority

By what authority do you practice the things that you do in religion? Let us observe the following questions:

Is "the majority" the correct standard of authority? Surely not. Through time the majority has been wrong. 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 matters of religion, would be all right if such was accepted by kinsmen.

Are "the creeds of men" the correct standard of authority? Surely not. They contradict the inspired and infallible Word of God. [II Timothy 3:16-17]. they contain the doctrines and commandments of men, concerning which Jesus said, "But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men" [Matthew 15:9].

Is "I think" the correct standard of authority? Surely not. Jeremiah wrote, "O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps" [Jeremiah 10:23]. Also, observe, "There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" [Proverbs 14:12].

Christ and His testament are the correct standard of authority. All authority in heaven and in earth has been given unto Christ [Matthew 28:18]. His testament is complete, final, and all-sufficient [John 14:26, 16:13; Jude 3]. Religious practices are to be based on His Word. Peter wrote, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God" [I Peter 4:11]. In view of this, can you give book, chapter, and verse for what you practice in religion?

What Must I Do to Be Saved?

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