Authority
What does the Bible say about authority?
Authority is the legitimate right or power to enforce rules or give orders. Authority creates order.What is order?
Order is the state that exists when people obey rules, law or authority. The whole earth operates under a system of authority and submission creating peace and order without confusion and chaos.
Submission as defined in Ephesians5:22 means to voluntarily yield your right to a person with authority.
Where did authority originate from?
God established authority. Even before creation, God in heaven already set up a hierarchy among the angels with Himself as the Supreme Head.
At creation, God had authority over Adam by creating him and giving him instructions. Take a look at Genesis 2:15 -17 ‘And the Lord took the man and put Him in the Garden of Eden to tend and keep it.
And the Lord commanded the man saying; of every tree of the garden you may freely eat.
But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.’ NKJV
God also gave Adam authority over every living thing by giving him dominion (Genesis 1:28), in Genesis 2:20 Adam gave names to every living creature on earth.
Authority must be understood by Christians since it is the basis of our relationship with Christ. When we accept Jesus Christ as our LORD and SAVIOUR, Jesus becomes the authority over our whole life (Acts17:28); the Bible then becomes the source of authoritative instruction for our Christian life. In Romans13 verse1-7, the Bible tells us that the powers that be are put there by God. Human authorities are part of God’s plan to promote order and godliness. The Bible commands us to obey God’s commandments. When we submit and obey human authorities, as far as what we are asked to do passes the test of the Word of God, we are obeying God. Romans 13:2 says, “So anyone who rebels against authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and they will be punished.” NLT
These human authorities include:-
Civil authorities which are Local, State, Federal government, Judicial systems, Police etc.
These institutions are to ensure good conduct among its citizens. They are to enforce law and order and to prevent chaos. They are to provide security to its citizens (Romans13:1-7; Matt.22:21; 1Peter2:13-18; Titus3:1).
Social authorities which are Heads of Organizations of Businesses, Schools, Higher Institutions of learning, your Boss at work etc.
These institutions are to shape beliefs, behaviours and prepare us to live among others and provide occupational skills in society (Eph.6:5; Col.3:22; Titus2:9; 1Peter2:18).
Family authorities who are Parents.
Husbands or Fathers are the Head of the family; they have authority over their wives and children. Wives are to submit to their husbands, be subject to their husbands and reverence them (Gen.3:16; Eph.5:22-24, 33; Col.3:18, 20; 1Peter3:1). Parents are to bring up their Children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord (Eph.6:4). Children are to obey and honour their parents (Eph.6:1-3).
Church authorities who are Pastors, Help ministries etc.
Christ is the Head of the Church (Eph.5:23), and the Church must be subject to Christ in all things (Eph.5:24). Christians are to obey and submit to their Spiritual leaders (Heb.13:7, 17; 1Peter5:5; 1Thess.5:12, 13).
There is also spiritual authority given to Believers called the Believers authority (Matt.28:18; Luke10:19). After the resurrection of Jesus, before He ascended into heaven, He transferred His authority to the Church. The Believer receives authority over satan, demons, evil spirits and all his cohorts (sickness, fear, doubt etc. when he/she accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. He inherits the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ which he uses in prayer fearlessly against satan and his cohorts. That authority is backed up by the power of God.
Christ is the head of the Church and we believers are His body. We are seated with Christ in the heavenly places which is the highest place of authority (Eph.1:19- 2:6).