Kinds Of Authority
The word of the living God teaches that there are various kinds of authority.
First, there is inherent authority. Inherent authority is the kind that exists or
resides in a person because of his status or position. God is sovereign and all
authority inheres in him. God is all in all and has the privilege to give
orders, to enforce obedience, and to judge all humanity. Paul said there is "one
God and Father of all , who is over all, and through all, and in all." (Eph. 4:6;
ASV) He also said, "For from him and through him and to him are all things.
To him be glory forever. Amen. (Rom. 11:36; ESV) Jesus said the Father
has set things "by his own authority." (Acts 1:7) John, the apostle, wrote,
"all the angels stood around the throne, and the elders and the four living
creatures, and they fell before the throne on their faces, and worshiped God
saying, 'Amen: blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor,
and power, and might, be to our God for ever and ever . Amen.' "
(Rev. 7:11-12)
God declares himself to be "Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the
end." (Rev. 21:6) Alpha is the first letter of the Greek alphabet and
Omega is the last letter. The phrase "Alpha and Omega" is described as
beginning and end; first and last. It figuratively indicates God's absolute
privileges, power, and authority! He exercises authority over the
commencement and consummation of human history and all creation.
This right inheres in God.
Second, there is delegated authority. Delegated authority is that which
is assigned or given to another. One who has delegated authority, acts or
speaks in behalf of the one who entrusted him with the authority. Jesus
said, "The Son can do nothing of his own accord." (John 5:19) He also
said, "I can do nothing of myself...because I do not seek my own will,
but the will of the one who sent me." (John 5:30) He acknowledged that
he did not speak on his "own authority, but of the Father" who sent him.
(John 12:49) He told his apostles that, "All authority has been given to
me in heaven and on earth." (Mat. 28:18) God the Father placed Jesus
at his right hand, and in doing so he exalted him "far above all rule, and
authority, and power, and dominion." (Eph. 1:20-21) God has placed
all things "under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the
assembly." (Eph. 1:22-23) God has given Jesus supremacy in all things.
(Colossians 1:18) Jesus exercises delegated authority with respect to his
work of redemption.
The Holy Spirit also exercises delegated authority. Jesus spoke of
the Spirit's work in the apostles in this way, "But when he, the Spirit of
truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak
on his own authority, but he will speak whatever he hears, and he
will declare to you the things that are to come." (John 16:13) Jesus said
the Father would "send" the Holy Spirit to help the apostles in the
teaching of the truth. (John 14:26) The apostles of Christ also exercised
delegated authority. When Jesus chose them "he gave them authority
over unclean spirits..." (Mat. 10:1) They were ambassadors on behalf
of Christ. (2 Cor. 5:20)
Third, there is limited authority. When I speak of limited authority,
I am referring to the right or power to act within prescribed boundaries,
or within the purview of work that has been assigned. For instance, as
stated earlier, Jesus said all authority has been given to him in heaven
and on earth. (Mat. 28:18) It is understood that the Father gave him the
authority. But when we study other pertinent texts, we learn that "all
authority" does not mean that the Father is under the authority of the
Son. Paul said, "For, he put all things in subjection under his feet. But
when he says all things are put in subjection, it is evident that he is
excepted who subjected all things to him." (1 Cor. 15:27) So, Jesus
has "all authority" to function in his role as Son, as Messiah, as the
Redeemer of mankind, as the great high priest, etc.. Elders have
limited "authority," in that they have the right to lead the congregation
in any direction that truth takes them, and they may go no
further. (Acts 20:28-32; 1 Pet. 5:1-3)
RD
Copyright 2011
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