During the months of August and September, here at Knollwood, I have been preaching a series on a very important subject--Bible Authority. I've done this because every disagreement we have with those of different faiths, even with our own brethren, is eventually traceable back to the subject of authority.

Why do we have so much religious confusion? Simply stated, it is the result of ignorance about how to establish Bible authority. "Now when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people confronted Him as He was teaching, and said, by what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority? But Jesus answered and said to them, I also will ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: The baptism of John--where was it from? From heaven or from men?" {Matthew 21:23,24} These two very good questions--who authorized it to be done and where did that authority originate--deserve to be answered during discussion of any spiritual subject.

According to God's word, Christ has the final say in all religious matters. "And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth." {Matthew 28:18} Heaven and earth make up the entire realm where authority resides. Who else can make such a statement? "Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved." {Acts 4:12}

There are only TWO sources of authority--heaven or men--human or divine. Sadly, many in the religious world get their authority from the wrong source. How does Christ express His authority? "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work." {2 Timothy 3:16,17} The word of God is inspired--God-breathed. The Bible plainly says that in these "last days," God speaks through His Son (Hebrews 1:2). In order for our actions to be acceptable to God, they must be authorized in His word.

"And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." {Colossians 3:17} Unfortunately, division exists in the world of religion because many have supplemented, or added to, the commandments of the Lord. I suppose it's because they wish to do the things they desire instead of what God desires.

Religious division and confusion would disappear in a night if all would be faithful to the teaching in God's word. Until man gains proper knowledge and respect for God's word, division will continue. It sounds like a simple solution.