Our current study of Authority in our Sunday Bible Class is being received very well. I appreciate the fact that good questions are being asked by members, and productive discussions are contributing to a better understanding of the proper way to approach and accomplish God’s will as a local church.
God’s authority falls into one of two categories: specific and generic. Specific authority is when God has specified exactly what is to be accomplished and how it is to be done. Generic (general) authority is when God has given us a choice regarding how to best carry out His commands in each circumstance. In short: generic authority leaves the door open to several options and possibilities; specific authority eliminates all but one possibility (generic includes, specific excludes).
Consider some examples of specific and generic authority.
Noah’s Ark. Regarding the building of the ark, God specified the material (gopher wood and pitch), the dimensions (450 feet long, 75 feet wide, 45 feet high), and the building plan of one window, one door, and three levels (Gen. 6:14-16). Noah was free to use ladders, hammers, saws, nails, etc., in the construction of the ark, but he was not free to substitute any other building plan or type of wood.
Moving the Ark of the Covenant. God specified exactly how the ark was to be moved. It was to be covered, poles were to be placed through the rings on each side, and the sons of Kohath from the tribe of Levi were to carry it on their shoulders (Ex. 25:12-15; Num. 4:5-6, 15). A cart was a more convenient way to transport the ark, but such was an unauthorized addition, resulting in the death of Uzza (1 Chron. 13).
Teaching and Preaching. The local church has a responsibility to evangelize the lost and to edify the members (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16; Eph. 4:11-12). The command to “go” is generic. We are not limited to First Century modes of travel, but are free to use cars, trains, and planes. The command to “teach” is generic. We can teach publicly or privately (Acts 20:20). In doing so, we can use microphones, projectors, workbooks, handouts, etc. We can also teach using mass media (newspapers, radio, TV, the internet) and social media platforms with cameras, computers, and smart devices. These all aid us in carrying out this command to teach. However, we can’t use carnal tactics like entertainment, meals, secular education, politics, etc., to attract people. Neither can we substitute the word of God with secular classes on finances, self-defense, addiction recovery, etc. Such changes the message and is an unauthorized addition.
Baptism. The Lord’s command to baptize believers requires them to be immersed in water (Acts 8:36-39; Rom. 6:3-4). The Bible does not specify the water’s source. It can be a running stream, a pool, a pond, or a baptistry. Maintaining a baptistry, baptismal garments, and towels are aids in carrying out the command to baptize believers. Substituting sprinkling for immersion completely changes the action. It may be more convenient, but it is an unauthorized change to God’s plan.
Singing. God’s pattern for our worship includes congregational singing. We teach and edify one another as we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in our assemblies (1 Cor. 14:15, 26; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). Like all acts of worship, our singing is to be done in an orderly, non-confusing manner (1 Cor. 14:33, 40). Things like hymnals (either paper or electronic) and pitch finders are not necessary, but they aid us in better carrying out the command to sing. Using musical instruments is not an aid; such completely changes the music we are offering to God. It is no longer vocal music (acapella). It is now instrumental music with vocal accompaniment. Substituting patriotic songs, folk songs, or love songs also changes our worship. God has specified that we sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.
Giving. The Lord’s church needs funds to maintain its work and worship assemblies. God has specified the way these funds are to be raised. Members are to give as they prosper and purpose in their hearts on the first day of the week (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 9:6-7). We have the choice or giving with cash or a check. Technology may advance to the point that members can conveniently give with debit cards or other electronical means during our worship services each Lord’s Day. These different means aid us in raising funds according to the pattern found in the New Testament. However, there are numerous fund-raising opportunities for which we have no authority (bake sales, car washes, raffle tickets, business ventures, etc.). Neither is there authority for the local church to solicit funds from non-members with a “giving” page available to everyone on their website.
It is important that we understand the distinction between specific and generic authority, as well as aids and additions. This helps us determine what is authorized in our work and worship as a local church. May we strive to always “hold fast the pattern of sound words (2 Tim. 1:13) and “abide in the doctrine of Christ” (2 John 9) as we do the Lord’s work in the Lord’s way.