The Need for an Objective Standard of Authority
A standard is “a rule or principle that is used as a basis for judgment.” We recognize the need for a standard of authority in many areas of life. In playing sports, there are rules which players must honor in order for a game to be organized. Without such rules there would be chaos. In the school system, there are rules which teachers and students must honor in order for students to learn. A school with no standard of authority could not function properly and would cease to be of benefit to society. We can see the need for authority regarding the laws which prohibit criminal activity. Imagine living in a city where there were no laws against robbery, murder, rape, or any other crime. Criminal and immoral activity would abound, and life would be very difficult for those who want a good quality of life. We can all see the need for standards of authority in these areas.
However, when it comes to spiritual matters, some are not willing to abide by an objective standard of authority. A standard that is “objective” is one that is not influenced by feelings or opinions; rather, an objective standard is based upon facts. The only true objective standard in spiritual things is the Word of God, the Bible (II Timothy 3:16-17; John 12:48; Acts 17:11; Psalm 119:105).
Nevertheless, when someone asks a religious question, it is common for people to start chiming in with their own personal opinions—“Well I think,” “I heard,” “Someone said,” “My preacher said,” “My parents believe,” “My church teaches,” “I’ve always believed”—these are all common ways that people respond to religious questions.
The problem with such responses is that they are based upon what people say rather than upon what God has said in His Word. When we are discussing spiritual matters, would it not be best for us to say, “The Bible teaches…,” and then give the book, chapter, and verse showing where the Bible teaches the thing under consideration?
The only way we can be sure that our religious beliefs are true is by honoring God’s Word as the objective standard of authority. On the Day of Judgment, our feelings, opinions, traditions, or ideas will not serve as the basis for Judgment. Rather, we will be judged by God’s Word (John 12:48). Let us therefore study and follow His Word, so that we can be saved eternally!
