The Bible and Authority

The Roman Catholics teach that authority does not lie with the Bible but with the church. "Akin to these divine laws is the purely ecclesiastical law or law of the church...For Catholics, therefore, as far as obligations are concerned there is no practical difference between God's law and the law of the church." (Explanation of Catholic Morals, pg. 26). "The church has authority from God to teach regarding faith and morals, and in her teaching she is preserved from error by the special guidance of the Holy Ghost." (The Faith of our Fathers 83rd Revised Edition, pg. 54). "The church, as we have just seen, is the only Divinely Constituted teacher of religion...therefore, the church is the divinely appointed custodian and interpreter of the bible." (The Faith of our Fathers 83rd Revised Edition, pg. 63). According to Roman Catholicism, correct interpretation of scripture rests in the Popes, Cardinals, Bishops, and Priests.

"Lutherans confess their faith through the 3 general creeds of Christendom, the apostles, the Nicene Creed and the Athanasian, which they believe to be in accordance with the scriptures." (Handbook of Denominations, pg. 128) "They also believe that the "Unaltered Augsburg Confession is a correct exposition of the faith and doctrine of Evangelical Lutheranism." (Lutheran Encyclopedia, pg. 634). Although the Lutherans believe the bible to be the inspired word of God and infallible rule and standard, they still uphold and believe in these confessions of faith.

"The bishops shall have authority when they judge it necessary to change the place appointed for the meeting...the General Conference shall have full power to [make] rules and regulations for our church" (Methodist Discipline, Par. 42). The Methodist church has "Articles of Religion" next to the word of God "that cannot be changed." These "articles" differ from the word of God, yet are more binding than the word of God. (Creeds of the churches, Pg. 354)

Like Lutherans, Baptists believe that the bible is "written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction...without any mixture of error..." (Declaration of Faith). But they generally accept as their belief and faith the New Hampshire Baptist Convention: "Baptist Confessions of Faith" by William L. Lumpkin, better known as the Declaration of Faith. This was prepared by the committee on June 24, 1830, to prepare a statement of faith published by the Board of the Convention.

The Church of England of today is based upon the Apostles and Nicene Creeds, together with the Thirty-Nine Articles of the church of England. Again, as it is with the Lutherans, Methodist and Presbyterians and others, they believe in the inspiration of the bible, but look to men’s creeds for direction and operation of their church. "The Nicene Creed and that which is commonly called the Apostles Creed, ought thoroughly to be received and believed: for they may be proved by most certain warrants of Holy Scripture." (Article VIII under the title Of the Creeds)

The Presbyterians regard the Bible as inspired and authoritative but they also believe and use the "Confession of faith" as their standard of beliefs. (The Scots Confession Chapter XX).

In Joseph Smith's Article of Faith, he states: "We believe the bible to be the work of God as far as it is translated correctly; we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God." The Mormons also believe in continual revelation. "He will yet reveal many great and important things pertaining to the kingdom of God." (Handbook on church Doctrine) The books Doctrine and Covenants and Pearl of Great Price are held as divine revelation and are equal to the Bible (The Doctrine and Covenants, pg. 5).

The Mormons try to justify the Book of Mormon by Ezekiel 37. Mormons teach that the two sticks represent the Bible and the Book of Mormon. They claim the Book of Mormon is the "stick of Ephraim" of Ezekiel's prophecy, that it should be brought forth and combined with the Bible, making one Book (I Nephi 13:2; 2 Nephi 29:), thus fulfilling Ezekiel's prediction.

"Ezekiel saw in the vision the coming together of the stick of Judah, and the stick of Joseph, signifying the Bible and the Book of Morman." (Articles of Faith page 26).

This religious group believes that they are the only ones capable of interpreting the Bible correctly. They consider themselves as the "infallible interpreters of the Bible" (Watch Tower, vol. 2, p.8, 1930) They have their own translation called The New World Translation which they consider the infallible translation. The variants between theirs and the other translations favor their views and teachings. Any other translation besides theirs is false (New World Translation l950 Edition, pg 9). CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

The Christian Scientists teach that the Bible is impure and filled with lies. "Is it the truth, or is it a lie concerning man and God? It must be a lie." (Science and Health 1917 Edition, 139:20-22; 524:25-27)

Jesus claims to be not only the head of the church but THE ONE who has all authority, Matthew 28:18-20. The apostles spoke with divine inspiration (II Corinthians 3:1-5; I Corinthians 2:7-16; Galatians 1:6-12). The Bible claims to be the complete guide for man's spiritual needs (II Timothy 3:16-17; II Peter 1:3; Jude 3). Man's faith depends upon his belief and acceptance of Jesus' will, not man's creeds or doctrines (John 12:48; I Corinthians 14:37; Romans 10:17; Colossians 1:23).

To those who claim the need of modern revelation, the question must be asked, "What does your revelation provide for salvation that is not given in the scripture?" If it is not necessary for salvation, then why have it? When it comes to interpretation of the scriptures, there cannot be any private interpretation. In other words, we cannot interpret the bible as we please. You hear people say, "that is your interpretation". If we all can interpret the Bible and have our own interpretations, then who is right and who is wrong?

A. When Ezekiel wrote this Book where was He? (Ezek.1:1)

1. During this captivity the Jewish nation was separated into two nations: Judah (South Kingdom), Israel or Ephraim (North Kingdom).

2. The terms "Ephraim" and "Israel" became synonymous. (Judges 1:22; Psm.78:67-68; Hos.4:16-17; Isa.7:8-9).

B. Ezekiel saw in his vision the uniting of Judah and Israel in Christ: "One King" (v.22); "David the one Shepherd" (v.24); "a covenant of peace" (v.26).

C. The "sticks" were nations - Israel and Judah, not a Book!