Consider This...
Theological Thoughts to Encourage the Heart & Stir the Mind ___________________________________________________
Volume I January 2011 Issue 4
In today’s modern Church, we often come across words or phrases, used in Bible Study, whose meanings elude us. Sometimes they are words or terms that appear in Scripture and other times they are simply words or phrases that man has used to describe a particular event, idea, or the like.
The purpose of this section is to help define just a few words that will, hopefully, shed some light on your personal devotional time, as you strive to grow in your relationship with Christ.
Let us look first at the difference between the authority of God and the power of God. While they may sound interchangeable, it is important to note that they refer to two different aspects of God.
The first is the authority of God. On its own, authority is a concept that originated in Scripture and was adapted by society for use in other venues to refer to those who have been placed in positions of superiority, leadership, or responsibility. Authority, as it relates to God, refers to His ultimate sovereignty over all. He is the ultimate authority over creation. Genesis 1:1 begins, “In the beginning, God...” The phrase “in the beginning” indicates that when the beginning began, HE was already there showing His authority over creation. Colossians 2:10 says, “and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.” This gives testimony of His authority over the universe and all angelic and spiritual beings.
Dr. Mayhue, in his essay, The Authority of Scripture, points out five important facts. First, God did not inherit His authority for there was no one to bequeath it to Him. Secondly, God did not receive His authority for there was no one to bestow it upon Him. Thirdly, God’s authority did not come by way of election for there was no one to vote for Him. Fourthly, God did not seize His authority for there was no one to take it from. Fifthly, God did not earn His authority for it was already His. God inherently embodies authority because He is the great “I AM” (Exodus 3:14, John 8:58).s.
The power of God is a related concept but differs in application. While God’s authority shows His sovereignty over all, the power of God refers to His omnipotence. The authority of God in creation was shown by the power of God to create.
The latter part of Hebrews 1:3 says, “...by the word of His power...” The word “power” here, in the Greek, is the foundation for our word “dynamite.” It demonstrates God’s power in the act of creating and maintaining the universe as it says earlier in the verse. So, God’s power is demonstrated in an action.
In many translations of the Bible, the power of God and the authority of God are used interchangeably. They are very similar in meaning and are seldom, if ever, independent of each other. Understanding God’s authority and power places great responsibility on man. It is a wonderful comfort for the believer, those who know Christ as personal Savior, and is a warning of condemnation for those non-believers who reject Christ and His gift of salvation.
The God who has all power and authority over this universe and all that is in it has promised to save those who will recognize their sin, turn from it, and accept the gift of salvation that was bought with the blood of Christ on Calvary. Because He has authority over all, those who have accepted this gift are able to take comfort and believe that what He has said He will do, will be done (Romans 10:9; 1 John 1:9).
However, this certainly brings a warning of condemnation to those who reject this gift. God said in Romans 6:23 that “the wages of sin is death...” This means physical death and spiritual death, which results in eternal separation from Him in Hell. The verse goes on to say, “but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” There is that gift. We know beyond a doubt that this is absolutely the truth because the God who created the universe and holds complete authority and power over all, said it.
Another important word to consider is “inspiration.” The word “inspiration,” as it is used in daily conversation, is often used as a replacement for the word “motivation.” For instance, one may say they were inspired by a beautiful sunset to paint a particular picture. They may say a particular message inspired them to do some personal reflection
or devotion in God’s Word. While using the word “inspiration” in this sense is not incorrect, it is important to point out that the way the word is used in Scripture is very different.
The word “inspiration” comes from a root that means “God- breathed.” It is used in Scripture to explain how God used the individual authors to write the various books of the Bible. God “breathed” what it was that the authors were to write. Even then, it was the Scripture that was inspired, not the authors. When we read the word “inspired” in Scripture, it relates to God “breathing out” the Words of Scripture. Today the word “inspiration,” unless referring to Scripture, can only mean “motivation.” Scripture is “inspired.” We are “motivated.”
As 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, “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.”
One other word to consider is “hermeneutics.” Hermeneutics is a word that deals with interpreting Scripture. It is not a “Bible word,” meaning that the word “hermeneutics” does not appear in Scripture. Rather, it is a method that is used to study and interpret Scripture. There are three correct ways to interpret Scripture. These are literally, historically, and grammatically. Failure to interpret Scripture properly leads to bad doctrine and false teaching.
To interpret Scripture literally means to study the Scripture “literally.” For example, John 14:3 says, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.” By literal interpretation, we find that Jesus (speaking to the believers) is going to go (leave earth) and prepare a place (prepare a living area) and “receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also” (take believers to where He is). Literal interpretation is a very clear method of interpretation that is to be used unless it is specified that a particular story is merely an example, such as the parable about the talents.
To interpret Scripture historically is to view Scripture from the viewpoint of the time in which it was written. That requires understanding what was going on during a specific time or event or within a culture and its customs.
Lastly, interpreting Scripture correctly requires it to be interpreted grammatically. An example would be the use of the word “day” in Genesis. Comparing the usage there with uses of the word “day” in other parts of Scripture help us to ascertain the correct definition and meaning of the word.
It is vital that Scripture be interpreted correctly. Many argue that Scripture contradicts itself or that there are many interpretations. Those statements could not be further from the truth. Scripture is accurate, contains no false facts, no contradictions, and has only one correct interpretation. It must be studied correctly.
God, who is supreme in authority and power, has, through inspiration, give us His Word. It is our responsibility, through prayer, to “rightly divide the Word of Truth.”
—Jonathan Halk
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