Authority

In the biblical context, authority is a central theme that underscores the relationship between God, His creation, and His appointed leaders. Authority originates from God, who is the ultimate sovereign over all creation. The Bible consistently affirms that all authority is established by God and is meant to serve His purposes.

1. Divine Authority: God's authority is absolute and unchallenged. In Genesis 1:1, the Bible begins with God's sovereign act of creation: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This establishes His authority over all things. God's authority is further emphasized in passages like Psalm 103:19, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all."

2. Jesus Christ's Authority: Jesus, as the Son of God, possesses divine authority. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is evident in His teachings, miracles, and His power over sin and death. The Berean Standard Bible highlights His authority in Mark 1:27, where the people are amazed at His teaching, saying, "What is this? A new teaching with authority! He commands even the unclean spirits, and they obey Him."

3. Authority of Scripture: The Bible is regarded as the authoritative Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This underscores the authority of Scripture in guiding faith and practice.

4. Human Authority: God delegates authority to human institutions and leaders. Romans 13:1-2 instructs believers to submit to governing authorities, "for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God." This passage highlights the divine origin of human authority and the responsibility to respect it.

5. Spiritual Authority: Within the church, spiritual authority is given to leaders such as apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers. Ephesians 4:11-12 explains their role in equipping the saints for ministry and building up the body of Christ. This authority is exercised in accordance with God's Word and for the edification of the church.

Calling

The concept of calling in the Bible refers to God's invitation to individuals to fulfill specific roles or purposes in His divine plan. This calling can be both general, applicable to all believers, and specific, directed towards particular individuals for unique tasks.

1. General Calling: All believers are called to a life of holiness and service. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This general calling involves living a life that reflects God's character and sharing the gospel with others.

2. Specific Calling: Throughout the Bible, God calls individuals to specific tasks or roles. For example, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10), and He called Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5). These callings often come with divine empowerment and guidance.

3. Calling to Ministry: The New Testament highlights the calling to various forms of ministry within the church. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit calls Barnabas and Saul for a specific mission: "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." This demonstrates that God continues to call individuals to serve in specific capacities within His church.

4. Vocational Calling: Beyond spiritual roles, the Bible acknowledges that God calls individuals to various vocations and professions. Colossians 3:23-24 encourages believers to work heartily, as for the Lord, recognizing that their labor is ultimately for Him. This perspective elevates all work as a form of service to God.

5. Response to Calling: The Bible emphasizes the importance of responding to God's call with obedience and faith. In Isaiah 6:8, the prophet responds to God's call with, "Here am I. Send me!" This willingness to answer God's call is a hallmark of faithful discipleship.

Authority and calling are intertwined themes in Scripture, reflecting God's sovereign plan and His desire to involve His people in His work on earth. Through understanding and embracing these concepts, believers are equipped to live out their faith in alignment with God's purposes.