Authority

In the biblical context, authority is a divinely instituted concept, reflecting God's sovereign rule over creation and His delegation of power to human institutions and individuals. The Bible presents God as the ultimate authority, as seen in passages like Psalm 103:19, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all." This divine authority is foundational, as God is the Creator and Sustainer of all things.

Human authority is derived from God and is meant to reflect His justice and righteousness. Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes this, stating, "Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves." This passage underscores the belief that governmental and institutional authorities are established by God to maintain order and justice.

In the family, authority is also divinely structured. Ephesians 5:22-24 instructs, "Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything." This reflects a hierarchical order intended to mirror Christ's relationship with the Church.

Spiritual authority is another key aspect, with church leaders being given authority to shepherd the flock. Hebrews 13:17 advises, "Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they keep watch over your souls as those who must give an account. Allow them to do this with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you." This highlights the responsibility and accountability of leaders within the church.

Voluntary Action

Voluntary action in the Bible is closely tied to the concepts of free will and personal responsibility. While God is sovereign, He has endowed humans with the ability to make choices, as seen in Deuteronomy 30:19, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, so that you and your descendants may live." This passage illustrates the call to choose obedience to God willingly.

Voluntary action is also evident in the call to love and serve others. Galatians 5:13 states, "For you, brothers, were called to freedom; but do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh. Rather, serve one another in love." Here, the exercise of freedom is directed towards selfless service, reflecting Christ's example.

In the New Testament, the concept of voluntary giving is emphasized. 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This highlights the importance of willingness and joy in acts of generosity.

Voluntary action is also crucial in the context of discipleship. Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross voluntarily, as seen in Matthew 16:24, "Then Jesus told His disciples, 'If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me.'" This call to discipleship is a voluntary commitment to live according to Christ's teachings and example.

In summary, authority and voluntary action are intertwined in the biblical narrative, with authority being divinely instituted and voluntary action reflecting human responsibility and freedom within God's sovereign plan.