Divine Authority

Divine authority refers to the power and right that God possesses as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. This authority is absolute, sovereign, and unchallengeable, rooted in God's nature and His eternal purposes. Throughout the Bible, divine authority is demonstrated in God's commands, judgments, and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

In the Old Testament, divine authority is evident in God's covenantal relationships with His people. For instance, in Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth," God's authority as Creator establishes His right to govern all creation. The giving of the Law at Mount Sinai further exemplifies divine authority, as seen in Exodus 20:1-2: "And God spoke all these words: 'I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery.'"

The prophets also spoke with divine authority, delivering messages from God to His people. In Jeremiah 1:9, God assures the prophet, "Behold, I have put My words in your mouth," signifying that the authority of the prophetic message comes directly from God.

In the New Testament, divine authority is supremely manifested in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus' authority is recognized in His teaching, miracles, and His power over nature and demons. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This statement underscores His divine authority as the risen Lord and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Divine Commission

Divine commission refers to the mandate or mission given by God to individuals or groups to carry out His purposes. This commission is often accompanied by the empowerment and guidance of the Holy Spirit, enabling the recipients to fulfill their God-given tasks.

In the Old Testament, divine commissions are seen in the calling of leaders and prophets. Moses, for example, receives a divine commission at the burning bush in Exodus 3:10: "So now, go. I am sending you to Pharaoh to bring My people the Israelites out of Egypt." Similarly, Isaiah's commission is recorded in Isaiah 6:8, where he responds to God's call, "Here am I. Send me!"

The New Testament highlights the Great Commission given by Jesus to His disciples. In Matthew 28:19-20, Jesus instructs, "Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you." This commission extends the authority of Christ to His followers, empowering them to spread the Gospel and establish His kingdom on earth.

The apostle Paul also exemplifies divine commission in his missionary journeys and epistles. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit directs the church at Antioch, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." Paul's letters frequently affirm his apostolic authority and commission, as seen in Galatians 1:1: "Paul, an apostle—sent not from men nor by a man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead."

Divine authority and commission are central themes in the biblical narrative, reflecting God's sovereign rule and His active involvement in the world through chosen individuals and communities. These concepts underscore the responsibility and privilege of participating in God's mission, empowered by His Spirit and guided by His Word.