Just prior to His ascension, Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Mt. 28:18). If Jesus is “Lord of lords and King of kings” (Rev. 17:14), then He must possess all authority. And, if He possesses all authority, He has the right to direct our lives. We cannot call Jesus, “Lord”, unless we do what He says (Lk. 6:46).
Jesus’ claim to possess all authority is not an idle boast. It is confirmed by the wonderful miracles He performed. Jesus has authority over nature. He fed the multitudes with only five fish and two loaves. He walked on water. He calmed the stormy sea (Mt. 8:24-27; Jn. 6:1-21). On many occasions, Jesus demonstrated His authority over sickness through His many acts of healing. He even restored an ear which had been severed by Peter’s sword (Jn. 18:10-11). Jesus showed His authority over death, by raising Jairus’ daughter (Mt. 9:18-26), the widow’s son (Lk. 7:11-16), and the four-day-dead body of Lazarus (Jn. 11:1-44). But, the ultimate evidence, proving Jesus to be the Son of God, was His own resurrection from the dead (Rm. 1:4).
Christ’s authority is expressed through His word. We must take it as it is, neither adding to it nor taking away from it (Rev. 22:18-19). There will always be some who distort the word of truth, even making it appear as though they are speaking from God when, in fact, they are preaching their own opinions. Preaching a different gospel brings disaster both to the preacher and those who listen (Gal. 1:6-10). The New Testament of Christ is our only standard for religious faith and practice (Jn. 12:48).
— Glen Elliott —