A Simple, Biblical Explanation of Authority
Authority is a word many people resist.
We value independence.
> We prefer autonomy.
> We want to decide what is right for ourselves.
But the Bible teaches a different reality:
Authority is the God-given right to rule, command, and determine what is true and right.
At its core, authority answers one question:
👉 Who has the final say?
What Is Authority in the Bible?
The Bible reveals several foundational truths about authority:
1. God Is the Ultimate Authority
👉 Psalm 103:19 — “His kingdom ruleth over all”
All authority begins with God because:
- He created all things
- He sustains all things
- He rules over all things
No authority exists above Him.
2. God Has Revealed His Authority Through Scripture
👉 2 Timothy 3:16 — Scripture is inspired by God
The Bible is not just helpful—it is authoritative.
It tells us:
- What is true
- What is right
- How to live
3. Jesus Christ Has All Authority
👉 Matthew 28:18 — “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth”
Jesus is:
- Lord
- King
- Final authority over all creation
To reject Christ is to reject authority itself.
4. God Delegates Authority
👉 Romans 13:1 — Authorities are ordained by God
God establishes authority in:
- Government
- The church
- The home
All human authority is:
- Limited
- Accountable to God
5. Authority Requires Submission
👉 James 4:7 — “Submit yourselves therefore to God”
Submission is not weakness—it is alignment with truth.
To resist God’s authority is to walk in rebellion.
6. Authority and Truth Are Connected
Authority determines truth—not opinion.
👉 John 17:17 — “Thy word is truth”
Without authority:
- Truth becomes subjective
- Everyone becomes their own authority
Authority and the Gospel
Authority brings us face-to-face with a reality:
👉 We are not in charge—God is.
And that creates a problem…
Because we have all resisted His authority.
👉 Romans 3:23 — All have sinned
Sin is ultimately:
👉 Rebellion against God’s authority
But the gospel provides the solution.
👉 Philippians 2:8 — Christ submitted to the Father
What Christ Did Regarding Authority:
- Lived in perfect submission
- Obeyed where we rebelled
- Took the judgment for our disobedience
Because of Christ:
- We are forgiven for rebellion
- We are restored under God’s rule
- We can joyfully submit to Him
Conclusion
Authority is not something to fear—it is something to trust.
Because God is:
- Good
- Just
- Perfect
👉 Authority answers who is right
👉 The gospel restores us under God’s authority
🔥 CALL TO ACTION
- Who or what has the most authority in your life right now?
- Do you see God’s authority as restrictive—or freeing?
👇 Share your thoughts below.
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Dr. Alan Holden has served in pastoral ministry for more than 35 years, preaching and teaching the Bible in churches across the United States. He holds a Doctor of Ministry from Luther Rice Seminary and a Master of Divinity from The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Through What’s It Mean?, he seeks to help readers understand the meaning of Scripture and grow in their walk with Christ. He is currently the pastor of Lake Saunders Baptist Church in Tavares, FL.