Authority

In the biblical context, authority is a central theme that underscores God's sovereign rule over creation, the delegated authority given to human leaders, and the spiritual authority exercised by believers. The concept of authority is rooted in the nature of God as the ultimate source of all power and governance.

1. Divine Authority: God's authority is absolute and unchallenged. He is depicted as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, whose will is supreme. In Genesis 1:1, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," we see the foundational assertion of God's authority over all creation. The Psalms frequently affirm God's sovereign rule, as in Psalm 103:19, "The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all."

2. Delegated Authority: Throughout Scripture, God delegates authority to human leaders to govern and guide His people. This is evident in the appointment of kings, judges, and prophets in the Old Testament. For instance, in 1 Samuel 16:13, God anoints David as king through the prophet Samuel, signifying divine endorsement and authority. In the New Testament, Jesus delegates authority to His apostles, as seen in Matthew 28:18-20, where He commissions them to make disciples of all nations.

3. Authority of Christ: Jesus Christ embodies divine authority. His teachings, miracles, and resurrection demonstrate His authority over nature, sin, and death. In Matthew 7:29, it is noted that Jesus taught "as one who had authority, and not as their scribes." His authority is further affirmed in Philippians 2:9-11, where every knee is to bow at the name of Jesus, acknowledging His lordship.

4. Spiritual Authority of Believers: Believers are granted spiritual authority through their relationship with Christ. This authority is exercised in spiritual warfare, prayer, and the proclamation of the Gospel. In Luke 10:19, Jesus tells His disciples, "I have given you authority to tread on snakes and scorpions and over all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you."

Glory

Glory in the Bible refers to the manifestation of God's presence, majesty, and holiness. It is both an attribute of God and a response of creation to His greatness.

1. Glory of God: God's glory is intrinsic to His being. It is often associated with His holiness and power. In Exodus 33:18-19, Moses requests to see God's glory, and God responds by proclaiming His goodness and mercy. The glory of God is also depicted in the visions of the prophets, such as Isaiah 6:3, where the seraphim declare, "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; the whole earth is full of His glory."

2. Revelation of Glory in Christ: The New Testament reveals the glory of God in the person of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth." Jesus' life, death, and resurrection are the ultimate revelation of God's glory.

3. Glory in the Church: The church is called to reflect God's glory through worship, unity, and holiness. Ephesians 3:21 declares, "to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." Believers are to live in a manner that brings glory to God, as instructed in 1 Corinthians 10:31, "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all to the glory of God."

4. Eternal Glory: The hope of eternal glory is a promise for believers. Romans 8:18 speaks of the future glory that will be revealed in us, surpassing present sufferings. Revelation 21:23 describes the New Jerusalem, where "the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp," signifying the eternal presence and glory of God with His people.