Divine Authority

Divine authority refers to the supreme power and right of God to govern and command His creation. This authority is inherent in God's nature as the Creator and Sustainer of all things. The Bible consistently affirms God's ultimate authority over the universe, human history, and individual lives.

1. God as Sovereign Creator: The Bible begins with the declaration of God's authority in creation. Genesis 1:1 states, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." This foundational truth establishes God's authority over all creation, as He is the originator of everything that exists.

2. God's Authority in Law and Commandments: God's authority is also evident in the giving of the Law. In Exodus 20:1-2, God speaks directly to the Israelites, saying, "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery." The Ten Commandments that follow are a direct expression of God's authority over moral and ethical conduct.

3. Authority of Jesus Christ: The New Testament reveals the authority of Jesus Christ as the Son of God. In Matthew 28:18, Jesus declares, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me." This authority is demonstrated through His teachings, miracles, and ultimately, His resurrection from the dead.

4. Scriptural Authority: The Bible itself is considered the authoritative Word of God. 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness." The authority of Scripture is foundational for doctrine and practice in the Christian faith.

5. Divine Authority in Governance: Romans 13:1-2 emphasizes God's authority over human governments: "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." This passage underscores the belief that all earthly authority is derived from God's ultimate sovereignty.

Divine Presence

Divine presence refers to the manifestation of God's being and activity in the world. It is the assurance that God is actively involved in His creation and in the lives of His people.

1. God's Omnipresence: The Bible teaches that God is omnipresent, meaning He is present everywhere at all times. Psalm 139:7-10 beautifully captures this truth: "Where can I go from Your Spirit? Where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend to the heavens, You are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, You are there."

2. The Presence of God in the Tabernacle and Temple: In the Old Testament, God's presence was symbolically represented in the Tabernacle and later in the Temple. Exodus 25:8-9 records God's instruction to Moses: "Then have them make a sanctuary for Me, and I will dwell among them." The Holy of Holies was the focal point of God's presence among His people.

3. The Incarnation of Christ: The ultimate expression of divine presence is found in the incarnation of Jesus Christ. John 1:14 states, "The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us." Jesus is Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23), signifying God's intimate presence with humanity.

4. The Indwelling of the Holy Spirit: In the New Testament, believers experience God's presence through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 reminds Christians, "Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God?"

5. God's Presence in Worship and Prayer: The presence of God is also experienced in communal worship and personal prayer. Matthew 18:20 promises, "For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them." This assurance encourages believers to seek God's presence in their spiritual practices.

The concepts of divine authority and presence are central to understanding the relationship between God and His creation. They affirm God's rightful rule and His intimate involvement in the world, providing believers with both a foundation for obedience and a source of comfort and guidance.