introduction : 1. matthew 28:18-20: christ proclaimed his authority: we must submit to receive...
TRANSCRIPT
Matthew 28:18-20
THE AUTHORITY
OF CHRIST(Part 5)
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
Introduction:
1. Matthew 28:18-20: Christ proclaimed His authority: we must submit to receive salvation
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am
with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.”Matthew 28:18-20
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
Introduction:
2. To understand and apply the authority of Christ:I. Authority of Christ Expressed in Scripture
II. Authority of Christ as Savior III. Authority of Christ in Local Church IV. Gradual Departures from the
Authority of Christ
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of Christ
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristA. Catholic Corruption Sparked Reforms in 1400’s and 1500’s.
Popes exercise political power: The church was filled with ignorance, greed and immorality.
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristA. Catholic Corruption Sparked Reforms in 1400’s and 1500’s.
Indulgence: Transfers merits of Christ, Mary and saints—remit penalties for sin on earth and in purgatory.For the living and the deadGranted if visit saints’ relics, pay
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
Indulgence: transfer merits of Christ, Mary, & saints—remit penalties on earth, in purgatory
Pope Leo X offered plenary indulgence (total pardon) to raise money for St. Peter’s Basilica in 1517 Johann Tetzel in Germany: “As soon as the coin in the coffer rings, The soul from purgatory springs”
Indulgence: transfer merits of Christ, Mary, and saints—remit penalties on earth, in purgatory
Inexpensive indulgence 10 days: “In the authority of all saints…I absolve thee free from all sins…and remit all punishment for ten days.”More expensive: 1,902,202 years!
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristA. Catholic Corruption Sparked Reforms in 1400’s and 1500’s.
In Germany in 1517 Martin Luther wrote 95 theses for debate, challenged the pope’s authority, and was declared an outlaw!
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristA. Catholic Corruption Sparked Reforms in 1400’s-1500’s
Bible translated into common languagesJohn Wycliffe, “morning star” of reform: complete English Bible 1382
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristA. Catholic Corruption Sparked Reforms in 1400’s-1500’s
Bible translated into common languagesGutenberg printed Latin Bible 1455
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristA. Catholic Corruption Sparked Reforms in 1400’s-1500’s
Bible translated into common languages
Luther: N.T. 1520, complete Bible 1534
Bible translated into common languagesWilliam Tyndale: “If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy that drives a plow shall know more of the Scriptures than he [the Pope] did” (1521)
Pope Leo X
Bible translated into common languages
King James I: Commission scholars 1604, 47 men begin 1607, Authorized Version or KJV published 1611 (N.T. 90% Tyndale’s 1534)
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristB. Efforts to Reform Catholicism, Return to New Testament Teaching
In Germany Martin Luther a priest wrote 95 theses for debate in 1517, excommunicated 1520-21 Philip Melanchthon wrote Augsburg Confession 1530; origin of Lutheran Church
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRISTV. Gradual Return to the
Authority of ChristB. Efforts to Reform Catholicism, Return to New Testament Teaching
In Switzerland Ulrich Zwingli priest left Catholicism in Zurich 1522-25; origin of Reformed and Presbyterian Churches
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRISTV. Gradual Return to the
Authority of ChristB. Efforts to Reform Catholicism, Return to New Testament Teaching
In France John Calvin studied priesthood & law; Institutes of the Christian Religion 1536; led Geneva, Switzerland; origin of Reformed and Presbyterian Churches
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRISTV. Gradual Return to the Authority of
ChristB. Efforts to Reform Catholicism, Return to New Testament Teaching
In England King Henry VIII declared “Defender of the Faith” by Pope Leo X for opposing Luther; Henry made the Church of England independent in 1534 to secure marriage to Anne Boleyn
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of Christ
B. Efforts to Reform Catholicism, Return to New Testament Teaching
In Europe Anabaptist movements: reform ferment by lower classes; Menno Simons priest in Netherlands, immersed 1536; Grebel, Hutter, Hoffman, Hut, etc.; origin of Mennonites, Amish, and Church of the Brethren; Baptists from John Smyth in Holland 1607
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristC. Reformers Severely Persecuted by Catholicism, Wars Fought
Reformers protest persecution: Protestant ReformationDeclared outlaws, arrested, tortured, Bibles burned, executedGreat struggle seeking to find and follow the authority of Christ
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristD. Reformers Struggle with How to Apply Bible Authority
Struggle to clarify restoration principle of 1 Peter 4:11
1 Peter 4:11
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
RESTORATION PRINCIPLE(1 Peter 4:11)
What is not authorized
is forbidden
What is not forbidden
is authorized
ZWINGLI LUTHER“Reject what the Bible did not enjoin”
“Accept what the Bible did not prohibit”
“What the Bible does not command we may not do”
“We may do what the Bible does not forbid”
Oppose images, crosses, organs, choirs, clerical dress, etc.
Embrace images, crosses, organs, choirs, clerical dress, etc.
R.H. Bainton, The Church of Our Fathers, pp. 143-144
VS
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristD. Reformers Struggle with How to Apply Bible Authority
Luther’s looser view prevailedDenominations multiplied
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
DENOMINATIONS
606 Rome Boniface III Roman Catholic
1520 Germany Martin Luther
Lutheran
1534 England Henry VIII Episcopal1536 Switzerlan
dJohn Calvin Presbyterian
1550 England Robert Browne
Congregational
1607 Holland John Smythe
Baptist
1739 England John Wesley Methodist1830 America Joseph
SmithMormon
1830 America William Miller
Adventists
1866 America Mary B. Eddy
Christian Science
1872 America Charles Russell
Jehovah’s Witness
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristD. Reformers Struggle with How to Apply Bible Authority
Denominations multipliedDavid Barrett, World Christian Encyclopedia (2001): 33,000World Christian Database (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) track 9,000 denominations Jan. 2008
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristE. Basic Doctrines of Denominations Prevent True Restoration
Additions to Bible AuthorityRevelation 22:18,19
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
Additions To Bible Authority
“For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to
these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes
away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of
Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in
this book.”Revelation 22:18,19
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristE. Basic Doctrines of Denominations Prevent True Restoration
Additions to Bible AuthorityHuman CreedsHeadquarters, hierarchy, councils, officersNew revelationIllumination of the Holy Spirit
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristE. Basic Doctrines of Denominations Prevent True Restoration
Salvation by “faith only”—James 2:24
James 2:24,26
“You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only... For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristE. Basic Doctrines of Denominations Prevent True Restoration
Salvation by “faith only” James 2:24Baptism is not essentialAllow departures from Bible pattern: work, worship and organizationUngodly living does not affect one’s salvation
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristE. Basic Doctrines of Denominations Prevent True Restoration
Direct operation of the Holy Spirit—Romans 1:16
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristE. Basic Doctrines of Denominations Prevent True Restoration
Direct operation of Holy Spirit, Rom.1:16Declared the word dead, cold, powerlessClaim power for salvation, 2nd work of graceClaim miracles todayClaim new revelations, illuminations, miraculous guidanceDeny all-sufficient power of the original gospel
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
Many seek remedy for denominationalism, return to the original gospel of Christ—1790—1850 Speak the oracles of God— 1 Peter 4:11
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
Speak as the Oracles of God--1 Peter 4:11
1 Peter 4:11
“If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
Many seek remedy for denominationalism, return to the original gospel of Christ—1790—1850 Speak the oracles of God— 1 Peter 4:11Speak where the Bible speaks: Bible authority for all we preach and practiceBe silent where the Bible is silent: silence of the scriptures prohibits.
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
Many seek remedy for denominationalism, return to the original gospel of Christ—1790—1850 Speak the oracles of God— 1 Peter 4:11Give Book, Chapter and VerseCall Bible things, by Bible names, do Bible things in Bible ways
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
Ask for the old paths—Jeremiah 6:16
Jeremiah 6:16
“Thus says the LORD: "Stand in the ways and see, And ask for the old paths, where the good way is, And walk in it; Then you will find rest for your souls. But they said, 'We will not walk in it.”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
What saith the scriptures?— Romans 4:3
Romans 4:3
“For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.’”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
Christ the only head of church?— Ephesians 1:22,23
Ephesians 1:22,23
“And He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
Bible only as our guide— 2 Timothy 3:16,17
2 Timothy 3:16,17
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
New Testament pattern of faith and practice in all things— 2 Timothy 1:13
2 Timothy 1:13
“Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
Christians only— Acts 11:26
Acts 11:26
“And when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. So it was that for a whole year they assembled with the church and taught a great many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch.”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristF. Restoration Plea: Return to the Authority of Christ by Return to His Original Teaching
Early efforts in Europe and British Isles in 1700’s—early 1800’s: Robert Sandeman, Robert Haldane, J.A. Haldane (Social Worship, 1805)Fruitful efforts in U.S.: New England, middle colonies, early western frontier, southern states
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
Middle states: James O’Kelly and Rice Haggard leave Methodist Church, 1793-1801Christ only head, Christian only name, Bible only creed
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
New England: Elias Smith leaves Baptist—1802-1803Christian Journal (1805)Herald of Gospel Liberty (1808)
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
Kentucky frontier: Barton W. Stone leaves Presbyterian 1803
G. Restoration Plea Spread Widely in America
Kentucky frontier: Barton W. Stone leaves Presbyterian 1803
1801 Great Revival at Cane Ridge, KY audience 10,000-20,000; weaken Calvinism
Kentucky frontier: Barton W. Stone leaves Presbyterian 1803
1804, Last Will and Testament of the Springfield Presbytery: “Take the Bible as the only sure guide to heaven.”John Smith at Lexington, KY unity meeting Dec. 25, 1831--Jan. 1, 1832: “Let us…be no longer Campbellites or Stoneites, New Lights or Old Lights, or any other kind of lights, but let us come to the Bible and the Bible alone, as the only book in the world that can give us all the light we need.”
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
Western Pennsylvania: Thomas and Alexander Campbell plead for restoration
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
Western Pennsylvania: Thomas and Alexander Campbell plead for restoration1808 leaves Presbyterian, works with Baptists1808 Thomas Campbell:
“Where the Bible speaks, we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent.” If infant baptism “not found in the Scriptures, we can have nothing to do with it.”
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
Western Pennsylvania and Virginia: Thomas and Alexander Campbell plead for restoration1809, Declaration and Address: “The Church of Christ will resume its “original unity, peace, and purity” if we “adopt the practice of the primitive Church, expressly exhibited in the New Testament.”
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
Western Pennsylvania and Virginia: Thomas and Alexander Campbell plead for restorationBrush Run Church, Washington County, PA formed in 1810, later joined the Baptist AssociationJune 12, 1812, Campbells immersed into Christ—not the Baptist Church!
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
Distinguished Old and New Covenants
“How few among the teachers of the New Testament seem to know that Christ’s ministers are not able ministers of the Old Testament, but of the New! Do they not…run to Moses to prove forms of worship, ordinances, discipline, and government in the Christian Church, when asked to account for their practices?” (Alexander letter 1812)
“Sermon on The Law” (1816 Redstone Baptist Association)
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
Gospel spread via journals and debates1830 dissolves Mahoning Baptist AssociationGreat harvest as thousands are converted, but opposes as “cult,” “Campbellites”, etc.
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
Western Reserve (Ohio): Walter Scott left Presbyterian, baptized in 1819 in Pittsburg, PAFive finger exercise: faith, repentance, baptism, remission of sins, gift of the Holy Spirit
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristG. Restoration Plea: Spread Widely in America
Southern states (Georgia): Christian Herman Dasher left Lutheran, baptized 1819.Dasher and S.C. Dunning (former Baptists) in Savannah baptized each other!
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristH. Restoration Plea: Now being put into practice!
The Great Commission— Matthew 28:18-20
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am
with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.”Matthew 28:18-20
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristH. Restoration Plea: Now being put into practice!Great Commission—Matt.28:18-20
Facts to believe: Death, burial and resurrection of ChristCommands to obey: Believe, repent, confess Christ, be immersed in waterPromises to be embrace: Remission of sins and hope of eternal life!
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristH. Restoration Plea: Now being put into practice!Work of the church— Matthew 28:18-20
Preach the gospel: 1 Timothy 3:15Worship God and Edify Saints: 1 Corinthians 14:26Benevolence of needy saints: Acts 6:1
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristH. Restoration Plea: Now being put into practice!Worship of the church— Matthew 28:18-20
1st Day of the Week: Lord Supper Acts 20:71st Day of the Week: Giving 1 Corinthians 16:2Pray: Acts 2:42Teach: Acts 2:42Sing: Ephesians 5:19
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristH. Restoration Plea: Now being put into practice!Organization of the Church—Matt.28:18-20
Leadership: Elders {Presbyters} Pastors (Shepherds} Bishops {Overseers} Acts 14:23; 20:17,18Deacons to Serve: Acts 6:2,3
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristH. Restoration Plea: Now being put into practice!Organization of the Church—Matt.28:18-20
Evangelists: {Preachers} and Teachers to Instruct Ephesians 4:11All saints to participate in work and worship: Philippians 1:1Women Not to Exercise Lead Over Men: 1 Timothy 2:12
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
V. Gradual Return to the Authority of ChristH. Restoration Plea: Now being put into practice!Organization of the Church—Matt.28:18-20
Each local church Independent, Autonomous {No “Mother” or “Satellite” Church}—Acts 14:23No Earthly Headquarters, No Central or Universal Organization
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
Invitation:
1. Matthew 28:18-20 Christ proclaimed his authority: We must submit to receive salvation
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
THE AUTHORITY OF CHRIST
“And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make
disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of
the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to
observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am
with you always, even to the end of the age." Amen.”Matthew 28:18-20