Where do people get the spiritual authority?

[MatthewG]

People assume they have the authority to overtly cover and decide for others what is right and what is wrong concerning the bible.

Is there a passage of scripture which one can take the bible for today, and assert this authority over people?

Because from my understanding, there is no such scripture which a person can take the words written in the bible and make them for us today because the book was never written to us, in America for example, or Canada, or A specific person in a state.

Revelation was written to 7 literal churches with living breathing people.

So how can people assert this authority if there is no passage of scripture which state "and these letters are to everyone ever more."

You’re questioning where people claim to get spiritual authority—especially those who use the Bible to command or judge others, saying, “You must do this or you’re not truly a believer.” You find it troubling when individuals act like gatekeepers between someone and God, declaring who’s saved or deceived based on personal interpretations.

You challenge the idea that anyone can force belief—especially around things like the end times or divine prophecy. Belief should be personal, not coerced.

You also express deep concern over spiritual manipulation, such as faith healers or “prophets” promising blessings in exchange for money. You ask: Who gave them the authority to misuse the Bible like that?

In the end, you emphasize that true followers of Christ should be guided by love and the spirit within—not by people elevating themselves as judges over others.

 

[Lambano]

God (or Jesus) will judge us; that’s pretty clear. (Matthew 25:31-46, Romans 2:16, 2 Corinthians 5:10, et.al.). On what basis will you be judged? Lots of folks are willing to give you free advice on that. You decide. Choose wisely.

 

[MatthewG]

Lambano, the judgement thing I am not so worried about. That is something I do believe will happen when we pass away in this life.

I just desire to know why people believe they assert some authority over people, as though they have a right to by-pass the people that lived in that day which the Gospels had went out to.

I realize many suggest there was no Gospel while Jesus was walking around and that it was all preaching by the mouth of the past events they had encountered.

However, considering we do have the Apostolic Record, of the Apostles it seems like Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, must have been completed at least before the destruction of Jerusalem on the great and dreadful day of the LORD.

If that is the case, the Gospels, the Letters were all written in prior to 70AD. Weirdly enough in Yahavah sense of humor of having taken out his people whom were the antichrist(s), who rejected the Messiah, were judged too. That whole age was Judged and done in by fire. Removing the whole of Material religion itself, from sacrifices to the historical records of their own genealogy also being taken out.

They were judged, first and perhaps some gentiles in the mix with the Bride of Christ in that day.



I just don't get were people assume the position of authority, as though they have the authority to read that same book and assign to themselves as though people on this earth are gonna experience the exact manner of judgement like that.

As though the letter of Thessalonica starts off by saying "Hey matthew, this Paul, keep waiting for Yeshua to come."
Or When Jesus is speaking of the "Evil farmers," that has something to do with us today when it was very much the Jewish people of that time, and even the pharisees stated "God would kill those evil men."


Are there spiritual things to learn through all of this by the spirit over the material which was first presented? Should we over spiritualize, or overthink as though Yahavah is actually going to judge America as a country and and wipe them out and Jesus comes over here, to some mount of olives we have over here? Which we most likely dont have? I know for one thing I can't see a storm until it finally comes close enough for me to see it.

Death, is something I can foresee in my future, be it near or be it far away. Therefore I know that I am gonna die, and I believe this same Yahavah the judged that nation then in that day, will judge me based on "what I did with my life as far as incorporating him into it, and building up spiritual treasures in heaven as Yeshua had said is important."


But no one on this earth does every single thing in that book we hold. So while this took a moment to explain from my understanding concerning judgement.


Where do people get the authority to assign all of these things to themselves, or the nation we live in, that is my over all question, and judgement doesn't have anything to do with that, at least in my opinion.

Hopefully this was clear enough to understand. I don't have any authority to read scripture and apply it myself in a LITERALIST WAY, though there are Literalist out there, and believe everything was written to them today as though these things are gonna happen tomorrow.


Isn't it Yahavah whom is the Authority.

Just like a supervisor is the Authority.
A police officer be them corrupt or not, at that moment in time are the Authority.
A judge that rules over your case is the Authority.

There is no Pastor that has Authority. - but people will quote the passage from a Letter to Timothy, saying they do too!
Are they right or wrong? I guess we all have to decide for ourselves, and I dont believe anyone has any authority when it comes down to doing something like that at all.

The Apostles in that time were the Apostolic Authority keeping the bride of Christ together. (That is something I do understand at least from my perspective, and opinion.)

 

[Pearl]

People assume they have the authority to overtly cover and decide for others what is right and what is wrong concerning the bible.

Is there a passage of scripture which one can take the bible for today, and assert this authority over people?

Because from my understanding, there is no such scripture which a person can take the words written in the bible and make them for us today because the book was never written to us, in America for example, or Canada, or A specific person in a state.

Revelation was written to 7 literal churches with living breathing people.

So how can people assert this authority if there is no passage of scripture which state "and these letters are to everyone ever more."

Have you never been reading the scriptures and felt a passage jump out at you, which meets your exact needs at that time? I have many a time and so have others I know.

There is one that stands out above all others as it was the first one to do so as a new Christian. I can't even remember where it came from now.

It was given to me just before we went to our first bible week in a borrowed tent. We had never camped before and I was a bit anxious so I prayed about it and God led me to a verse in the OT where it said "Your tent will remain secure" so I took that as a promise.

Anyway the first day of the bible week came after a prolonged heatwave rare for England. and that night there was a mighty storm which set fire to the nearby York Minster. It woke me and I looked out of the window of the tent to see nearly everybody out in the rain tightening guy ropes.

My tent remained secure, no damage at all and my husband and son slept through it. The only casualty was my wooden pepper grinder which had been in contact with the side of the tent and got wet and split down one side. It healed and I still have it to remind me of that night and of how God keeps His promises.

There have been other times too when I scripture has spoken to me. Scripture is a Living word it's not just words on a page meant for THEN and THEM but fresh and alive each time we read it and is for US and NOW.

 

[MatthewG]

@Pearl,

The context is important, I am not saying that the words Yeshua's spoke we can not learn from them in how to go about life in the Spirit of Christ within us. I believe there is a lot of benefit as long as the scripture is not making people hate other people, and they are fortified within the Spirit. That is what is the most valuable.

Living by the holy spirit, while the book I find it very useful, and important, and has high spiritual value, taking a context and making it for us today, is out of line for me.

There are some things in that book that do not pertain to us at all today, but for them then.


I was a reader of the scripture and a hater of people at one time before I really realized what was the truth of the matter at hand. Living by the Spirit, rather than the confounds of the book itself.

That is where liberty in the Spirit is founded.

2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty [emancipation from bondage, true freedom].

Is this for us today? As in for spiritual reinforcement of living by said Spirit. I believe so.

 

[SavedInHim]

God's word was written to specific people in this past but still has authority today.

"Do I say these things as a mere man? Or does not the law say the same also? For it is written in the law of Moses, 'You shall not muzzle an ox while it treads out the grain.' Is it oxen God is concerned about? Or does He say it altogether for our sakes? For our sakes, no doubt, this is written, that he who plows should plow in hope, and he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope." 1 Corinthians 9:8-10

"For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." Romans 15:4

Peter was making plans to ensure that future generations would always have access to his teachings.

"Yes, I think it is right, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, knowing that shortly I must put off my tent, just as our Lord Jesus Christ showed me. Moreover, I will be careful to ensure that you always have a reminder of these things after my decease." 2 Peter 1:13-15

 

[Nameaboveallnames]

Revelation was written to 7 literal churches with living breathing people.

So how can people assert this authority if there is no passage of scripture which state "and these letters are to everyone ever more."

One of those seven churches was the church at Laodicea, and here is what Paul wrote to the saints at Colosse:

Col 4:16
And when this epistle is read among you, cause that it be read also in the church of the Laodiceans; and that ye likewise read the epistle from Laodicea.

The saints at Colosse were instructed to read Paul's epistle to the saints in Laodicea, and they were also instructed to read the epistle written to the Laodiceans.

Peter wrote his first epistle "to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia" (1 Pet. 1:1), and in his "second epistle" (2 Pet. 3:1) to them, he told them to "account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." (2 Pet. 3:15-16) In other words, those who received epistles from Peter had also received epistles from Paul.

Paul himself directly quoted from Luke's gospel in the underlying Greek while writing to Timothy:

1Ti 5:18
For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward.

Luk 10:7
And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house.

Paul also instructed Timothy in the following manner:

2Ti 2:2
And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.

God's word is for all men in all ages.

 

[bdavidc]

People assume they have the authority to overtly cover and decide for others what is right and what is wrong concerning the bible.

Is there a passage of scripture which one can take the bible for today, and assert this authority over people?

Because from my understanding, there is no such scripture which a person can take the words written in the bible and make them for us today because the book was never written to us, in America for example, or Canada, or A specific person in a state.

Revelation was written to 7 literal churches with living breathing people.

So how can people assert this authority if there is no passage of scripture which state "and these letters are to everyone ever more."

The Bible never gives anyone the right to claim personal authority over others based on their own opinions. What the Bible does clearly teach is that God’s Word itself carries authority over all people, in every nation, for all generations. Scripture speaks with the authority of God, not man. That’s why Paul wrote, “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 perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16–17). This means that while the original audience may have been specific, like the seven churches in Revelation, the instruction and truth are for all who follow Christ. Paul also wrote, “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning” (Romans 15:4). That includes people today, no matter where they live. Jesus made it clear that His words transcend time and place when He said, “Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matthew 24:35). The Bible is not bound by geography or history, it is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), and its truths apply to all who will hear.

No one has the right to twist the Bible and declare themselves the judge over others. But every believer is commanded to “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3), and to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15), rightly dividing the Word of truth (2 Timothy 2:15). That’s not about human control, it’s about pointing people back to the authority of God’s Word. So yes, the letters were written to real people, but the message is preserved for us, not because we claim it, but because God declared it. The command to preach, teach, reprove, and correct using Scripture (2 Timothy 4:2) wasn’t limited to one place or time. God's Word is universal truth, and it speaks to you today just as surely as it did to them back then.

The Bible doesn’t need to say “these letters are for everyone forever” word-for-word. That’s a man-made excuse. God says all Scripture is inspired and profitable (2 Timothy 3:16), and Paul’s writings are the Lord’s commandments (1 Corinthians 14:37). His gospel will judge everyone (Romans 2:16). The Word of God is eternal (1 Peter 1:25). If you reject that, you’re not arguing with Paul, you’re arguing with God (1 Thessalonians 2:13).

 

[SavedInHim]

If someone reads God's word and still hate others, it's not the word's fault. That person hasn't understood the word or taken to heart what it says; which is to love one another, even your enemies.

 

[MatthewG]

If someone reads God's word and still hate others, it's not the word's fault. That person hasn't understood the word or taken to heart what it says; which is to love one another, even your enemies.

SIH,

I was that guy walking around looking at everyone, they dont pray like me, they dont read the bible like me. I looked at them in spite, all in the work place when I first came to actually reading the bible at 26 years old.

I continued to believe, and slowly over time I changed when learning the actual content and context of the bible itself. That helped so much, now living in the new heavens and new earth, it's all by the Spirit we live by which indwells righteousness.

That righteousness that comes through any of us is always through the Lord Yeshua whom lives in our heart. That right way that comes is the Heavenly wisdom, the spirit which causes people to love in the way Paul himself expressed.

I still have that old man come up within me sometimes, and those are the times where I have to actively put myself back down and let Yeshua come through, as Yahavah continues to work with me.

Far from perfection, broken in all places, sinner just as Paul admits he was a chief of all sinners.

It's only Yeshua, and living by the Spirit which helps in freedom, being free from what a person may try to bond you into.

It's similar to how the man who was chained up and broke his chain and was possessed by and evil spirit that kept him in the graveyard, and him cutting himself, and noticing a beacon of light, running to the only one whom can fix the problem.

Same thing as the person with the with the blood problem, all the doctors in the world could never help her, but finding Yeshua, and seeking him out, and having faith, then she was healed.

 

[MatthewG]

I don't understand why people don't leave the authority to Yahavah himself.

He is the one whom can write on the heart and minds of those whom are his, that means those who actively seek him in faith.

They say the Bible is the authority, but why not Yahavah himself? As though he is incompetent to do anything.

Don't get me wrong though, I love the bible and believe it is one of the second greatest gifts he has given us.

The writer of Hebrews wrote:

Hebrews 8:7 If the first covenant had been without fault, it wouldn’t have made sense to expect a second. 8 But God did find fault with them, since he says,

Look, the days are coming, says the Lord,
when I will make a covenant with the house of Israel,
and I will make a new covenant with the house of Judah.
9 It will not be like the covenant that I made with their ancestors
on the day I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt,
because they did not continue to keep my covenant,
and I lost interest in them, says the Lord.
10 This is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel
after those days, says the Lord.
I will place my laws in their minds,
and write them on their hearts.
I will be their God,
and they will be my people.
11 And each person won’t ever teach a neighbor
or their brother or sister, saying, “Know the Lord,”
because they will all know me,
from the least important of them to the most important;
12 because I will be lenient toward their unjust actions,
and I won’t remember their sins anymore.[b]
13 When it says new, it makes the first obsolete. And if something is old and outdated, it’s close to disappearing.

 

[ScottA]

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).​

 

[ScottA]

I don't understand why people don't leave the authority to Yahavah himself.

He is the one whom can write on the heart and minds of those whom are his, that means those who actively seek him in faith.

They say the Bible is the authority, but why not Yahavah himself? As though he is incompetent to do anything.

Don't get me wrong though, I love the bible and believe it is one of the second greatest gifts he has given us.

The writer of Hebrews wrote:

Oh, if it would be that we all had one foot on the land and the other on the sea: one foot in the world and the other in the kingdom of God.

But there is a final chapter now upon us.

Therefore, many are still only established in the world, as if the church age will go on forever. It will not. The end comes, and many are to be caught unaware. And to many others it is all new. Meanwhile, we do what we can in a world turned upside down by the outpouring of God's spirit upon all people, the evil and the good.

We're close now.

 

[MatthewG]

Oh, if it would be that we all had one foot on the land and the other on the sea: one foot in the world and the other in the kingdom of God.

But there is a final chapter now upon us.

Therefore, many are still only established in the world, as if the church age will go on forever. It will not. The end comes, and many are to be caught unaware. And to many others it is all new. Meanwhile, we do what we can in a world turned upside down by the outpouring of God's spirit upon all people, the evil and the good.

We're close now.

There is a part of Yahavah living in everyone. Whether they spiritually awaken in the Spirit or not, I don't know.

Your Soul Is God-Given (Bible Study)

Hello, Your very soul is God-given. As God had made Adam (mankind) from the dust of the earth he breathed into him, and he became a living soul. Genesis 2:7 And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul...

www.christianityboard.com

 

[MatthewG]

"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Timothy 3:16-17).​

That is a message to Timothy.

"Scripture" to him is the Old Testament, not the Apostolic Record which had been given within that timeframe.

While I agree people can learn from the scriptures, that doesn't make "end times" for us today.

Except death. That is the only end time I know of.


No one can give me scripture, that states that "These letters are to everyone else forever more."

Yet people act like they know the the end is near... yeah, when a person dies.

Watch them all dance around, playing around as though they know, when they truly dont.

All they want is to see Jesus to return and see a whole new world.

When you can see a whole new world when you live by and through the Spirit of Christ.

 

[ScottA]

That is a message to Timothy.

"Scripture" to him is the Old Testament, not the Apostolic Record which had been given within that timeframe.

While I agree people can learn from the scriptures, that doesn't make "end times" for us today.

Except death. That is the only end time I know of.


No one can give me scripture, that states that "These letters are to everyone else forever more."

Yet people act like they know the the end is near... yeah, when a person dies.

Watch them all dance around, playing around as though they know, when they truly dont.

All they want is to see Jesus to return and see a whole new world.

When you can see a whole new world when you live by and through the Spirit of Christ.

You are not connecting the dots. The words are handed down--just as Paul was doing with Timothy, and just as Jesus did with the 12, then the 70, "first to the Jew, and also to the Greek (Gentile)."

You have also been reminded of the fact that Jesus' words will not pass away but are eternal, as it is also written, "Jesus Christ (the Word) is the same, yesterday, today, and forever."

Now, I know (as you have expressed it), that you would have people enter into the spiritual promises even now available to us, even to the end of this life in the world. But that is not the extent of it, nor does that nullify the fact that the full promise of eternal life is the greater "gain" by comparison.

 

[MatthewG]

You are not connecting the dots. The words are handed down--just as Paul was doing with Timothy, and just as Jesus did with the 12, then the 70, "first to the Jew, and also to the Greek (Gentile)."

You have also been reminded of the fact that Jesus' words will not pass away but are eternal, as it is also written, "Jesus Christ (the Word) is the same, yesterday, today, and forever."

Now, I know (as you have expressed it), that you would have people enter into the spiritual promises even now available to us, even to the end of this life in the world. But that the extent of it, nor does that nullify the fact that the full promise of eternal life is the greater "gain" by comparison.

@ScottA,

I don't believe you and I see the scripture in the same way. I don't even know what you are saying, and I don't believe the Spirit causes confusion.

Im someone who believes that Yeshua has completed everything, and the only thing left to do is have faith, live, love, and die.

 

[MatthewG]

Im looking forward to someone whom is able to make the "Letters" sent to specific people at a certain time that we never lived in, written to them today.

The Bible was never written "TO" any of us, though it was written "FOR" us as a benefit to learn the dealing between God and Man.


If someone is able to make the "end times for us today" I would love to see your conclusions but you'll never be able to change those direct lines where Paul, and Others, is writing to specific people in a time where he encouraged them to watch, and wait, and even the hour of the end would come upon them."



Are the beneficial for people that read it? Absolutely as long as they are not judging, condemning, and hating people.
If they are starting to believe they need to judge, condemn, and hate. They need to throw those things away. And Re-evaluate what is truly being said.

 

[ScottA]

@ScottA,

I don't believe you and I see the scripture in the same way. I don't even know what you are saying, and I don't believe the Spirit causes confusion.

Im someone who believes that Yeshua has completed everything, and the only thing left to do is have faith, live, love, and die.

They you would be wrong, for we are commissioned to continue His commandments--not only for ourselves in good Christian living having been saved--not just considering our own end, but rather His end, and His work unto every generation.

As for confusion, even the scriptures are under the confusion of "all language."

 

[MatthewG]

They you would be wrong, for we are commissioned to continue His commandments--not only for ourselves in good Christian living having been saved--not just considering our own end, but rather His end, and His work unto every generation.

If you say so, I just look at what John stated.

I don’t mind being wrong according to you, if what I’m stating within my own perception is true.

And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another, as He gave us commandment.