Subjective Authority      
 

by Terry Benton

 

Objective authority is when you look outside your feelings and imaginations and refer to an established standard that you did not invent. That is what God’s revelation is. It is the authoritative standard by which to settle all the subjective feelings and imaginations of men. Jeremiah 10-11 shows the difference between subjective authority and objective authority. Jeremiah pointed out that subjective authority is not reliable. “It is not in (subjective) man to direct his own steps.” (Jer.10:23). “Everyone walked in the imagination of his evil heart (subjective authority).” (11:8). When religious discussion is engaged, there are those who are quick to tell how they feel inside (subjective authority) with no regard to whether their feelings align with the word of God (objective authority). God said, “Obey My voice.” Yet, they did not obey or incline their ear….” They “refused to hear My words” (Jer.11:8, 10). Instead, they “walked in the imagination” of their hearts. This was the reason Israel was so divided in Jeremiah’s day. This is also the reason there are so many different kinds of churches today with so many conflicting doctrines. The appeal of so many is all subjective to the desires and imaginations of the people. Very few are striving to settle in to the objective standard of God’s word. With Jesus it was “not my will, but Your will be done.” Jesus came to do the will of the Father. Like Jesus, we must seek the authority that comes from outside our desires and feelings, the word of God. Isa 8:20 - To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.      Other Articles by Terry Benton Its Not About Me Deciding on Perspective Body Versus Soul They Hated Me First Subjective Spirit Leading The Pharisee Shield Review of Radical Restoration Chapter 1 These Things Became Our Examples The Fall and the Rising     For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com