PCEA

The apostle John tells us in his Gospel, that the Holy Spirit does not speak of himself, but of Christ. (Jn. 16:13). And it is the Spirit witnessing through the Word who convinces us of the authority of Jesus Christ.

The Old Testament Revelation concerning His Authority

In the Bible there is a progressive unfolding of the plan of God which was conceived in eternity, concerning his purpose to redeem his people through a mediator, the Lord Jesus Christ.

The first intimation of this plan is given in Gen. 3:15, when it is revealed to Adam and Eve that a Saviour is to come, who will bruise the head of the serpent.

This plan is further unfolded in the elaborate details God gave to Moses concerning the building of the tabernacle, and the worship connected with it - The priestly ritual, ceremonies, types, and shadows - all of which pointed to the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ who was to come as the redeemer of his people.

It was further revealed to David that there would always be a king to sit on the throne of Israel. And this promise was fulfilled in the Saviour. (2 Sam. 7:16; Luke Ch. 1).

It is later revealed through the prophets that this Saviour will be born of a virgin (ls. 7:14), that he will be born in Bethlehem (Mic. 5: 2), and that he will live in Nazareth (Matt. 2: 23). It is predicted in the Psalms that he will die, the kind of death he will die, and the conduct of wicked men around his cross. (Ps. 22). And the fact of his resurrection from the dead, and his coming again in power and great glory to judge the quick and the dead is also clearly recorded. (Dan. 12: 2-3; Jn. 5: 26-30).

The New Testament Revelation concerning his Authority

We are shown in Hebrews 1:1-2, that God has revealed Himself to His people in divers parts and portions. Through the medium of dreams, visions, prophets - but that he has supremely revealed himself in Christ his Son. For it was when the fulness of time was come that God sent forth his son made of a woman made under the law that he might redeem those who were under the law. (Gal. 4: 4-5).

And indeed all the Old Testament scriptures concerning him were fulfilled to the very letter. He was born in Bethlehem as predicted. (Matt. 2:1, 5). He escaped to Egypt (Matt. 2:13-14). He lived in Nazareth (Ch. 2: 23). He performed wonderful miracles, heals the leper, raises the dead, causes the lame to walk, touches the eyes of the blind, and opens the ears of the deaf, all in fulfilment of the Old Testament scriptures as he points out in Luke 4:17-19.

His outward miracles attest what he has promised to do for his people inwardly - Restore their sight; open their ears to his truth; cause the lame to walk in his way; and those who are spiritually dead to live.

His authority is attested by many people in the New Testament Scriptures:-

1. It was attested by the Father.
   This happened on at least three occasions: At his baptism (Matt. 3:17); on the mount of transfiguration (Matt. 17:5); and on the mountain his disciples are told to listen to his words, for he teaches as one having authority and power. His authority was also attended by the Father when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand far above all might, and principality and power, declaring to all that he had accepted the sacrifice that had been offered for his people's sins.
2. It was attested by himself.
   He claimed that he came from God, and went to God; that he had power on earth to forgive sins. (Mark 2: 5-10); that he could give eternal life to as many as the Father had given him (Jn. 17: 2); that he was the only way to heaven (Jn. 14: 6); the only door through which men might enter the divine sheepfold (Jn. 10: 9); that he alone could reveal the Father to men (Ma¢t. 11: 27). He showed that he was to die, and rise again, and at the end of the age come in power and great glory, in the clouds of heaven (Luke 24: 44-47. Matt. 24: 30-31); that he would be supreme judge, and that all judgment had been committed unto him (Jn. 5: 22, 27). And this teaching is further reinforced in his parables of the wheat and the tares, the good fish and bad fish, and the sheep and the goats. (Matt. 13; Maff. 25: 32), where it is shown that he will infallibly sort out those who are his on the last great day. And he further claimed intimate fellowship and communion with his Father, from all eternity (Jn. 17: 5, 24), and indicated that believers could know that same oneness that he enjoyed (Jn. 17: 21). He claimed he was the fulfilment of all the Old Testament types and shadows (Matt. 5: 17); and that heaven and earth might pass away but his word never would (Mark 13: 31).
3. It was attested by the Baptist.
   He claimed that Christ was the lamb of God who was to take away the sin of the world (Jn. 1: 29); that he answered to the Old Testament types that they knew so well, that he was the one who baptised with the Holy Spirit, and that he was the Son of God (Jn. 1: 32-34). Also he shows that he would separate believers from unbelievers, and destroy unbelievers with unquenchable fire (Matt. Ch. 3: 12).
4. It was attested by the crowds who attended his words, and by individuals.
   It was said that he spoke with an authority and power which the scribes and pharisees did not possess, and that never a man spoke as he spoke. (Matt. 7: 29; Mark 1: 22; Jn. 7: 46). And so great was his authority and power over men that when he spoke to those who came to arrest him they fell down upon the ground (Jn. 18: 6). Nathaniel said of him that he was the Son of God, and the king of Israel (Jn. 1: 49). Nicodemus declared him to be a teacher come from God, recognising that none could do the miracles that he did unless God was with him (Jn. 3: 2). Peter recognised his might and authority when he cried, &quotDepart from me oh Lord, for I am a sinful man," on the occasion of the great catch of fish (Lk. 5: 8). And the centurion recognised it when he cried out, &quotTruly this was the Son of God." Matt. 27: 54. And Thomas in the presence of that authority cried out, &quotMy Lord and my God" (Jn. 20: 28).
5. It was attested by demons.
   They recognised that Jesus was the Christ the son of the living God, the holy one of Israel (Mark 1: 24-28; Mark 5: 7).
6. It was attested by his apostles.
   Paul tells us in Rom. 1: 4 that he was declared to be the son of God by his resurrection from the dead. And John, &quotThat which we have heard and seen declare we unto you." They showed that they were not speaking from hearsay, but were completely assured within themselves that Jesus was what he claimed to be, had done what he claimed to do, and had the power that he claimed to have; that he had been exalted far above all principalities, and powers, and might, and dominion (Ephes. 1: 21); that in him dwelt all the fulness of the Godhead bodily (Col. 2: 9); and that believers are complete in him. John sees the risen Christ in all his glory and falls at his feet as one dead (Rev. 1: 17).