The Chain of Religious Authority

Today, man is confused as to what authority he should base his religious views. He asks, “Does the authority lie with the church? …the councils of men? …one’s conscience? …the Pope? …tradition?” Since the Bible is the only written revelation which God [who is the ultimate authority (Genesis 1:1)] gives of Himself, and since it is that from which all Christianity has come, then we must go to the Bible to see what it says regarding who or what is our authority.
In Hebrews 1:1-2 it is made clear that GOD, in earlier times, spoke through the prophets, but now speaks through Christ. Mark 9:2-8 teaches that we are to hear only Jesus. Matthew 28:18 tells us that the Father gave Jesus all authority upon heaven and earth. Thus, our religious authority is JESUS.
Before Jesus left the earth, He promised the Apostles that He would send the Holy Spirit, who would miraculously guide them into all truth (John 14:26). Such was fulfilled a few weeks later in Jerusalem (Acts 2:1-4). The Apostles (and later the prophets, Ephesians 3:5) would speak, not from their own thoughts or will, but by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:6-13; Matthew 10:19- 20). Thus, Jesus delegated religious authority to the APOSTLES.
Although Jesus wrote no letters, the inspired Apostles wrote several (which make up the Bible’s New Testament). These writings are as equally inspired as were the Apostles’ oral words (1 Corinthians 14:37; 2 Timothy 3:16). It is the Gospel that has the authority to save our souls (James 1:21; Romans 1:16; Luke 8:5,12). If any man goes beyond this written authority, he acts upon authority other than that of God (Revelation 22:18-19; Deuteronomy 4:2). Thus, the Apostles passed on their authority in the BIBLE.
What then, is our authority in religion? It is the Bible! The Bible is the inspired Word of God, written by inspired men, who were given authority by Christ, who has all authority.
Yes, we must heed the Bible, for by it we shall be judged (John 12:48; Romans 2:16).
Gary Henson