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by Gino Geraci
Likewise, also these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries (Jude 8).
In the verse above, the word translated, “authority” (kyriotes) literally means “lordship.” Jude uses the related word, kyrios which is translated, “Lord,” in verses 4,5.
All authority is given by God to Jesus Christ the Lord (John 5:27). Jude is restating the claim that false teachers deny our only Sovereign and Lord by their lawless behavior.
Jesus is Lord of all or not Lord at all.
Are you a Christian? Do you believe in the teachings of Jesus? Do you believe what Jesus taught? If you want to live your life your own way, than you must abandon the claims of Christ on your life!
False teachers do not always deny the authority of the Bible outright. Sometimes, some such as the Mormons, use the clever phrase, “We believe the bible is authoritative in so far as it is correctly translated.”
False teachers may regard the Bible as inspired, but quickly remind you of their confidence in the teachings of their guru or prophet or spokesman. Their lives and teaching demonstrate that they are not submitted to the teachings and lordship of Jesus Christ.
One of the chief characteristics of a false teacher is his or her claims for some authority or revelation apart from the clear statements of the Word of God. But Hebrews 1:1-2 states, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds.”
A Los Angeles based cult placed this advertisement:
“The Bible has become to you the Book, but I would also have you know that God has inspired men and women with power to reveal, in our own time, even greater things, and ever fresh unfoldings from the heart of life. Above all things, we want you to have the open vision today, for greater things are coming, and God is doing wonders among you. Rejoice in the new revelation, abounding in hope. The new will reveal the old to you afresh. Have no doubts. Launch out into the deeps of God, and fear not. Eternity is now”
(quoted in David Breese's Know the Marks of Cults p.27).
Sometimes extrabiblical authority comes from some “new revelation” or “new book,” or “new leader.” Many cults and religions have invested some person or organization with authority and infallible teachings. Some examples are the Watchtower and Tract Society, the Pope, and so on.
William Branham, a cult figure who influenced many modern health and wealth heretics wrote in his book, Word from the Bride, “One night as I was seeking the Lord, the Holy Spirit told me to pick up my pen and write. As I grasped the pen to write, His Spirit gave me a message for the church. I want to bring it to you. . .It has to do with the Word and the bride.” William Braham was lying. The Lord did not give him the message. The message was laced with the poison of heresy.
The Bible is the only infallible, authority. Revelation 22:18-19 states, “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.”
In response to Revelation 22:18-19, many false teachers will say, “that applies only to the book of Revelation. Besides our revelation did not come from man, but from a supernatural source.” In a sense, they’re right; their supernatural source is Satan. Their book was published in hell!
Galatians 1:8-9, reads, “But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.”
Beware of all teachers who deny the authority of God’s Word, who reject God’s authority on their lives, and who do not want to live under the Lordship of Jesus Christ or the godly discipline of the church.
© 2007 by Gino Geraci
He has served as a police chaplain for several police departments and currently serves as a Police Chaplain for the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Department. Gino has provided emergency service support in many national tragedies. He was a first responder at Columbine High School, Ground Zero in New York, and Platte Canyon High School.
Gino has appeared on scores of national and local radio programs as a guest, including television appearances with Lee Stroebel's Faith Under Fire. He currently hosts a daily radio program with Salem Media in Denver, Colorado area.
Gino is a much sought after conference speaker. He has conducted leadership conferences, Bible conferences, and emergency service support conferences with the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, Samaritans' Purse, Gospel for Asia in India and Sri Lanka, the Bible League in Africa, Food For The Poor in Jamaica, Mike McIntosh Crusades in Mexico, Somebody Loves You Bible Conferences with Raul Ries in Chile, Columbia and Peru, and pastor's conferences in much of the continental United States.
Gino is currently the pastor of Calvary South Denver where he continues to minister, preach, teach, and serve.
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