Bible Dictionary
AUTHORITY IN RELIGION
Authority in religion concerns the right to declare truth, command obedience, and guide worship and conduct. Biblically, ultimate authority belongs to God, while Christ, Scripture, and God-appointed servants exercise authority under Him.
Biblical Usage
The ultimate authority is God. Christ exercises authority in teaching, works, forgiveness, judgment, life, and salvation; His disciples exercise authority as His representatives, and the Bible functions as religious authority.