Third, and final, Jesus is sovereign because of His authority. When Peter suggested the construction of three altars, he ignorantly placed Moses and Elijah on the same plane of authority as Jesus. While the law of Moses and the writings of the prophets had been authoritative documents in the life of Peter, the Father was establishing a greater authority: Jesus. From Heaven, our Father said to Peter of Jesus, "Hear ye Him" (Matthew 17:5).
Our Father's commandment to Peter, on that day, remains so very important today. Moses and Elijah remain important role models for Bible students. The law and the prophets remain important to Christians, "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope" (Romans 15:4). However, their teachings and writings are not our authority today. One of the reasons Jesus came to earth was to fulfill the law of Moses (Matthew 5:17). He nailed it to the cross (Colossians 2:14), He abolished its power (Ephesians 2:15), and He took it out of the way (Colossians 2:14). The Father said, "Listen to Jesus." He "hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son" (Hebrews 1:2). It is Jesus' authoritative words—the New Testament—which will judge us in the end (John 12:48).
Unfortunately, many refuse to adhere completely to the exclusive authority of Jesus. Many have as their authority man-made creed books, councils, and catechisms. From such writings and teachings come many unbiblical teachings, such as: "Once Saved, Always Saved," "The sprinkling/christening of infants," "Original sin," "Faith-only salvation," "Grace-only salvation," "Immaculate Conception," "Transubstantiation," "Papal Infallibility," "Merit-based salvation," and the list could continue. Furthermore, many unbiblical practices stem from such writings and teachings, such as: worship practices which God has not authorized, acceptation of sinful practices, unbiblical church organization, men and women in leadership roles He has not authorized, and as before, the list could continue. Going even further, many have left religion altogether and primarily have chosen themselves as their authority. Major proponents of such are humanism, postmodernism, evolution, and other errant philosophies developed my mankind.
Jesus, the King of kings, is sovereign. He is above all. One reason He is above all is because of His authority. Do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God? Have you subjected your life to His Kingship? Has He taken your sins away?
