Editorial - Published On GospelWeb 4/18/12: @ http:/www.gospelweb.net

ABSOLUTE ABSOLUTES

A law expresses an absolute and an absolute establishes authority. If there is one thing liberals hate, it is an absolute authority. Where does authority begin? It must have a source. There are basically two views which contradict one another. (1) Authority is derived from man, as groups collectively bestow power upon government or magistrates, to govern the people, or (2) Authority is derived from God, then man organizes government, based upon the commandments and principles of God. If authority comes from man, then there are no absolutes. What man deems to be wrong, is indeed wrong, as long as man declares it to be wrong. But if man decides to change the law, then what was wrong is no longer wrong. However, if God declares something to be wrong, then an absolute is established, which is immutable.

Thomas Hobbes, 1588-1679, was a British philosopher and infidel, who advocated the idea that authority is derived from man under the common consent of the governed. But if authority comes from man, then nothing is moral or immoral, but amoral. According to English philosopher, John Locke, who was diametrically opposed to the philosophy of Thomas Hobbes, fundamental rights were the right to "life, liberty and estate", estate being the right to own property. Thankfully, our founding fathers subscribed to the philosophy of John Locke, as reflected in some of the founding documents. The phrase "inalienable rights" from the Declaration of Independence speaks of authority that transcends man. Inalienable rights are sometimes called natural rights. Inalienable means they are fixed and not contingent on or awarded by human power. The right to life is an unalienable power.

All three of these rights, life, liberty and property are being challenged increasingly in America. The right to life was challenged and blown away years ago, when the right to murder innocent, unborn children in the womb was legalized. Our liberties are under fire as an ever growing government continues to encroach on "we the people" with insane rulings by agenda driven judges, from the right to own firearms, to the right to disagree with and voice an opinion against that which is perverse and abnormal, in the realm of what defines marriage and family. And certainly, the right to own property is challenged through eminent domain cases, with an increase in abuse, as a philosophy of socialism continues to grow among elected officials. By its own admission, the Federal Government owns more than 600,000,000 acres of land with this amount increasing every year. Woven into the fabric of the founding of this nation was the right to own property.

Ultimately, the recognition of an ultimate authority points to The Ultimate Authority, the God of the universe, Jehovah God of the Bible. And this is why people kick against the idea of absolutes and authority so vehemently. If there is a God, then we must all face Him one day, and standing before Him means accountability to authority. A prevailing theme throughout the Bible is the theme of authority. Whether the story is the Garden of Eden, Israel in Egypt or the Promised Land, the saga of the united and divided kingdoms, Jesus in the Gospels or the presentation of the King of Kings in the book of Revelation, authority is the final issue. Will man rebel against God, or will man submit to God? That is always the final issue. Either God is the absolute authority of the universe, to which all men are accountable, or He is not. If He is not the final authority, then nothing matters, man can live as he chooses and die, with no reward or punishment. Or man can submit to God, through repentance and faith in the blood of Jesus, live for Him, keep His commandments, and enter into the joy of his Lord at death.

You know, if I'm wrong and atheists are right, then no one has to give account to a higher power. But If I'm right . . . . . . . . You tell me the best common sense choice.

Joseph Harris has been a pastor and Bible college professor since 1986. (This article may be reprinted in whole, as long as the name Joseph Harris and www.miniedition.net also appear). The writings of Joseph Harris are based on his beliefs and views and do not necessarily reflect the beliefs and views of Southeastern Baptist College. His writings have appeared on stupidpoliticians.com, the Sword of the Lord, WorldNet Daily, Conservative Daily News, Intellectual Conservative, Canada Free Press, Land of the Free, and The Post Chronicle. Joseph Harris is the Vice President of Southeastern Baptist College in Laurel, MS.