Authority Quote by G.C. Berkouwer
““Authority ... cannot be a darksome power that compels us to subject ourselves without reason ... Something happens in revelation that is totally different from thwe way the authorities on earth coerce people into servile obedience ... The difference begins with the content of that which is 'over against' us … The authority of God's Word is not being enforced like an arbitrary external authority ... It is rather a subjection that spells redemption ... a subjection to Christ whereby He is never out of view ... in which acceptance occurs with joy and willingness.””
About This Quote
Source Theology: The Authority of God's Word, 1955
God's authority is a joyful subjection, not coercion; it differs from earthly power structures.
In simple terms: Divine authority invites willing acceptance, unlike forced obedience.
Key Takeaway
Seek joyful submission to spiritual truth.
Themes
theology
authority
spirituality
Mood
contemplative
reverent
hopeful
Type
theological
inspirational
When to use this quote
- church teaching
- personal devotion
- ethical decision‑making
Key Concepts
redemption
subjection
joyful acceptance
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you discern divine authority from human control?
- What practices foster joyful spiritual submission?
A Different Perspective
Human authority can still dominate believers.
![“This feeling of accountability, which is encompassed by the first great commandment to love God, has been described by some as 'obedience to the unenforceable.' [John Fletcher Moulton.] We try to do what is right because we love and want to please our Father in Heaven, not because someone is…” quote by Quentin L. Cook](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/266/quentin-l-cook-12472_accountability_this-feeling-of-accountability-which-is_2615579.jpg)
![“The rationale which accompanies that imposition of male authority euphemistically referred to as 'the battle of the sexes' bears a certain resemblance to the formulas of nations at war, where any heinousness is justified on the grounds that the enemy is either an inferior [part of the] species or…” quote by Kate Millett](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/895/kate-millett-7301_accompany_the-rationale-which-accompanies-that-imp_8896.jpg)