Authority Quote by Jay E. Adams
““The authority is God’s. Although mediated through various styles, the fundamental authority of God in counseling must be evident in all biblical counseling. Any personality traits that interfere with, rather than mediate the message must be altered. That is why the Lord changed the apostle Peter from a weak, vacillating, fearful disciple to the bold fearless disciple who told the authorities, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).””
About This Quote
Source Book: Competent to Counsel, Jay E. Adams, 1970
Biblical counseling must prioritize God's authority over human opinions, requiring counselors to set aside personal biases.
In simple terms: God's authority guides counseling, not personal traits.
Key Takeaway
Align counseling with divine authority.
Themes
faith
authority
counseling
spirituality
Mood
reflective
serious
Type
theological
instructional
When to use this quote
- church counseling
- personal mentoring
- theological education
Key Concepts
biblical authority
personal transformation
obedience
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you recognize when personal bias interferes?
- What steps ensure God's authority remains central?
A Different Perspective
Human personalities may still dominate despite intent.
![“[Biblical counseling] Must insist that the image of God is central to developing a solid view of personality; that our sinfulness, not how we've been sinned against, is our biggest problem; that forgiveness, not wholeness, is our greatest need; that repentance, not insight, is the dynamic in all…” quote by Anonymous](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/101/anonymous-1_biblical_biblical-counseling-must-insist-that-the_1783520.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)