The Bible does not explicitly state that any one individual has absolute spiritual authority over another. However, there are principles and biblical examples that can help us understand how spiritual authority may function between individuals.
We are all equal before God
The Bible teaches that all human beings are created equal before God. Passages like Galatians 3:28 declare: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Our status before God is not based on earthly hierarchies or human distinctions.
At the same time, the Bible does teach that God has established certain authority structures for the functioning of society and the church. But no one stands above another spiritually simply because of their position or role.
Submission to governing authorities
The Bible encourages Christians to submit to and respect those in positions of governing authority, such as the government, employers, parents, and church leaders (Romans 13:1-7, Hebrews 13:17, Ephesians 6:1-3). But this submission is to be within the bounds of what God commands. If there is a conflict between obeying God or obeying an authority, God must be obeyed (Acts 5:29).
Also, the authority figures mentioned above are to act as servants, not lording their power over others (Matthew 20:25-28). So whilesubmission in certain spheres is encouraged, no human authority supersedes one’s obligation to follow their conscience and God’s word.
Church leadership
In passages like 1 Timothy 3, the Bible gives qualifications for those who hold official leadership positionsin the church, such as elders/overseers and deacons. These leaders have a degree of spiritual authority and responsibility for the church body. Church members are called to respect and submit to their leaders (Hebrews 13:17).
However, Scripture does not give church leaders absolute authority over an individual’s personal relationship with God. Church authority structures are intended for instruction, correction, and governing the corporate body, not controlling individuals’ lives.
Husbands and wives
Some interpret Bible verses like Ephesians 5:22-24 to mean husbands have spiritual authority over their wives. However, if read in context, the passage is calling for mutual submission between husband and wife, with the husband taking a leadership role in service and sacrifice.
This instruction for marriage does not imply a husband has absolute spiritual authority over his wife’s conscience, beliefs, or relationship with God. She is still responsible before God for her own spiritual growth and decisions.
Instructions from spiritual leaders
At times, a spiritual leader like a pastor may provide counsel or direction regarding an individual’s specific situation. However, the Bible warns against blindly following human teachers without carefully evaluating their instructions in light of Scripture (1 John 4:1).
While a spiritual leader’s biblically-based guidance can be helpful, the individual Christian still has the responsibility to be like the Bereans who “examined the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so” (Acts 17:11). One’s ultimate allegiance is to God and His Word.
Keys to the kingdom
In Matthew 16:19 Jesus tells Peter, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” This unique authority to “bind and loose” was not extended universally to all believers.
While this passage shows Peter being given special authority in the early church, it does not logically follow that subsequent church leaders inherited absolute spiritual authority over all individual believers. The context implies a special authority related to proclaiming the gospel and establishing the church.
A higher mediator
The Bible teaches there is “one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all” (1 Timothy 2:5-6). No human being, no matter their position, serves as mediator between an individual Christian and God. We all have direct access to God through Christ alone.
Personal conscience
The Bible clearly upholds the value of a clear conscience before God (Acts 24:16, 1 Timothy 1:5). If a Christian’s conscience is violated by completely submitting their spiritual convictions to the authority of another person, they should “obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Of course, no Christian has perfect knowledge or an infallible conscience. But one’s conscience should be respected unless it is clearly contradicting biblical truth and commands.
Berean attitude
As mentioned earlier with the Bereans, all Christians are called to personally study the Scriptures rather than blindly accept whatever they are taught (2 Timothy 2:15, 3:16-17). While spiritual authorities can guide us, our beliefs must rest on Scripture over the word of man.
Discerning false teachers
If any teacher or authority figure seeks to control followers, promote false doctrine, or contradicts the gospel, they are to be rejected (1 John 4:1-3, Galatians 1:8-9). The Bible warns frequently about deceptive false prophets who seek to lead people astray.
Summary
In summary, while the Bible encourages submission to legitimate earthly spiritual authorities, it does not give any human being absolute authority over an individual’s personal relationship with God. Our primary commitment is to Jesus Christ and living by the truth of Scripture, properly informed by spiritual authorities but not ultimately controlled by them.
As Christians, we relate to one another as mature equals under the lordship of Christ. Any earthly spiritual authority is intended for instruction and governance of God’s people, not absolute personal control. Each believer is ultimately responsible for their own conscience and spiritual walk before God.