God's Character: Author of Order, Not Confusion

For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (1 Corinthians 14:33). True religion teaches us to refer all questions to the highest tribunal, asking not merely what is agreeable and expedient, but what is the will of God. The Corinthian church suffered from many disorders, yet the apostle Paul anchored his remedy in God's nature itself.

Consider five proofs that Elohim ordains order: First, His work as Creator displays universal law and regularity throughout nature—order is heaven's first law. Second, His method in revelation unfolds systematically: truth revealed to a family, then a nation, then to all humanity. The Bible itself is a marvelously organic whole, its diversity containing a unity only a Divine mind could impart. Third, the work of redemption aimed to restore moral order to sinful humanity—the Incarnation and the Cross were meant to hush moral discord. Fourth, the institution of civil society: Jesus commanded His disciples to render to Caesar, and Paul affirmed that "the powers that be are ordained of God." Fifth, the constitution of Christian Churches: Christ appointed apostles, who constituted churches, ordained officers, and gave instructions for worship and business.

If Yahweh's character throughout creation and revelation demonstrates such perfect order, how can confusion be the work of His Spirit? Disorder in the church traces to human folly, not divine nature. In proportion as the Spirit of Christ lives and works in any society will subordination, cooperation, and unity prevail.