The Authority Of God’s Word

How can we as members of the body of Christ call the denominational world wrong in their doctrine when we are following them in so many ways? If we act like the denominations, worship like the denominations and abide by the same doctrines of denominations, are we not denominations as well? Let’s get real brethren and let’s confront the causes of false doctrines which have entered into the church a little at a time.

Rejecting God’s Authorship Of The Bible

If the church of Christ rejects God’s authority, they are only the church in name only. All scripture was given by the inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness. 2 Tim 3:16,17 If we reject the authority of God, then we reject the doctrine of Christ, and refuse to be instructed of God according to his will. All the letters of Paul were considered scripture by the apostle Peter. 2 Pet 3:16 Paul wrote that the entire old testament was scriptures. Rom 15:4 Hardly anyone who believes in God at all deny that the gospels were not scriptures, which includes Luke the writer of the book of Acts and John the writer of 1st, 2nd and 3rd John and Revelation. That only leaves James, Jude and the Hebrew writer. Most believe as do I that Paul was the writer of Hebrews. The book of Jude is a direct reflection of Peter’s two books. As for the book of James, virtually all denominations of Christianity consider this book to be a canonical epistle of the New Testament because it’s doctrine does not contradict the doctrine of Christ, but rather reinforces it. Until one can accept the bible is divinely written, then they can’t be a Christian. Why? Because the prophets spoke in the name of the Lord via the Holy Spirit. 2 Pet 1:21 The apostles spoke in the name of the Lord via the Holy Spirit. Jn 16:13 Jesus spoke only what God instructed him to speak. Jn 12:49,50 When one rejects God’s authorship of the scriptures, they are rejecting every word contained therein.

Changing God’s Word

Moses warned against anyone altering God’s Word. Deut 4:2 ff; Deut 12:32; Deut 28:14 Joshua warned against altering God’s Word. Josh 1:7 Solomon warned against altering God’s Word. Prov 30:6 Paul warned against altering God’s Word. 1 Cor 4:6 John warned against altering God’s Word. One would think with all this warning that no one would dare attempt to alter it, but that is not the case. When we change God’s Word, even one word, we are no longer reading God’s Word, but rather the words of men. God’s Word is perfect in converting the soul…making wise the simple. Ps 19:7 God’s Word is pure. Ps 12:6 God’s Word is tried. Ps 18:30 God’s Word is truth. Jn 17:17 Therefore the gospel is truth for it emanated from God’s Word. Eph 1:13 Therefore, when one changes God’s Word, they are adulterating the only source of truth and salvation given to us by God himself.

Use of Denominational Commentaries-Lexicons-Dictionaries

Is it really a mystery that if the churches of Christ us denominational commentaries, lexicons and dictionaries as their source of authority, then they will be soon abiding by denominational doctrines. The scripture is self sufficient, and is able to save in and of itself without any need from the wisdom of men. 2 Pet 1:3 Paul said, “My speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.” 1 Cor 2:4-5 When Christians are commanded to prove the Word, it must be by the Word. 1 Thess 5:21 When Christians are commanded to defend the gospel it must be by the gospel. Philip 1:15-18 When Christians are commanded to contend for the faith it must be by the Faith contained in the Word of God. Jude 3

Doctrines of Denominations

When the church of Christ adopts the principles of denominations, inevitably they will adopt their doctrines as well. Is it any wonder that some ultra-liberal minded church of Christ members can’t see the harm in instrumental music anymore? Is it any wonder why some have music in their worship services? Is it any wonder why we are seeing more using choirs to entertain themselves? Is it any wonder why some have women teachers and preachers? Is the eldership that far behind? Is it any wonder why the church is slowly beginning to look like, talk like, act like, and worship like denominations?

Conclusion: If the church of Christ is to remain the church which Christ built, it will only be because we accept God’s authorship of all scriptures, we refuse to alter God’s Word, and we use God’s Word to prove, defend and contend for the faith. And when this happens brethren, unity will flourish, and truly the church of Christ will speak the same things, that is, the oracles, the perfect will of God. 1 Cor 1:10 ff; 1 Pet 4:11; Rom 12:2