Speaking where the bible speaks, and silent where the bible is silent.

Many circumvent the laws of man with highly skilled lawyers who twist and manipulate the law in so many directions that hardly anyone can determine if a person is innocent or guilty of the crime in which they have been charged. Is it any wonder that this same mentality has entered into the churches of Christ?

Doctrines and Traditions of Men

One of the easiest ways to make God’s laws void is to blend them with the traditions of men. This was used in the days of Jesus to circumvent the law of Moses. They used their traditions to circumvent what the law actually said (Matt 15:4-6). This practice is used in the churches today to break the laws of Christ.

Jesus said, “Hypocrites! Well did Isaiah prophesy about you, saying: “These people draw near to Me with their mouth and honor Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me; And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt 15:7-9). Paul said that the commandments of men wiser one from the truth (Tit 1:14). “Therefore, brethren, stand firm and hold the traditions which you have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle” (2 Thess 2:15). “Holding firm the faithful Word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convict those who contradict” (Tit 1:9).

Question The Bible’s Authenticity

If one is faced with book, chapter, and verse in every direction on a particular subject, the one device Satan uses is to question if those particular passages were inspired by God. This has been done in part or in whole to the writings of the chief writer of the new testament, the apostle Paul. What is strange about this practice is, that these same people who question Paul’s credentials will often use a reference to his writings when it agrees with them, and malign his writings when it doesn’t.

Paul wrote in 4 different places that he lied not concerning what he wrote in the scriptures (Rom 9:1 ff; 2 Cor 11:31; Gal 1:20; 1 Tim 2:7). He certified that the gospel he preached was not taught to him by man, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ (Gal 1:11,12). Paul wrote that ALL scriptures were given by the inspiration of God (2 Tim 3:16). Peter confirmed that the ignorant and unstable would twist Paul’s writings, as they also do other scriptures (2 Pet 3:16).

Rewriting The Bible

The bible has been translated into every language under the sun. So, what do those who try and circumvent the law attempt to do? That’s right, they seek to rewrite it. They attack the translators as being imperfect, and non-inspired to question the validity of the scriptures. It’s true translators weren’t perfect or inspired, but accumulatively, time has proven them to be quite accurate. The King James version, though antiquated by today’s standards, contains only handful of proven errors. Since the time of this translation of 1611, there have been updated versions which clarify and erase these errors which were made in the KJV. Such trusted versions are the New King James Version, American Standard Version, and the New American Standard Version.

Novices in Greek and Hebrew often think themselves wiser than teams of Bible translators, and seek to find a path to their own doctrines. Christians are best served to allow the scriptures to define themselves, and not seek to make the laws of God of none effect by reinterpreting God’s Word (2 Pet 1:20).

Breaking Biblical Principles

God set in order basic principles to abide by when reading and learning of His Word. One is to never add to or take from His Word. Moses taught it (Deut 4:2) Joshua taught it  (Josh 1:7). Solomon taught it (Prov 30:6). Peter taught it (Acts 4:19,20). Paul taught it (1 Cor 4:6). And John taught it as well (Rev 22:18,19).

Secondly, we must rightly divide the Word of God (2 Tim 2:15) We must separate the old testament from the new testament. The old testament was for our learning, but not for our obedience (Rom 15:4). The old law was abolished and faded away by the end of the first century (Eph 2:15 ff; Col 2:14; Heb 8:13). The gifts of prophesy, of speaking in tongues and receiving knowledge via the Holy Spirit ended when that which was perfect was completed, that being, the Word of God (Rom 12:2 ff; 1 Cor 13:8-10; Ps 19:7; Ps 18:30).

Conclusion: If we are sincere seekers of the Word of God, we will not attempt to change the truth of God into a lie (Rom 1:25). Everyone should know that all who attempts to change the truth of God shall be accursed (Gal 1:6-9). The bible doesn’t contradict itself and is so plain that the simple can understand it (2 Cor 1:18 ff; Mt 11:26,27; Ps 19:7). The bible is not on trial in this life, we are, and blessed are those who endure such trials and temptations, for theirs is a crown of life (Ps 7:9 ff: Ps 11:5; Jam 1:12). The bible is set in stone and forever is settled in heaven (Ps 119:89).

The Bible never speaks more clearly than when it is allowed to speak for itself (1 Pet 4:11). Hear it (Rom 10:17); Believe it (Jn 8:24); Confess it (Rom 10:9,10); Repent of your sins (Acts 17:30); Wash away your sins by Baptism (Acts 22:16); And remain Faithful unto death (Rev 2:10). The Bible, the truth of God, the gospel contained therein is just that simple (1 Pet 1:25). If we can’t accept the Bible “As Is” we should leave it “As Is”. It all comes down to just one word, OBEDIENCE (Eph 1:13 ff; Jn 14:15f; 1 Jn 5:3).

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