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4 - BECAUSE THE
CHURCH ACCEPTS THE BIBLE ONLY.
Is the Bible a safe guide in matters of religion? Most
people will answer this question in the affirmative. And yet, the vast
majority of people don't believe that it is necessary that we follow the
Bible only.
Many claim that one's conscience is a safe guide. As
long as they "feel good" and do not violate
their conscience they think everything is all right, even though the Bible
may not teach certain things. Still, others believe in following their
feelings. Their reason for believing they are saved is that they "feel
it." They, too, will agree that we should follow the Bible,
but in certain instances if you "feel you are saved",
nothing else matters. Then we are reminded by some of the value of church
creeds, disciplines, confessions of faith, etc. They argue that these are
necessary for a proper understanding of the Bible. They also claim that
they help pronounce and define certain Bible doctrines that are rather
obscure. Of course, they don't completely object to or reject the Bible,
but they definitely feel that these additional helps are necessary. At the
extreme end of this position are those who claim that other books, such as
the Book of Mormon, The Koran, and the writings of Mrs. Ellen White, are
inspired like the Bible and are to be taken with equal weight and
consideration.
However, in view of all the facts, we are constrained to
stand opposed to all the foregoing reasoning. We believe that the Bible
only should be accepted and followed by man. Anything else constitutes an
addition or a change in that which has been given and approved by God. We
believe that: THE BIBLE COMPLETELY FURNISHES US TO EVERY GOOD
WORK.
In 2 Peter 1:3 it reads, "According as his
divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and
godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and
virtue." If in the Bible we have been given all things, then
there is no need for additional creeds or books. Notice 2 Tim. 3:16-17, "All
scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the
man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works."
If the Bible furnishes us to all good works, what need is there
for further revelation? What can a church creed or discipline do for us
that the Bible cannot?
A human creed is objectionable if it contains
more than the Bible.
A human creed is objectionable if it contains
less than the Bible.
A human creed is objectionable if it differs
from the Bible.
And if a human creed is the same as the Bible,
it would be useless since it would contain the same thing that the Bible
contains.
Upon what grounds then can we defend and insist upon the
use of human creeds? The answer is none.
HUMAN CREEDS CAUSE DIVISION. Human
creeds are responsible for much of the division in the religious world
today. They have erected walls and barriers that include all who agree
with their teachings, and exclude all who disagree. Not only do they cause
division, but they also perpetuate it. If all these human documents could
be removed a great stride in the direction of unity will have been made.
WHY THE BIBLE ONLY? Perhaps you are
wondering just why we insist upon the Bible only. There are several good
reasons which we shall give you just now.
A. IT IS THE SEED OF THE
KINGDOM. In Luke 8:11 it reads, "Now the parable is
this: The seed is the word of God." A seed is an amazing
thing. It contains the germ of life, and the power of reproduction. God
decreed in the beginning that every seed would bring forth after its own
kind. Since every seed produces after its own kind and the word of God is
a seed, then it follows that the Bible produces Christians only. Another
thing about a seed that we should notice is that it brings forth only one
thing. Never have you seen a seed that produces two things. So it is with
the Bible. It produces but one thing. But someone says, "What about
all the different churches in existence today?" The answer is
forceful and simple. The Bible did not produce them. They exist as a
result of another seed being planted. The seed of the kingdom is not
responsible for them.
B. IT IS A LIGHT. One of the most
powerful forces known to man is light. It will banish darkness
immediately. Wherever there is light, there is no darkness. David said, "Thy
word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." -
Psa. 119:105. Again in verse 130, "The entrance of thy words
giveth light." It is the Bible that lights the dark corners
of the pages of history. Such questions as, "Whence came man?",
"Where is he going?", "Is there life after death?",
are all answered in the Bible, but nowhere else.
C. IT IS THE SWORD OF THE SPIRIT. In
Hebrews 4:12, "For the word of God is quick, and powerful,
and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing
asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart." A sword
is a weapon of warfare. It may be used to defend one's self or to defeat
the enemy. However, one unskilled in its use might do great harm to
himself. The Word of God is much like this. It is the Christians defense,
and destroys the false and untrue. However, many, who do not properly
handle it, use it to their own destruction. In the language of Peter they "wrest
the scriptures, unto their own destruction." - 2 Pet. 3:16.
This is both dangerous and serious. Many an enemy of the Lord has felt the
razor-sharp edge of the Spirit's sword. It can do what no other sword can,
penetrate to the depths of the human heart.
D. FINALLY, THE BIBLE IS THE MIRROR OF THE SOUL.
In James 1:25 it reads, "But whoso looketh into the
perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful
hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his
deed." By looking into the Bible we are able to see
ourselves as we really are. No mirror shows our reflection as we would
like to see it, but exactly as it is. If I look in a mirror and see that
my face is dirty, I don't get mad at the mirror and blame it, for I
realize that it is only reflecting what is there. Why then should I get
upset when I see something in my life that shouldn't be, shown to me by
the Bible, and try to change the Bible instead of self? This should not
be. Used as God intended the Book, it can aid and help us greatly in
living a life pleasing to Him. Yes, friend, we must follow only the Bible.
We have no need of human creeds and manuals. It alone is able to lead us
through this life and ultimately to heaven with God.
Reason #5 - Because It Is Undenominational
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