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| The
Bible: Dare We Leave It?
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It is amazing how much of
religion in general has left the Bible. Catholicism bears
little resemblance to the Bible anymore, nor does
Denom-inationalism. In fact, some of the congregations who
wear the name “Church of Christ” are quickly abdicating
biblical principles in preference for what the people want
instead of what the Bible says.
Is it because the Bible is no longer relevant? Is it
out-dated, no longer relevant? Have we reached a point in time
where there is no longer a need for scriptural precedent for
what we do. Have we become so “mature” that we no longer
need the “thou-shalts” and the “thou-shalt-nots” so
prominently displayed in the Bible? And is our “new
hermeneutic” better than the original hermeneutic which
called for direct command, approved apostolic example, or
necessary inference?
Is it possible that we have reached the stage in modern
religion where we have bought into the Old Roman philosophy
that says Vox Populi, Vox Dei, “the voice of the people is
the voice of God”?
It’s scary to note where we’re headed.
Why the Bible? Well, first of all, because it works. People
have not changed. Technology has changed, Communication has
changed, Medicine has changed, Transportation has changed, but
man has not changed. Not one wit! He still has the same ole
problem with sin–too much pride, too much lust, too much
acquiescence to the moods and fancies of the day, too much
“whatever” when it comes to defining morals. In the midst
of it all, God’s word is “profitable for doctrine,” what
we are to believe about who we are, where we came from and
where we’re going, “for reproof,” to point out our
imperfections, “for correction” to get us back on course
again, and for “instruction in righteousness” so as to
keep us going straight even in the midst of all sorts of
pressures to get us off course. It is sufficient for all our
needs; it thoroughly furnishes a man “to every good work.”
(Read II Timothy 3:16-17)
But it only works if we use it. And to use it we must become
familiar with its information, its warnings, its promises of
peace and hope. And so we are admonished to “study to show
thyself approved unto God.” There must be a conscious effort
to make the word of God a consistent part of our lives; and
that requires a diligent concern for all that it says–not
just part of it–but all of it. And it won’t provide what
God wanted when He gave it if it’s up on a shelf somewhere
gathering dust, pressing funeral flowers, wedding invitations,
and other such memorabilia. (Read II Timothy 2:15)
The Bible identifies sin. It shows us the need for a Savior.
It shows us the Savior. How dare we neglect it? (Read Jeremiah
10:23; Isaiah 55:8-9)
“It is appointed to man once to die and after this the
judgment.” “Let us hear the conclusion to the whole
matter: fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the
whole duty of man. For God will being every work into
judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good or
whether it be evil.” The Bible sets forth the truth about
man’s destiny. It answers the question “if a man die shall
he live again?” It speaks to the condition of man at his
death as being the most important consideration of his life.
“Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess unto
God.” How can we possibly neglect to consider–and that
most carefully–these and many other references to man’s
destiny? And how can we dare be so pompous as to change or
alter what the Maker of the Universe says? (Read Hebrews 9:27;
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14; Romans 14:11)
Finally, the Bible brings heaven into focus. Hope comes alive
for those who subscribe to the Bible. The resurrection becomes
a manner not of if, but when to the serious Bible student.
(Read I Corinthians 15:55-f; Philippians 3:20-21; II
Thessalonians 1:7-12)
So, do you want to take a chance on changing what God has
said? Not me, sir! (Read II John 9)
Dee Bowman
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