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Bible Authority For All Religious Practices? By: Gary Colley
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Bible Authority For All Religious Practices? By: Gary Colley
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Many think and state publicly that all religious practices when done with good feelings are authorized by God. For instance, they say it does not matter what one does in worship, but the Bible makes it clear that the doctrines of men make our worship vain, empty, and worthless (Matthew 15:9). What a strange doctrine! Christians understand that "in Christ" we are dead to the practices of the Law of Moses as well as humanly devised commands (Romans 7:1-4,
Colossians 2:14-22). Some say "one can prove anything by the Bible." That is a strong and false charge! No one would want another to accuse him of speaking in a manner that anything could be proved by him, regardless of what he says. That would be to call him a liar and hypocrite! We must have Bible authority for what we believe, teach, and practice, or else we cannot please God (Hebrews 11:6, Romans 10:17). To illustrate that all doctrines cannot be proven by the Bible, we invite all to search for and give Scriptural authority for the following.
1. Mechanical instruments of music in New Testament worship?
2. Choirs, solos, or quartets in New Testament worship approved of God?
3. "Christ built more than one church"?
4. "One can be saved outside the Lord's Church"?
5. Being a member of a denomination? (These did not exist in the New Testament.)
6. Women preachers?
7. Salvation by "faith only?"
8. Partaking of the Lord's Supper anytime except the first day of every week?
9. More than one Scriptural cause for divorce and remarriage?
10. Forsaking the assembling of the Church with God's approval?
11. All are going to Heaven regardless of their sins?
12. One can have the spiritual blessings out of Christ?
13. Baptism is not immersion in water for, in order to, the forgiveness of sins?
We are commanded to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good (I Thessalonians 5:21)." We hope that all will honestly investigate and do only that which is authorized (Matthew 28:18-20).