Where
In The Bible Will I Find:
Righteousness
In Things Not Specifically Condemned?
Almost every sin of
presumption has been accepted with this excuse "But the Bible doesn't say
not to!" This has opened the floodgate for every innovation man has sought
in religion. From the wise man Solomon comes this revelation: "Lo, this
only have I found, that God made man upright; but they have sought out many
inventions" (Eccl. 7:29). Modem departures from the truth accompany
these inventions an innovations, and if one tries to check them, the unfailing
answer is: "The Bible doesn't say not to!" But before these trends
ever began, the Bible had placed a roadblock in the path.
Peter declared, "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" (II Peter 1:3). Since God has given us ALL THINGS that pertain
to life and godliness, where does that place every innovation? If it is not in
the bible, it does not pertain to life and godliness, and God doesn't
"have to say not to" to condemn it.
Paul said, "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" (II Tim.
3:16-17). Now try to analyze it very carefully: God's Word is by
inspiration, and EVERYTHING that is profitable for doctrine, reproof,
correction and instruction in righteousness is in God's Word, the Bible. This
is to the end that man may be perfect. There is just no way to make allowance
for anything else, or different.
Paul flatly asserts, "Whatsoever
is not of faith is sin" (Rom. 14:23). "So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). To be of faith,
it must be in God's Word: if it is not, it is sin! Before we go beyond that
Word for any faith or practice, let us study carefully the warning that the
apostle John gives on this subject, "Whosoever transgresseth, and
abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the
doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto
you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid
him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil
deeds" (II John 9=11).
This simply means that
any additions to the Word of God such as the use of mechanical instruments of
music and observing so‑called holy days in their worship, all of which
are transgressing the Word of God and abiding not in the doctrine of Christ!
These "hath not God" and will most surely suffer the wrath of
God (Rev. 22:18-19).