Where
In The Bible Will I Find:
What
We Believe Is Important?
Some are of the opinion that whatever one
believes in religion, "as long as he is honest and sincere," is
surely to be accepted by God. The Scriptures however are in opposition to such
thinking (Heb. 11:6). If we are "honest and sincere" that is good,
but it does not take the place of study and obedience (II Tim. 2:15; Heb. 5:8-9).
Luke noted the importance of men having a correct record by inspired writers,
that they might have therefore a correct understanding and belief.
He wrote, "For as much as many have
taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are
most surely believed among us, even as they delivered them unto us, which from
the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to
me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to
write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightiest know
the certainty of those things, wherein thou has been instructed" (Lk.
1:1-4).
Luke would not have taken such pains to write "the
certainty of those things ... instructed" if these truths had not been
important for men to believe. Paul wrote, "So then faith cometh by
hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Peter wrote, "Wherefore
I will not be negligent to put you always in remembrance of these things,
though ye know them, and be established in the present truth" (2 Peter
1:12).
All need to be established in "the
present truth" if they want to go to Heaven. The present truth
includes such things as a distinction between the Old and New Covenants (Matt.
26:28), and the understanding that the law of Moses has been abolished (Eph.
2:15). We must hold also to the present truth, that there is no direct operation
of the Holy Spirit on the heart of the sinner today, but that conversion is
worked through the Word of God (Mk. 16:15-16; Acts 18:8; Psa. 19:7).
We must believe that no one is a proper subject
for baptism for the remission of sins until he believes, repents and confesses
Christ with his mouth (Acts 8:35-38; 22:16). The present truth is, no man
has a “direct” or “special” call to preach today, since the day of miracles are
past (I Cor. 13:8-10). We need to impress all we meet and teach, that the
New Testament message of salvation is simple and clear, and can be understood
by all (Matt. 28:18-20; Eph. 5:17).
Human creeds, honesty, sincerity, and zeal do
not change the fact that the Word of God is the only instrument that makes us
complete and "thoroughly" furnishes us unto all good works (II Tim.
3:16-17).
--Gary Colley
