Beech Tree News Network

The statement, “God said it; I believe it; That settles it,” has been popular for some years now. I am sure most of our dear readers have heard this phrase from time to time. It has been on multitudes of bumper stickers, bracelets, and the like. In fact, one book I own has this phrase at the end of every chapter! It is a good thought, and I appreciate the sentiment expressed. This statement conveys the message that since God said something in His word, then I believe it. It is then “settled” in my mind because I will not argue with my God about it, nor will I listen to anyone who may try to get me to question the word of God.

            This is good advice for any person. At the same time, I believe there is an even more accurate way to state this truth. Rather than say, “God said it; I believe it; That settles it,” It would be more accurate to say it this way: “God Said It; That Settles It; I Believe It.” Why this change? Put simply, it is because once God says something about a subject, that settles the matter, regardless of whether or not I believe it!

            When God speaks the truth on a subject, the matter is settled (Ps. 119:89; Matt. 24:35). Peter quoted the prophet Isaiah and said, “The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the word of the Lord endureth for ever.” (I Pet. 1:24-25). Even if one fights against the will of God, a man’s “unsettled” mind does not affect God’s truth! For example, in II Kings 5:1-14, a man named Naaman was told to go and wash in the Jordan river seven times to be cleansed of his leprosy. Naaman got angry at this command from God and wanted to go somewhere else for cleansing. He finally left the prophet Elisha’s house in a rage (v. 11-12). Though Naaman acted like this, God’s word did not change! It was “settled” already. Later on, when Naaman finally submitted to God’s will, he was cleansed (v. 14). God said it, and it was then settled. Naaman’s refusal to obey had no bearing on what God had said. Yet, when he believed God’s settled word and did what he was told, he was cleansed!

            This same fact is true in man’s relationship with God today. God has spoken the truth, and it is revealed in the written word (Jn. 17:17). It is “settled” and is not changing (Jude 3). Man’s responsibility is to believe what has been said and obey it (Rom. 10:16). Just as the great faith heroes of Hebrews 11 believed God and obeyed His word, so must we! God said it, and that settles it! Therefore, I need to believe it.

            God’s word has been settled for many years. It is man’s standard of authority (Col. 3:16). Peter said when we speak, we need to “speak as the oracles of God” (I Pet. 4:11). Why do this? It is because God’s revealed word is settled in Heaven, and it will be our standard for judgment one day (Jn. 12:48). So long as we live upon this earth, this standard will not change (Matt. 24:35; I Pet. 4:11). God said it, and that settles it! I need to believe it! Do you believe what God has said?

-- You are invited to visit with the Caneyville church of Christ. Times of services: Sun.: 10:00 am, 10:45 am, 5:00 pm; Wed.: 7:00 pm. Website: http://caneyvillechurchofchrist.com Tune in to our radio program 101.5 FM at 5:30 am, Mon-Fri. Questions? Call: (270) 589-4167