Beech Tree News Network

            The word “doctrines” means “teaching.” In other words, some people attribute doctrines to the New Testament that are not there. In our last article, we saw that attributing doctrines to the New Testament when they are not there is not a new problem (Matt. 15:8-9). We also saw three doctrines men teach (salvation by faith only, instrumental music in worship, baptism is unnecessary) that are nowhere to be found in the New Testament.

            Let us consider some other doctrines that are not found in the New Testament.

Extra-Biblical Revelation. Some think that God speaks to them and reveals truth outside of the Scripture. This is not true. When we read passages like Jude 3, we learn that God’s word was “once for all delivered to the saints.” God has delivered His word to men, and it is not going to be “re-delivered”! Hebrews 1:2 says that in these “last days,” God has spoken to us through his Son! Christ’s word is recorded in the New Testament. His inspired word “thoroughly” furnishes us “for every good work” (II Tim. 3:17). Peter affirms that God has given us “all things that pertain to life and godliness” (II Pet. 1:3)! Since these passages are true, what is left for God to tell us?

Personal Indwelling Of The Holy Spirit. Related to the above is the idea that the Holy Spirit somehow inhabits the bodies of saved people. This is based upon a misunderstanding of passages like I Corinthians 3:16. Please understand that the same New Testament that speaks of the Holy Spirit dwelling in Christians is the same one that says God dwells in His people (I Jn. 4:12) as well as Christ (Gal. 2:20)! In truth, these passages speak to a relationship enjoyed by the saved people! If we look carefully, we’ll see passages stating that the saved dwell in God (I Jn. 4:15; etc.)! How can a man get “inside” of God? We know this doesn’t happen, but it speaks to our relationship (Jas. 4:7-8). This is what is under consideration in these passages and not a personal indwelling.

God is too loving to punish us. Many have adopted the doctrine that since God is love (I Jn. 4:8), then He is too loving to send people to an eternity in Hell. A simple reading of the New Testament makes it clear that there are some who will be lost eternally (Matt. 7:21-23; II Thess. 1:6-9; Rom. 11:22; etc.). The love of God is not in question. Instead, we see that God’s justice also plays a role. God loves us and wants us in Heaven with Him (II Pet. 3:9), but God’s justice says we must answer for our sins. Therefore, if we do not repent and are not baptized “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38), we will be lost eternally (Lk. 13:3, 5). Men being lost in Hell one day is not due to a lack of love on God’s part, but because of our sin (Rom. 3:23, 6:23)!

            Friends, we need to reject the doctrines of men and only accept the doctrine of Christ! How is this done? We accept the doctrine (teaching) of Christ when we listen to His word (Rom. 10:17), believe it (Heb. 11:6), and obey it (Heb. 5:9; Rev. 22:14)! Let us not accept what men say. Let us examine all things and hold fast to the truth of God’s word (I Thess. 5:21; I Pet. 4:11)!

-- 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