Have you ever noticed that even in our Lord’s life, men were following the words of men and not those of God?
Jesus said of this, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). If this could happen when Christ walked among men, can it not happen in our time? Of course it can, and it has happened. The words of Jeremiah come to mind, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23)
God would have all men to be saved (I Tim. 2:4). Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). If we are going to be judged by the word, then we must all follow the same word. In all the teaching found in the New Testament, one does not find people being taught different ideas. They were simply told to follow and obey the law of Christ.
The word of God – the standard, is not to be altered by man. Notice how God in His word has told man this time and time again: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2). “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Prov. 30:6). “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18, 19).
We will not be judged by the words of men but by the words of the Lord. Men seek to put forth their ideas and not follow the words given by God. How tragic is this fact. Imagine someone having a sincere heart, being a zealous worker but believing a man and never learning the truth God desires them to know. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (I Tim. 2:3, 4).
We must remember, God is not a respecter of persons (Romans 2:10, 11; Acts 10:34,35). Every person who is saved will be saved by following the words God has given to man – the Bible. Come to the knowledge and truth of God’s word, obey it as it is given to us in the Bible. Do as those in the book of Acts did: have faith in Jesus; repent of your sins; be ready and willing to confess the name of Christ before men; and be baptized for the remission of your sins.
From that point on, live a faithful life unto God. This is the plan of salvation God has given to us in His word.
Jesus said of this, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matt. 15:9). If this could happen when Christ walked among men, can it not happen in our time? Of course it can, and it has happened. The words of Jeremiah come to mind, “O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps” (Jer. 10:23)
God would have all men to be saved (I Tim. 2:4). Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). If we are going to be judged by the word, then we must all follow the same word. In all the teaching found in the New Testament, one does not find people being taught different ideas. They were simply told to follow and obey the law of Christ.
The word of God – the standard, is not to be altered by man. Notice how God in His word has told man this time and time again: “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you” (Deut. 4:2). “Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar” (Prov. 30:6). “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18, 19).
We will not be judged by the words of men but by the words of the Lord. Men seek to put forth their ideas and not follow the words given by God. How tragic is this fact. Imagine someone having a sincere heart, being a zealous worker but believing a man and never learning the truth God desires them to know. “For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (I Tim. 2:3, 4).
We must remember, God is not a respecter of persons (Romans 2:10, 11; Acts 10:34,35). Every person who is saved will be saved by following the words God has given to man – the Bible. Come to the knowledge and truth of God’s word, obey it as it is given to us in the Bible. Do as those in the book of Acts did: have faith in Jesus; repent of your sins; be ready and willing to confess the name of Christ before men; and be baptized for the remission of your sins.
From that point on, live a faithful life unto God. This is the plan of salvation God has given to us in His word.