THE BIBLE-OUR GUIDE
Barry M. Grider
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[Editor's Note: The following manuscript appeared in the 12th Annual
Truth in Love Lectureship volume, "The Victory Through Our Lord Jesus
Christ," published by the East Hill church of Christ in Pulaski, Tennessee.
You may obtain a copy of the book, which includes all of the lectures presented,
by contacting Sain Publications (931-363-6905).]
INTRODUCTION
Patrick Henry stated, "The Bible is worth more than all other books
that have ever been written." No other volume can provide the quality
of life enjoyed by its adherents. Furthermore, this precious Book divine,
if followed, will guarantee the entrance of our souls into a better place,
when this life is over. Hence, one should quickly see the value of the
Holy Scriptures.
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| The Psalmist declared,
More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much
fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honey comb. Moreover, by them
is thy servant warned: and in keeping them there is great reward (Psm. 19:10-11).
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Likewise, the Bible is worth more than all other books because of
its veracity. Even though God's Word is filled with divine wisdom
and shall always be an instrument that serves man's best interests, still
multitudes despise the Bible and will not conform their lives to it. Many
turned from Jesus after He preached the truth unto them (John 6:60) because
they would not conform to His standard. His standard today is the Bible,
His truth (John 7:17). Truth by its very nature is exclusive and many are
repulsed by such strictness. For this reason very few will be saved (Matt.
7:13,14). The Bible is like a mirror (James 1:23-25). It truly reflects
our spiritual condition. Instead of conforming their lives to it, many in
rebellion simply toss it aside. There have even been efforts down through
the ages to not only discredit the Bible, but to destroy the good Book. These
efforts are always futile. Jesus declared, "Heaven and earth shall pass
away, but my words shall not pass away" (Matt. 24:35). The Word of God
shall be opened in judgement, for Jesus continues.
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| 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). |
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The Bible is, also, worth more than all other books because of the victory
it provides. Since we shall be judged according to the Bible, obviously
those who follow its precepts will be justified on the day of judgement.
Notice the connection Paul stresses between salvation and the Word:
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| Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them:
for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee
(1 Tim. 4:16).
And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which
are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ
Jesus (2 Tim. 3:15).
James records,
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness,
and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your
souls (James 1:21).
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God, who always keeps His promises (Titus 1:2), will not deny salvation
to those who are obedient to His will. Peter spake to those outside of
Christ, and said, "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift
of the Holy Ghost" (Acts 2:38). Jesus said, "Be thou faithful unto
death, and I will give thee a crown of life" (Rev. 2:10). Now, can
one imagine standing before Christ, having obeyed the gospel and having
remained faithful, and then be denied heaven? Absolutely not! Through the
Word of God there is enormous victory.
THE BIBLE - A GUIDE
Man left to himself brings chaos (Jer. 10:23). He needs help from above.
Refusing to follow God's instruction destroys the individual, as well
as, the home and society. Most, if not all, of those familiar with the
Genesis account have read about Cain and Abel, the children of the first
parents on earth. Cain, of course, displeased that God accepted his brother's
worship, but refused his sacrifice, arose and slew Abel. Refusing to repent,
Cain fathered a race whose wickedness would cause God to send a flood
that would destroy mankind. It is evident that when one deviates from
God's plan, destruction is inevitable. One of the descendants of Cain, Lamech,
"took to him two wives", (Gen. 4:19). This of course, was not the
will of God (Matt. 19:8). It is interesting as one continues the narrative
that the descendants of godly Seth intermarried with the children of Cain
and "took them wives of all which they chose" (Gen. 6:1-2). Insatiable
appetites for sensual pleasure eventually created a violent society, as
well (Gen. 6:11). It seems that whenever God's standard regarding human
sexuality is abandoned, violence will always ensue.
America has forsaken the Biblical principles upon which she was founded.
This is particularly true as our country seeks to legitimize every form
of sexual gratification no matter how deviant or perverted it may be.
Despite the campaign for "safe sex," the number of young people
who are engaging in fornication has risen astronomically since the 1960's
era when "free love" became a common expression. What was called
love was lust, and the consequences of such inordinate affection have been
tremendous. Unwanted pregnancies, abortion, disease (some of which are
fatal), and psychological disturbances are all the result of removing the
absolute standard of the Bible and replacing it with the humanistic agenda.
Divorce is prevalent in our society and most often occurs because a couple
(or at least one spouse) tires of the other and desires someone new. Marriage
in the estimation of some, is like buying a car, when you tire of the old,
get a new one. Sadly, homosexuality, which mocks God's design, is becoming
more and more accepted as a legitimate alternative lifestyle. Recently
the religious world was stunned by revelations that numerous members of
the Roman Catholic "clergy" were engaged in pedophilia. While such
is sickening to the true child of God, such behavior should not be surprising
since the Roman Catholic church abandoned the ideal of marriage, considering
celibacy to be a more spiritual and pious way to live. While some have
chosen not to marry and have remained pure before God, most men and women
at some time in their lives desire to marry. This is good in the eyes of
the Lord for He created marriage to benefit man. Those who violate what
our Lord teaches concerning the marriage relationship, including the Catholic
church, must pay an enormous price.
What is the point? All of the devastation that immorality has caused
could have been avoided had God's Word been applied. Irving Berlin wrote
and Kate Smith made popular the stirring patriotic hymn, God Bless America,
which contains the line, "Stand beside her, and guide her, through the
night with a light from above." What was that light? The Bible! Notice
the attitude of our first three presidents toward the Bible:
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| George Washington: It is impossible to rightly govern the world
without God and the Bible....He is worse than an infidel who does not
read his Bible and acknowledge his obligation to God.
John Adams: The Bible is the best Book in the world.
Thomas Jefferson: I have always said and always will say that
the studious perusal of the sacred volume will make better citizens, better
fathers, better husbands....The Bible makes the best people in the world.
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It would be wonderful if all our modern political leaders had the same
respect for the Bible. It was interesting to hear members of Congress
singing God Bless America the evening following the September 11, 2001
attacks. Such was blatant hypocrisy considering so many policies endorsed
by many of the ones singing have been detrimental to the homes of the
nation and a rejection of the light from above. The psalmist wrote, "Thy
word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my pathway" (Psm. 119:105).
The Bible is like a road map that guides us to heaven. It serves as a
light to light our way, saying, "Don't step here" or "Follow
this direction." If one wants to live a life that is blessed and has
meaning, remember these words,
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| Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine
own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct
thy paths (Prov. 3:5-6), |
Man acknowledges God when he listens and obeys His word. Hence, one has
the direction that he needs in life, because God's Word cannot fail.
(To be continued)
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