WELCOME TO GROWING
This is the first issue of a new monthly periodical prepared especially for Christian young people. It is anticipated that each issue will include an article on a fundamental doctrine of Scripture under the heading of “FOUNDATIONS.” Articles on practical Christian living will also appear from time to time under the heading of “THE RACE.” Our readers are encouraged to complete the ASSIGNMENTS and send them to the editor every two months. The editor welcomes any comments and suggestions you may have concerning this new publication.
Foundations of Faith
THE AUTHORITY OF THE BIBLE
“I don’t care what the Bible says. When I was ‘slain in the spirit,’ it was the most exciting feeling I have ever had.”
“Everyone is doing it, so there must not be anything wrong with it.”
“I felt this burning in my bosom while reading the Book of Mormon. That proves to me that it is true.”
“There is no such thing as absolute right or wrong. It all depends on the situation.”
What do these four statements have in common? Yes, as suggested by the title of this article, all of them do away with, or downplay, the authority of the Holy Scriptures. There is a tendency today for people to ask, “Is it exciting?” or “Does it feel good?” rather than, “Is it scriptural?” Or we hear people asking, “Is it useful?” or “Does it help me to achieve my personal goals?” rather than, “Does God give me permission to do it?”
We also find people today basing their way of thinking and living on the opinions of man, or on inner impressions, or on dreams and visions. For example, a few years ago a man called me because I was the local contact for a Christian radio program. He told me that he had received a vision from God that Jesus Christ was not the only way to the Father. I pointed out that his vision was in direct contradiction to the scripture that says, “I [Jesus] am the way … no man comes unto the Father but by Me” (John l4:6). But that did not seem to matter to him. His vision took precedence over God’s Word. In a similar vein, someone else told me that a prominent Christian teacher had a vision that the rapture–that is, Christ’s return for those who believe in Him–was going to occur prior to the great tribulation. In this case I happen to agree with this teacher’s beliefs, but for a different reason. He bases his teaching on a vision, while I base mine on God’s Word. Bear with me for one more example. Many years ago another believer and I were having a disagreement over a particular doctrine of Scripture. After looking at many passages of the Bible in an attempt to reach agreement on the point, the sister finally told me that some years ago she and her husband had asked the Lord to make them sick if they did not understand this particular doctrine correctly. Since they remained in good health, they proceeded to close their minds to any further scriptural insights on the question. The reason Christians are urged to read their Bibles and to study the Bible with other believers is that the Bible is the revelation of God, the Word of God. It is our final authority for all matters of life.
It is true that all of the Bible was written between 1900 and 3500 years ago. But while customs have changed and great advances have been made in science and technology since then, God has not changed, and God’s basic guiding principles of life have not changed. Does the availability of the birth control “pill” do away with God’s command to “flee fornication” (1 Cor. 6:18)? Does the fact that Mr. Jones is a multimillionaire mean that it doesn’t matter much if his cleaning woman and gardener steal from Him? Or perhaps to bring it closer to home, does the fact that my boss doesn’t pay me what I’m worth mean that I am free to spend part of my working hours reading a book when he’s not around, of course)? (See Assignment 1)
Does it really matter whether we accept God’s Word as the principal authority for our lives? Does it matter whether we obey God’s commandments? It sure does, but maybe for a different reason from what you might think! It is not that God is standing behind a curtain with a big club ready to smash us whenever we disregard His authority or disobey His Word. It is much more positive than that. God is a good God, God is wise, and all of His commandments are for man’s greatest good and blessing. Contrary to popular opinion, God is not a “party pooper.” God is not out to keep us from enjoying the pleasures of life. Rather, God’s commandments are designed to help man to achieve the greatest possible joy and true happiness both in this present life and for all eternity. We will discuss this in more detail in future issues. (See Assignment 2)
But some may ask, “How do we know for sure that the Bible is God’s Word? There are many other ‘holy books’ in the world, such as the Muslim Koran, the Hindu Vedas, the writings of Buddha, the Book of Mormon, and others. How do we know that the Bible is the authoritative Word of God?” Good question! We will have to wait for the next issue to begin exploring the answer to this question.
Running the Race
REPROOF AND CORRECTION
Robert was a long-distance runner. One of the best in the area. One afternoon while running in a cross-country meet he was leading the pack (as usual). As Robert came over the crest of a hill he saw the path ahead divide in a Y; confidently he took the branch to the left. Suddenly he heard a whistle blowing and an official screaming at the top of his lungs, “Wrong way! wrong way!” Turning around, he dashed back to the right path, and was still able to finish third in spite of his error. How grateful he was that the official spotted him going the wrong way and sounded the alarm, perhaps keeping him from coming in last.
Robert was reproved by the official, and as a result, corrected his course. Likewise, the Scriptures have been given to us, not only to teach us doctrine, but to reprove and correct us (2 Tim. 3:16).
Do you allow the Bible to speak to you, to reprove and correct you as Robert was corrected by the official? Let us learn to pray like the psalmist, “Search me, O God … and see if there be any wicked way in me” (Psa. l39:23,24). The Book of Proverbs talks about those who do and do not receive reproof: “He who refuses reproof errs…is brutish,…shall die” (Prov. 10:17; 12:1; 15:10). “He who regards reproof shall be honored…is prudent…abides among the wise…gets understanding” (Prov. 13:18; 15:5,31,32).
May the Lord help each of us to have hearts that are sensitive to His reproofs, and the spiritual energy to turn those reproofs into positive changes in our behavior and course of life.
Assignment 1: What scripture verse in the Book of Colossians would you use to answer that last question?
Assignment 2: Using a Concordance, find three verses in the Bible that tell us of the goodness of God. Also, write down at least one experience in your own life that has demonstrated the goodness of God.