Cecil F. Cox
There is a great movement afoot today to destroy, in the minds of people, the authority of the Scriptures. This is a serious charge; but, nevertheless, there is adequate evidence to prove it. Men are being told that the Scriptures are not the Word of God; but, rather, the words of men. Being taught this by their religious leaders, many are not aware of the fact that this is contrary to Bible teaching. Therefore, before we plunge headlong down this road, let us notice that this refusal to accept the Scriptures as the infallible Word of God denies the claim that the Scripture makes for itself. In 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13, the apostle Paul said, "But we received not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God, that we might know the things freely given to us of God. Which things we speak, not in works which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the spirit teacheth; combining spiritual things with spiritual words." 2 Peter 1:21 teaches that the Scripture did not come "by the will of man: but men spake from God, being moved by the Holy Spirit."
The attitude of not accepting the authority of the Scriptures is not new. It is with much sorrow that we observe that man had rather follow his own will than accept the Word of God. Speaking of Israel, God said they were "children that will not hear the law of the Lord: Which say to the seers, See not; and the prophets, Prophesy not unto us right things, speak unto us smooth things, prophesy deceits" (Isaiah 30:9,10). In Jeremiah 6:16, we read: "Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the good way, and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein." The apostle Paul said, "Preach the word for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but having itching ears, will they heap to themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn aside unto fables" (2 Timothy 2:2-4).
While there are those who do not have regard for the authority of the Scriptures, there are others who have the same attitude expressed by the apostle Paul in Acts 20:32: "And now I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up and give you the inheritance among all them that are sanctified." The psalmist declared in Psalm 119:128: "I esteem all they precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way."
Which of these attitudes is representative of your life? Do you respect the authority of the Scriptures? Or, must you admit that you believe and teach that which is not really authorized in the Scriptures?
Let us make a few practical observations that will help us to decide which it may be in our own lives.
1. We find many today teaching that men are saved "at the point of faith"; that is, the very moment that they believe. Hence, according to these, salvation is obtained before and without water baptism. Is the authority for such a doctrine found within the pages of Divine inspiration? I submit unto you the proposition that it is not. Nowhere does the Bible ascribe salvation on the basis of "faith only." Many times we read that one is saved by faith, but never by faith only. Faith only is faith plus nothing, but the scripture teaches that the faith which avails is the faith that worketh (Galatians 5:6). The faith that saves is not faith plus nothing, but a faith that leads one to repent and be baptized (Acts 2:38). The essentiality of repentance and baptism in order to be saved is clearly taught in the Scriptures. See the following verses: Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30,31; 2 Peter 3:9; Mark 16:16; Acts 22;16; 1 Peter 3;21. So a man who really respects the authority of the Scriptures will move away from the doctrine of justification by "faith alone."
2. Some teach that a man is born a sinner. Some would tell us that babies are born into this world totally depraved. Now does such teaching come from the word of God? No! Jesus said, "Except ye be converted and become as little children ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3). Is our Lord saying that adults are pure and sinless and must be converted (changed) and become totally depraved sinners like little children in order to be saved? Most assuredly not!! He is saying just the opposite. Speaking to mature accountable people, he said that they must be converted and become innocent and pure, like little children, in order to be saved. Jesus also said, "Suffer little children and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 19:14).
Let us be careful and be sure all that we believe and teach in religion is authorized in the word of God. And, in conclusion I quote from another: "This book (the Bible, CFC) contains the mind of God; the state of man, the way of salvation; the doom of sinners, and the happiness of the righteous. Its doctrine is holy; its precepts are binding; its records are true; and all its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise; believe it to be saved; and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you; food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, soldier's sword, the Christian's charter. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened, and the ways of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the redemption of man its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, a river of pleasure. It is given you in life, will be quoted at the judgment and remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the obedient, and condemn all who trifle with its precepts." (Author Unknown)
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 10/27/96.