DON’T TAKE MY WORD FOR IT

 

Why does a judge need witnesses in a trial? Why doesn’t he rule on a case based on the plaintiff's complaint? He doesn’t because there could be more to the story, and ruling on a case without all the facts could lead to a wrongful verdict. The guilty could go scot-free, and the innocent possibly punished. An investigation is of utmost importance to knowing the truth.

The same is true of the Bible, the Word of God! To understand and apply what you read accurately; you have to investigate the Bible using the Bible. The truth in the Bible will always be the truth, but the details might not apply to a situation in question. For instance, in the Old Testament, murderers are supposed to be put to death, but people who kill accidentally are allowed to flee to sanctuary cities to avoid getting the death penalty: (see Numbers 35:15-19). Capital punishment then was only applicable to intentional murder—out of hatred, retaliation or for spot and the like. This is no longer the case.

Likewise, in John’s Gospel, we are told, “You can ask for anything in my name, and I will do it, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. Yes, ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it!” (John 14:13-14). However, in the book of 1^st John, we are told, “We are confident that he hears us whenever we ask for anything that pleases him” (1 John 5:14). God’s will for us is an important consideration when we petition Him for anything. So, if you ask for a million dollars in His name, do you think He will give to you if it’s not His will for you to have a million dollars? Of course not!

How then should you respond when you hear the prosperity gospel? Should you just claim and have things? How about God’s will and plans for your life? Although the Bible says, “Believe when you pray and you’ll have it” if it’s not what He wants for you, you can believe and claim all you want, the answer will still be “No!”

There’s one Scripture though, that has no ifs or buts about it; it can only be interpreted one way. And it is the way to salvation. All the following verses, for instance, mean the same thing; only Jesus can save from sin and restore man’s broken relationship with God the Father:

●     “There’s salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).

●     In response to a jailer’s question: “Sirs, what must we do to be saved?” Paul and Silas replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved” (Acts 16:30-31).

●     “For this is how God loved the world: ‘He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). 

●     Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

●     “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

●     “When God our Savior revealed his kindness and love, he saved us, not because of the righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He washed away our sins, giving us a new birth and a new life through the Holy Spirit. He generously poured out the Spirit upon us through Jesus Christ our Savior. Because of his grace he declared us righteous and gave us the confidence that we will inherit eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7).

●     Jesus said to a Jewish religious leader, Nicodemus, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God … I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans give can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life” (John 3:3, 5-6). 

There are many more verses that say salvation is only through Jesus, and I hope you understand and believe it, and act upon it. Call on Jesus today!

When Paul and Silas shared the gospel in Berea, the people listened eagerly, but then “They searched the Scriptures day after day to see if Paul and Silas were teaching the truth. As a result, many Jews believed, as did many of the prominent Greek women and men” (Acts 17: 11-12). How about you, how often and how seriously do you search the Scriptures for yourself? Don’t allow yourself to be misguided and deceived, which is what will happen if you are a lazy Bible student.

Dear reader, be an eager student of the Bible; read and prayerfully meditate on it, and allow the Holy Spirit to help you apply it to your life. And don’t forget to research what you hear, and ask questions if you need to; ask other Christians, pastors, parents, and may the Holy Spirit assure you of what you read and hear. Don’t just take one person’s word for it!