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The Bible is the standard to follow, part 2
pastor corner

Minister Riley Nelson

Richmond Hill Church of Christ

Last week the study showed that God has given His word to man, desiring that all be saved, but leaving it up to man to make the decision as to whether man will follow God or not. The word of God is not to be altered by man. 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). What an amazing thing to know that God knew men would want to change His word, so He warned men not to change what He said.

Man will not be judged by the words of men. Men put forth their ideas and determine not follow the standard given by God.

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). This makes it such a important thing to study God’s word without preconceived ideas, and to follow what the word says.

While Jesus was upon the earth He came across those who had changed God’s law and were teaching others this same error. 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 was among men, cannot it happen in our time? 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). Man needs to follow God.

All men need to follow the teachings of God. “Study to show thyself approved unto God … (II Tim. 2:15). It is necessary to come to the knowledge and truth of God’s word, obey it as it is given to in the Bible.

The standard is the Bible.

One must do as those in the book of Acts did, have faith in Jesus, repent of sins, be ready and willing to confess the name of Christ before men, and be baptized for the remission of sins. From that point on live a faithful life unto God. This is the plan of salvation God has given in His standard. Is there a standard in religion and it is the word of God.

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