Minister Riley Nelson

Richmond Hill Church of Christ

God wants all men to be saved (I Tim. 2:4). Jesus said, “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).

If mankind is going to be judged by the word of God, then all must follow the same word. There will not be different instructions for different people. In all the teaching found in the New Testament one does not find people being taught different ideas. They were simply told to follow and obey the Law of Christ. In all the writings the teaching was about the Christ and how all needed to obey.

Standards are a part of life. In construction, mechanics, etc. There must be a standard when it comes to religion. It has been said that with the population of the world being so great, surely not everyone can follow the same way. It must be remembered, God is not a respecter of persons (Romans 2:10,11; Acts 10:34,35). Every person who is saved will be saved by following the standard God has given to man.

Mankind has developed his own plan for salvation but there is a problem with this.

First, it is not necessary; God provided the plan to follow and has given examples of those who followed it. A study of the book of Acts shows people heard the word; they believed, were willing to repent of their sins, confessed that Jesus is the Son of God and were baptized for the remission of their sins.

Second, God has told that His will must be obeyed. “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matt. 7:21). Third, God has provided the only sacrifice that can remove sin – Christ.

Fourth, the ideas of men are different, and one man’s idea is as good as the next. It must be remembered that all will be judged according to the words of the Lord and not man’s ideas or notions, a true standard in religion exists and must be followed.

That standard is the inspired word of God. “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works (II Tim. 3:16,17). Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.

For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost (II Peter 1:20,21). These passages show the love and direction God wanted to give to man.

God first spoke directly to man as in the days of Adam, Abraham, Noah, and others. He then gave the Law of Moses the first written word to man, and then the Law of Christ. In each period God provided the knowledge man needed and still needs to be saved. It is up to man to follow God’s word, but remember the Bible is the standard to follow.