|
|
How Can One Know?
baoliver, Tuesday, 10. February 2004, 16:10
by Jimmy Jividen
Contradictory doctrines are taught in the name of religion. Teachers on both sides cause confusion by claiming that what they teach is the will of God. How can one know who speaks for God? One claims his doctrine is from God because what he says has the support of time-honored human tradition. Churches, councils, and human creeds have affirmed it. The problem is that human traditions are changing and contradictory. The creed of one church is directly opposed to the creed of another. One cannot depend on such human traditions for religious authority. God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33). Another believes his doctrine is from God because he has been given new revelation. The problem is that these so-called latter-day revelations are changing and contradictory. When latter-day doctrines conflict, it is evident that one or both are false. When they change, it is evident that they cannot be from God. God does not change, nor does He contradict Himself. One cannot accept new revelation as a criterion for religious authority. Another claims his doctrine is from God because it is accepted by many people. To him the voice of the people is the voice of God. He believes that the truthfulness of a doctrine is determined by the receiver — if he "existentially" perceives something as true, it is true "to him". Two contradictory doctrines can be true at the same time if they are so perceived. For him there is no objective, absolute, universal truth. This view of relative, subjective truth is a popular criterion people use to determine their faith. Such faith is contradictory and changing. It undermines the very nature of God, who "is the same yesterday, today, and forever" (Heb. 13:8). The one and only criterion for religious truth must remain the Scriptures. They are inspired, absolute, and do not conflict. "All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16,17). Thanks to The Voice of Truth International, Vol 15, p. 37.
mikebenson, 2004.02.10, 17:21
Clear. Timely. Written with a kind spirit. Thank you.
... Link ... Comment |
 |
... home
... search this site ... columns and more ... about us ... who writes what when ... writer guidelines ... ... get articles by e-mail New Additions
Update on FMag
Forthright Magazine continues, more dynamic than ever! We have groups created for FMag on Facebook and the Churches of Christ Network. Announcement blog is up and going on Preachers Files. Email lists about FMag and FPress are available both on Yahoo and GoogleGroups. And, to top it all off, we're twittering for both on Twitter.com. by randal @ 2009.01.20, 11:55 Titanic and How We Leave the Lord
Just wanted to thank Richard Mansel for all his articles. I used this one in my sermon today at church. I'm not a regular preacher, but we are taking turns until we get a new one. Thanks again. A Christian Friend, Ron Reynolds by ronreynolds @ 2008.04.27, 21:18 Persuaded Without Knowledge
Yesterday my cousin died,she and I were taught the gospel,neither of us obeyed at that time,she and I wer both baptist,we found comfort in the once saved always saved and we both didn't undestand Paul being so chavinistic,that was back in the mid 80's,Years latter I was taught the Gospel again and I obeyed but she never did.One of the scrptures that influenced my decesion was Ephesians 5:19,For years music was my spirit uplifter more so than preaching,and denominations know ... more ... by helenh205 @ 2005.10.13, 12:51 How to Make Sure That Your Judgment Is Flawless
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 5:24--47 How to Make Sure That Your Judgment Is Flawless Yes, it is popular to say that we are not supposed to judge, but the truth is we all make judgments about many things daily. Otherwise, we would never succeed in life. The real question is what is our guide for judging. Why can we not simply follow the example of our Master and Lord? He said, 30 ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:08 Do You Ever Feel Like Just a Name?
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This morning read First Chronicles 1--3 Do You Ever Feel Like Just a Name? Think on the manner, in which the Book of First Chronicles begins, 1 Adam, Seth, Enosh (1 Chr. 1:1). In this way begins the longest genealogy in the Bible. The names continue to the end of the ninth chapter! Were these just names? Adam; who is he? You know there is more in the Bible than the mere ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:05 ...
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 5:1--23 Jesus healed a man. Praise God! However, Jesus healed him on the Sabbath. Uh oh. Some people were ready to kill Jesus for this perceived violation of the Sabbath Law. 16 For this reason the Jews persecuted Jesus, and sought to kill Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath (Joh. 5:16). Jesus did a good thing. Yet, people criticized Him severely for it. And ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:03 They Were His Servants
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This morning read Second Kings 24 and 25 They Were His Servants As the writer of Second Kings explains whom the Lord sent against Judah, the writer said that this was 2 ...according to the word of the LORD which He had spoken by His servants the prophets (2 Kin. 24:2). Those great men we have honored for centuries were nothing more than servants of the Lord God. What does that make ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 04:01 ...
by Don Ruhl Read the Bible in a Year This evening read John 4:30--54 The disciples went into a town to buy food while Jesus remained out of the town. There He engaged a woman in conversation. When the disciples returned, here is what happened, 31 In the meantime His disciples urged Him, saying, "Rabbi, eat." 32 But He said to them, "I have food to eat of which you do not know" (Joh. 4:31, 32). As you read the Gospel ... more ... by diane amberg @ 2005.05.18, 03:59
last updated: 2009.01.20, 11:55
online for 2618 Days
  powered by  |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||