How Does the Bible Authorize?

HOW DOES THE BIBLE AUTHORIZE?

David Sain

The Need For This Study

In recent years, the landscape of religion has undergone numerous changes, including such things as the use of pragmatic methods of evangelism, the shift from the traditional to a contemporary style of worship, and the sanctioning of appointing gay people to positions of leadership in denominations. In my judgment, all of these and other unscriptural changes are the result of a growing disregard for the authority of the Bible. And, regrettably, I have witnessed this growing disregard for the Word of God among my brethren in the churches of Christ.When I first began preaching the prevailing sentiment in the average listener was, “Well, if that is what the Bible says, that settles the matter.” Now, however, the alarming and growing sentiment is, “Well, I know the Bible says that, but …” At that point, the listener’s subjectivity takes over and he begins to interject his personal point of view instead of submissively accepting what the Bible says.

As we witness the changes that are taking place in religion and we ponder where all of this will lead, it is vital to know the role that the Bible plays and how we should regard it. Some view the Bible as a devotional guide. Some view it as a source of comfort and consolation in times of sorrow and distress. Some view it as a collection of ancient literature that is “out of date” and irrelevant to modern man. Some people say the Bible is the Word of God, while others think it only contains the Word of God (unwilling to accept the accuracy of everything in it, and unwilling to believe that every word of it is inspired of God). So, how should we view the Bible? Here are two answers to that important question.

We Should View the Bible as the Word of God

Inspired writers, in thousands of verses, affirmed this to be the case. Jeremiah did so nearly five hundred times in his two Old Testament books. Ezekiel did so more than three hundred times in his book. Zechariah did so more than eighty times in his book of prophecy. And on and on the list goes. The Bible declares that God spoke by the prophets. David said, “The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me, and his word was upon my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2). Jeremiah recorded that God spoke unto him, saying, “Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jer. 1:9). Throughout the pages of the Bible we are told, “thus saith the Lord” (e.g., Isa. 45:11; Jer. 17:5; Ezek. 2:4). In the New Testament we are assured that God has spoken to us through His Son (Heb. 1:1-2).Jesus told his disciples,

19 But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.20 For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you.(Matt. 10:19-20)

In further instruction to the apostles, Jesus promised,But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.(John 14:26)

When Paul wrote the Corinthians he affirmed inspiration, declaring, “…we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth…” (1 Cor. 2:13). And that, of course, was a fulfillment of the promise of Jesus that the Spirit would teach all things and bring all things to their remembrance.

We Should View the Bible as Authoritative

If one accepts the above affirmation that the scriptures are inspired of God, then one would, logically, conclude that the scriptures are authoritative — simply because they come from the one in whom all authority resides (1 Cor. 11:1). Surely, no one would argue that God could give his word and that his word would be powerless. I repeat. If the Bible is inspired of God, then it is his word - the Word of God - and that means that the Bible is authoritative. The authority of God’s word is indicated in the writing of the apostle Paul when he said to the Galatians,But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.(Gal. 1:8)

Since Paul’s words were by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:13), his words became the standard of authority by which the Galatians were to measure what was preached to them. The well-known words of John also indicate the authority of the word of God. He wrote,9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son.10 If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed:11 For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.(2 John 9-11)

As previously noted, the Hebrew writer declared that God has spoken unto us, in these last days, by his Son (Heb. 1:1-2), and Jesus said that whatever he spoke came from the Father (John 17:8, 14). That is why John said the “doctrine of Christ” was the standard by which we are to measure that which is preached. Indeed, the Bible, being the Word of God, should be viewed as authoritative.

By What Authority?

23 And when he was come into the temple, the chief priests and the elders of the people came unto him as he was teaching, and said, By what authority doest thou these things? and who gave thee this authority? 24 And Jesus answered and said unto them, I also will ask you one thing, which if ye tell me, I in like wise will tell you by what authority I do these things. 25 The baptism of John, whence was it? from heaven, or of men? And they reasoned with themselves, saying, If we shall say, From heaven; he will say unto us, Why did ye not then believe him? 26 But if we shall say, Of men; we fear the people; for all hold John as a prophet. 27 And they answered Jesus, and said, We cannot tell. And he said unto them, Neither tell I you by what authority I do these things.(Matthew 21:23-27)

The question asked in this narrative, in verse 23, emphasizes an important matter for us: Everything we do and teach religiously is either by divine authority or by human authority. The reason that the question of Matthew 21:23 is so crucial is that God has made it abundantly clear that only that which he has authorized is acceptable unto him. The scriptures are replete with teaching and examples of this truth. Note three examples:1. King Saul was commanded to utterly destroy the Amalekites and not bring back any spoil. Yet, Saul and the people defied the Lord’s instructions and brought back spoil. When confronted about their disobedience, Saul attempted to justify their behavior by saying that their intention was to offer a sacrifice unto the Lord. Samuel’s response to Saul teaches us that the only way to please God is to do only that which he has authorized.

And Samuel said, Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.(1 Sam. 15:22)

2. Jehovah’s reaction to the behavior of two of the sons of Aaron also illustrates the importance of doing only that which the Lord has authorized. Recall the well-known story of their disobedience and punishment:

1 And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took either of them his censer, and put fire therein, and put incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the LORD, which he commanded them not. 2 And there went out fire from the LORD, and devoured them, and they died before the LORD.(Leviticus 10:1-2)

3. Jesus taught that one must do the will of the Father in order to enter into the kingdom of heaven. He taught that being religious does not, within itself, make one acceptable unto God.21 Not every one 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.22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.(Matthew 7:21-23)

Although one may be very devout and do all sorts of good works in the name of the Lord, his devotion and religious deeds, although done in the name of the Lord, will be rejected on the day of judgment if he has done that which is unauthorized.

We Receive Divine Authority Through the Bible

Having established the importance of having divine authority for all that we teach and practice, let us turn our attention directly to the matter of how we receive authority from God.As previously discussed and affirmed, the Bible is inspired of God. Paul wrote:

16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.(2 Timothy 3:16-17)

Since the Scriptures are inspired of God, it is correct to say that the Scriptures are the Word of God – the Bible is the Word of God. And, whatever the Bible says to be the case is what God says to be the case. Therefore, whatever the Bible authorizes is that which God authorizes.

Rightly Dividing the Word

The Bible records God’s dealings with man in three dispensations: the Patriarchal age (from creation until the giving of the law through Moses), the Mosaical age (from the giving of the law through Moses until the death of Jesus on the cross), and the Christian age (from the death of Jesus until the end of time). The student of the Bible must be careful to interpret scripture in light of the law that was in force at the time.

We live under and are subject to the law of Christ (Heb. 1:1-2). We are not subject to the laws given during the Patriarchal or Mosaical dispensations. However, there are some laws enjoined during prior dispensations that are also given in the Christian age. To those laws, we are, of course, subject.

How the Bible Authorizes

Divine authority is established in three different ways: direct statement, example, and inference (or implication). In other words, everything that we are authorized to teach or do is authorized in one of those three ways, or we have no divine authority for teaching it or doing it.

Let us now consider each of these three means of authorization, illustrating each of them with Scriptures about baptism.

Direct Statement.

1. This may be in the form of an imperative sentence. To illustrate, note the divinely inspired words of Peter,

Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.(Acts 2:38.)

We understand that Peter’s statement in this scripture is an imperative sentence - he commanded repentance and baptism in the name of Jesus Christ! Since he spoke by the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-4), his words are divinely authorized and they, thereby, provide authority from God for us to teach and practice baptism in the name of Jesus, for the forgiveness of sins. 2. The direct statement may be in the form of a declarative sentence. To illustrate, note the words of Christ, in the great commission:15 And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.16 He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.(Mark 16:15-16)

The words of Jesus in verse sixteen are a declarative sentence – he declared that the one who believes (the gospel) and is baptized is the one who shall be saved. Being God (as well as man) the words he spoke establish divine authority regarding baptism being essential to salvation. Therefore, we have authority from God to teach and practice baptism as a prerequisite to salvation. 3. The direct statement may be in the form of an interrogative sentence. To illustrate, consider what Paul wrote to the Romans:Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?(Romans 6:3)

We understand that Paul’s statement in this scripture is an interrogative sentence - he asked a rhetorical question! In the question, he taught that baptism puts one into Jesus Christ. And, like the apostle Peter, Paul spoke by the gift of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:9-13). Therefore, his words are divinely authorized and they give to us authority from God to teach and practice baptism as the act that puts one into Christ, where salvation is obtained (2 Tim. 2:10).

Example

Where the Bible records an example of someone doing what God has authorized, that example is authoritative, and may be used to teach the truth regarding the matter that is therein depicted. To cite a case in point, the narrative of the Ethiopian Eunuch being taught and baptized by Philip, the evangelist, illustrates one being baptized in response to the teaching of Jesus (Mark 16:15-16). Therefore, this story can be cited as divine authority in teaching and practicing baptism.

Inference or Implication When a direct statement is made (in the form of an imperative sentence, a declarative sentence, or interrogative sentence), the statement may be explicit and/or implicit. And from that which is stated explicitly, there may be certain things implied. And one draws logical conclusions about what is authorized from that which is implied. For example, being baptized in water necessarily infers, and therefore authorizes, having a place where there is enough water to immerse a person. That, in turn, infers and, thereby, authorizes (but not necessarily so), having that water in a baptistry inside the church building. However, having a baptistry is not a necessary inference. Having a place with enough water to immerse is a necessary inference, but the location of that water is a matter of judgment and expediency.

Specific and Generic Authority

When a direct statement or command is given, in any of the forms mentioned, we have divine authority. If God specifies how, or when, or where, or why to do the command, then we have specific authority. If he does not specify how, or when, or where, or why to do the command, we still have authority, but it is generic authority. As already noted, when God commands us to do something, a part of the command may be specific in nature while another part of the command may be generic in nature. Let me illustrate with a well- known Old Testament event.

When God instructed Noah to build the ark, he was both specific and generic in the commands (Genesis 6). For example, he told Noah to construct it out of wood, and he specified the kind of wood.

From this we have correctly understood and taught that when God specified gopher wood that only that which was specified was authorized, and all other types of wood were unauthorized.

However, the specific command to build the ark out of gopher wood also involved generic authority, because God did not specify anything about the procurement of the wood, or the length of each piece of wood. Those matters were left to Noah’s judgment.

Turning to the New Testament, consider how the great commission also illustrates generic and specific authority.

Jesus commanded “go,” but did not specify how to go, leaving man to choose the most expedient means of going. However, what is to be done is specified, namely “preaching.” And what is to be preached is specified. He commanded that the gospel be preached (Mk. 16:15).

Then Jesus said that the one who believes (the gospel) and is baptized shall be saved (Mk. 16:16). Now, in the context of this study, note that the Bible specifies the why of baptism. The reason –the purpose- of baptism is “for the remission of sins” (Acts 2:38). Unless baptism is for that purpose, it is not Biblical baptism.

Music in Worship

Also, from the New Testament, Christians are taught to sing in worship to God (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). In other chapters of this book, you will find a more detailed treatment of this matter, but, in the immediate context of this chapter, it seems expedient to make a brief application of this injunction as a further illustration of specific and generic authority.

In each of the scriptures cited, Paul specifically commanded “singing,” which authorizes a particular kind of music (namely, vocal). And that specific command would exclude authority for any other kind of music. (Compare the specific command to build the ark out of gopher wood, which excluded using any other kind of wood.)

So we conclude, in accordance with what Paul wrote, that vocal music, congregational in style, is divinely authorized for Christian worship. And that is the only kind of music for which there is Biblical authority in Christian worship. There is no authority in the New Testament for mechanical music in worship to God.

Illustration from Daily Life

A father may say to his son, “Bring me a box.” With no further instruction, the son can meet his father’s request by bringing him any kind and any size of box. However, if the father were to say, “Bring me a cardboad box,” we would immediately understand that the specification of a “cardboard box” automatically excludes a box of any other material. The son does not have to be told not to bring a wooden or plastic box.

What if the father were to say, bring me a brown cardboard box from the closet in the hallway? If that were the case, a blue box is not authorized and a metal box is not authorized. And a box from any other place, other than the closet in the hallway, would be unauthorized. However, since the father did not specify the size of the box, the son would be free to use his judgment as to what size to choose.

We make numerous applications of the principle of generic and specific authority in daily life. And this principle, properly applied to our study of the Bible, will serve us well, and will settle a lot of misunderstandings and controversies regarding salvation, the church, and acceptable worship.

Guidelines

In summary, here are five guidelines that can be helpful in interpreting God’s Word: 

1. If God has been specific (explicit) about a matter, that which he has specified is required. Everything else, of the same kind, about which he has been specific, is unauthorized, unless expressly authorized elsewhere.
2. If God has not been specific about some matter, that about which hehas not been specific is left to human judgment.
3. When an action is authorized, everything that is essential or expedient to carrying out that action is authorized unless:
   • It is expressly forbidden elsewhere.
   • It violates other Biblical teaching.
   • It changes, or adds to, the action that is authorized.
4. It is wrong to “loose” what God has “bound,” (i.e., not to require what God has required).
5. It is wrong to “bind” what God has “loosed” (i.e., to require what God has not required).

Denominational Division

AN EXAMINATION OF DENOMINATIONAL DIVISION

David Sain

Even though the majority of people in the religious world never think of denominationalism as being wrong, and even though some of my brethren are now opening their arms of fellowship to include their denominational friends, denominational division is a sin! And it is my purpose in this article to show why it is a sin.

It Violates That For Which Jesus Prayed

As he approached the final hours of his life, Jesus prayed, “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me (John 17:20-21).

Clearly it is the will of our Lord that his disciples by united, but denominationalism constitutes religious division, not religious unity! There are more than 250 different religious organizations that are called denominations. Each of those denominations exists separate and apart from the others. They have different names and, even though they may have some things in common, they differ in doctrines and practices. If there were no differences, they would all be of the same group.

The route that I usually take from my house to my office is only slightly more than three miles. In the course of that brief trip, I pass the church buildings for eight different religions. The people who worship in those buildings are neighbors. They work together, they shop together, and they play together, but, because of their religious differences, they do not — they cannot — worship together in unity! Religiously, they are divided! And religious division is a sin!

It Denies What The Bible Teaches About The Oneness Of The Church

The Bible clearly teaches that there is just one church that belongs to Jesus. Jesus promised to build his “church,” and he said that the gates of hell would not prevail against “it” (Mat. 16:18). The apostle Paul declared, “There is one body…” (Eph. 4:4-6), and that “body” is his church (Col. 1:23).

Paul also affirmed that the Father has made Jesus the head over the “church,” which is his “body” (Eph. 1:22-23; Col. 1:18), and Luke recorded that the saved are added to “the church” (Acts 2:47).

Contrary to what many people have been led to believe, there is only one church of which Jesus is the Savior (Eph. 5:23).

That church which belongs to Christ is that church which worships like the New Testament teaches, is organized like the New Testament teaches, is identified by terms found in the New Testament, and teaches the doctrine of salvation which is taught in the New Testament. That church is not a denomination!

Conversely, any church that does not worship like the New Testament teaches, is not organized like the New Testament teaches, is not identified by terms found in the New Testament, and does not teach the doctrine of salvation which is taught in the New Testament, does not belong to Christ. That church is a denomination.

It Denies The Bible As The Authority In Religious Matters

The Lord has taught us by precept and example that the only acts of spiritual service which are acceptable to him are those acts which he has authorized (Lev. 10:1-2; I Sam. 15:22). The holy scriptures reveal his will to us, and we must make the scriptures our final and all-sufficient source of authority in all spiritual matters (II Tim. 3:16,17; I Thes. 2:13; II Pet. 1:3; Jude 3; et al).

Even though the people in denominations will affirm that they “follow the Bible,” there is something taught or practiced in every denomination that contradicts what the Bible teaches. For example, every denomination that fails to teach baptism as being essential to salvation fails to teach what the Bible clearly and emphatically teaches (Mk. 16:16, Acts 2:38). Furthermore, every denomination that worships with the use of mechanical music goes beyond that which is authorized (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16) and does that for which there is absolutely no divine authority in Christian worship (cf. John 4:23-24).

Consider the reasoning previously set forth in this article: The differing doctrines and practices in the various denominations is what sets them apart from one another. Well, those differing doctrines and practices also set them apart from the holy scriptures, for when they teach or practice that for which there is no Biblical authority, they demonstrate that they do not believe that Biblical authority is essential in all things!

The Lord’s church, by contrast, strives to teach, believe, and do that, and only that, which the New Testament authorizes!

It Makes The Lord The Author Of Confusion

Consider the contradictory doctrines which are taught in the various denominations, and then consider that all of these donominations claim to belong to the Lord. Well, the Corinthians were assured that God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 14:33), which he would have to be if all of the denominations are the work of the Lord.

It is little wonder that so many people are “turned off” and reject all of this confusion.

It Is A Sin Because It Matters What One Believes

Any acceptance or defense of denominationalism is based upon the assumption or conclusion that it does not matter what one believes, teaches, or practices in service to God. If denominationalism is acceptable, then contradicting doctrines and practices would also have to be acceptable. That has to be the case since it is the case that denominational division is laced through and through with contradicting doctrines and practices.

However, let me illustrate in two ways that it does matter what one believes and teaches and practices religiously.

First, consider what the scriptures teach relative to the matter. The Lord taught that regardless how sincere or religious one may be, that person is lost who does not do the will of the Father (Mat. 7:21-23), and Paul wrote that the person who does not obey the gospel is lost (II Thes. 1:-7-9). Now if one can be religious without doing the will of the Father, and if one can be religious without obeying the gospel, then it does matter what one believes and does religiously.

In the same line of reasoning, the gospel of Jesus Christ is the power of God unto salvation (Rom. 1:16), and any one who teaches “any other gospel” is accursed (Gal. 1:6-8). Also, the Bible teaches that one who teaches contrary to the doctrine of Christ is not to be given any encouragement or endorsement (II John 9-11). In fact, Paul said that because of what some teach they should have their mouths “stopped” (Tit. 1:9-14).

Peter warned the early Christians that there would be false teachers in their day (II Pet. 2:1-2). Furthermore, Paul told Timothy that there would be those who would turn their ears from truth and turn unto that which is false (II Tim. 4:1-4).

Now, my question is, why did these men, who wrote by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, write all these warnings and admonitions if it does not matter what a person believes and teaches?

Obviously, they wrote these things because it does matter. Obviously, one can teach that which is not true and one can believe that which is not true, resulting in the destruction of both the teacher and the believer.

Second, consider these matters from a logical viewpoint. What if a preacher (we’ll call him “preacher A”) preached one thing one Sunday but on the next Sunday contradicted the very thing which he preached on the previous Sunday? And what if “preacher A” preached on another topic the next Sunday, only to contradict himself the following Sunday? What do you think would happen? How long would he be employed? How long would people listen to such a man?

Yet, that is essentially what is happening every Sunday in denominationalism. “Preacher A” preaches one doctrine while “Preacher B” contradicts “Preacher A.” And “preacher C” preaches something that contradicts “preacher D.” Now, how can such be ludicrous if found in one preacher but acceptable in different preachers?

Conclusion

When one believes and does everything that the Bible teaches, that person will simply be a Christian, and the Lord will add him to the church of Christ! But, that will not make him a part of any denomination.

One can believe and do everything the Bible teaches one to believe and do but never be a member of a denomination. One has to believe or do something in addition to what the Bible teaches in order to be a member of a denomination.

Denominational divisions exist because religious men have gone beyond the doctrine of Christ (II John 9-11), and teach for doctrines the commandments of men (cf. Mat. 15:8-9). That is why we teach that denominational division is a sin!

How Shall We View the Bible?

PDF versionHow Shall We View the Bible?

David Sain

The Need For This Study

                         In recent years, the landscape of religion has undergone numerous changes, including such things as the use of pragmatic methods of evangelism, the shift from the traditional to a contemporary style of worship, and the sanctioning of appointing gay people to positions of leadership in denominations.

                        In my judgment, all of these and other unscriptural changes are the result of a growing disregard for the authority of the Bible. And, regrettably, I have witnessed this growing disregard for the Word of God among my brethren. As I have stated previously, when I first began preaching the prevailing sentiment in the average listener was, “Well, if that is what the Bible says, that settles the matter.” Now, however, the alarming and growing sentiment is, “Well, I know the Bible says that, but …” At that point, the listener’s subjectivity takes over and he begins to interject his personal point of view instead of submissively accepting what the Bible says.

                        As we witness the changes that are taking place in religion and we ponder which direction the church shall go in the midst of the current challenges, it is vital to know the role that the Bible plays and how we should regard it.

                        Some view the Bible as a devotional guide. Some view it as a source of comfort and consolation in times of sorrow and distress. Some view it as a collection of ancient literature that is “out of date” and irrelevant to modern man. Some people say the Bible is the Word of God, while others think it only contains the Word of God (unwilling to accept the accuracy of everything in it, and unwilling to believe that every word of it is inspired of God).

                        So, how should we view the Bible? Here are seven answers to that important question.

We Should View the Bible as the Word of God

                        Inspired writers, in thousands of verses, affirmed this to be the case. Jeremiah does so nearly five hundred times in his two Old Testament books. Ezekiel does so more than three hundred times in his book. Zechariah does so more than eighty times in his book of prophecy. And on and on the list goes.

                        The Bible declares that God spoke by the prophets. David said, “The Spirit of Jehovah spake by me, and his word was upon my tongue” (2 Sam. 23:2). Jeremiah recorded that God spoke unto him, saying, “Behold, I have put my words in thy mouth” (Jer. 1:9). Throughout the pages of the Bible we are told, “thus saith the Lord” (e.g., Isa. 45:11; Jer. 17:5; Ezek. 2:4).

                        In the New Testament we are assured that God has spoken to us through His Son (Heb. 1:1-2). Jesus told his disciples,

“But when they deliver you up, take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your Father which speaketh in you” (Matt. 10:19-20).

In further instruction to them, he promised,

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:26).

                        When Paul wrote the Corinthians he affirmed inspiration, declaring, “…we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth…” (1 Cor. 2:13). And that, of course, was a fulfillment of the promise of Jesus that the Spirit would teach all things and bring all things to their remembrance.

We Should View the Bible as Authoritative

                        If the Bible is inspired of God, then it is his word - the Word of God. And that means that the Bible is authoritative.

                      If one accepts the above affirmation that the scriptures are inspired of God, then one would, logically, conclude that the scriptures are authoritative — simply because they come from the one in whom all authority resides (1 Cor. 11:1). Surely, no one would argue that God could give his word and that his word would be powerless.

                        The authority of God’s word is indicated in the words of the apostle Paul when he said to the Galatians,

“But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed” (Gal. 1:8). 

Since Paul’s words were by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 2:13), his words became the standard of authority by which the Galatians were to measure anything preached to them.

                        The well-known words of John also indicate the authority of the word of God. He wrote,

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 9-11).

The Hebrew writer declared that God has spoken unto us, in these last days, by his Son, and Jesus said that whatever he spoke came from the Father (John 17:8, 14). Thus, John said the “doctrine of Christ” was the standard by which we are to measure that which is preached.

                        Indeed, the Bible, the Word of God, should be viewed as authoritative.

The Bible Should Be Viewed as the Truth

                        To say that the Bible is God’s word is to say that it is truth. This is the case because God cannot lie (Heb. 6:18; Tit. 1:2). And since God cannot lie, then the Bible cannot lie—that is, it cannot teach that which is not true.                

Whatever the Bible teaches is true is absolutely true. Whatever the Bible teaches to have happened actually happened. In other words, what the Bible teaches to be the case, actually is the case because what the Bible “says” is what God “says,” and what God says is the truth (John 17:17).

                        The Psalmist wrote often that the Word of the Lord is right (Psa. 19:7-9; 33:4; 119:104, 128).

The Bible Should Be Viewed as Absolute Truth

                         The truth of the Bible is absolute. That is, it is free from and independent of the conclusions of the reader/student. In other words, it does not depend upon individuals reaching some conclusion about it.

                        The truth of the Bible is truth regardless of what conclusions people reach. The truth of a proposition is not changed by the conclusion that someone reaches about a matter. This is, of course, in stark contrast to the theory of relativism, which holds that truth is dependent upon the conclusions that one reaches.

                        Someone may say, “I have been rethinking the matter of the role of women” or “I am rethinking the matter of baptism.” Well, one may “rethink” these and other matters and changes his mind about these subjects, but that will not change what the Bible actually teaches. To illustrate, if, when I am preaching, I look at a microphone before me and call it a pencil, does that change what it is? Of course not. I can say about it whatever I want, but it will still be a microphone. And so it is with the truth. Man may say what he will about a Biblical matter, but what the Bible says about it remains the same!

                        Furthermore, the truth of the Bible is constant. That is, what was truth years ago is still truth. I continue to hear and read things like, “What the Holy Spirit told the apostle Paul may not be what the Spirit is saying to you and me” but, that accommodative thinking notwithstanding, the message of the Bible remains the same. The Bible teaches now just what it taught before any of us were alive to study it, and it will teach the same thing long after we are gone from this earth.

                        Consider what is implied when one comments that the Bible is out of date and irrelevant to the culture of the twenty-first century and does not address the life of modern man. It implies that almighty, all-knowing God was incapable of writing a book that would remain relevant in all ages, or else he chose not to do so — in which case he has lied in scriptures like 2 Peter 1:3 and 2 Timothy 3:16-17.

                        The constant, unchanging truth of the Bible is clearly and unmistakably affirmed in the scriptures. Peter wrote that the word of God “liveth and abideth for ever” and that “…the word of the Lord endureth for ever”(1 Pet. 1:23, 25). The Psalmist praised the Lord with the words,

“For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven” (Psa. 119:89).

And the Son of God proclaimed,

“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away” (Matt. 24:35).

The Bible Should Be Viewed as Attainable Truth

                        Not only is the truth of the Bible absolute. It is also attainable. That is, men can learn the truth of the Bible.

                        In a world that is permeated with relativism, the growing sentiment, even among devout people, is that we can never know for certain what is the truth of the Bible. And, if you follow that reasoning to its ultimate conclusion, you decide, as multitudes have, no one has the right to judge another person to be wrong.

                        However, such reasoning contradicts what Jesus said. To those Jews that believed on him, Jesus said,

“If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32).

Since our being a disciple of the Lord depends upon abiding in his word, Jesus here implicitly teaches that one must be able to learn and “know” the truth. It would be impossible to abide in it unless we are able to first learn it.

                        In Ephesians 3:3-4, the apostle Paul said,

“How that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery; (as I wrote afore in few words, Whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ) (Eph. 3:3-4).

He said they would “understand” when they “read” it. Later, in that same letter, Paul added,

“Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is” (5:17).

To Timothy, Paul wrote that God wants all men to come to know the truth (1 Tim. 2:4), which carries the obvious conclusion that all men can know the truth.

                        Does this mean that we can fully understand all that is the Bible? No. However, those things that are essential to salvation are, with proper study, easily understandable, and those things which are more difficult to comprehend are not essential to one’s salvation. Any person accountable to God can understand and know that baptism is essential to salvation, while the figurative language of Revelation will require more time and greater study to comprehend. However, one does not have to fully understand everything in Revelation, e.g., the mark of the beast, in order to be saved.

We Should View the Bible as All Sufficient

                        The Bible is a complete revelation of the Will of God for man. Peter said that God “…hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” (2 Peter 1:3). And the all-sufficiency of the scriptures is emphatically declared in Paul’s well-known words to Timothy.

“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, throughly furnished unto all good works. (2 Timothy 3:16-17).

                        In recent years, we have been hearing that we need to be “more open to the leading of the Spirit.” Well, make no mistake about it. the Spirit does lead and influence us — but only through the Scriptures. Since, in the Scriptures, we have all that pertains to life and godliness, here is no need for any other revelation from God. Since the Scriptures completely equip us to all good works, what more can the Holy Spirit lead us to know or do that he has not already revealed in the Word?

The Bible Should Be Viewed As the Power of God

                        The Hebrew writer said,

“For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart” (Heb. 4:12).

Paul declared that the gospel is God’s power to save sinful man (Rom. 1:16-17;1 Cor. 15:1-4). In the epistle of James, he exhorted his readers to “…receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (James 1:21). And, further indicating the power of God’s word, James said that God begets us through the Word (James 1:18), a truth that Paul also affirmed in his letter to the saints of Corinth (1 Cor. 4:15).

                        Indeed, what power the Bible has. It is the means by which God convicts us of sin and saves us from the guilt of sin. And that is why we must be diligent and persevering in making it known to all men everywhere (Matt. 28:19; Mk. 16:15).

Instrumental Music and the New Testament

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INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AND THE NEW TESTAMENT

David Sain

                        As this century draws to a close, the great church of our Lord is undergoing many changes, some of which are unscriptural and are, therefore, alarming. One change that is taking place within our brotherhood that greatly concerns me is the attitude of many members of the church regarding the use of mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship.

                        Because of a lack of teaching in recent years, many among us do not know why we reject the use of instrumental music in Christian worship.  Even though they may understand that, in the churches of Christ, instrumental music in worship is believed to be wrong, many are personally unable to tell you why. 

                        Other brethren do not believe instrumental music in worship is wrong and would not object to its use, even though they dare not openly advocate the use of it.    And a growing number of brethren, in an ecumenical spirit, no longer believe that instrumental music in worship should be made a test of fellowship, and are willing to “join hands” with denominational neighbors and participate in worship with instrumental music.  Some of those who have participated in such “common ground” meetings declare that, for conscience sake (?), they do not participate in such worship, but by their words of encouragement and praise to those who abide not in the doctrine of Christ, they endorse their error and “bid God speed” to such (II John 9-11).

                        These conditions are indicative of a number of facts.  First, they indicate that too many members of the church have not engaged in a serious study of this and other fundamental lessons from the Bible.  Second, these conditions indicate that many preachers and Bible class teachers are neglecting to teach the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.  Third, and probably the primary factor, these conditions reflect the growing disregard for the Holy Scriptures as our all-sufficient and final source of authority in all religious matters.

THE REAL ISSUE

                        The real issue of instrumental music in worship is not a question of the beauty of either vocal or instrumental music, nor of our likes or dislikes.  There are people who seem to think we do not have instrumental music in worship because we do not like instrumental music–period!   That is not true.  Most of us have stereos in our houses and in our cars so that we might enjoy good music at home and away from home.  It is not a question of not liking music.

                        The issue is not a question of whether we think we can sing better with or without instrumental music.  How we sound should not determine if it is right or wrong.

                        The issue is not popularity, i.e., how many people use or reject instrumental music in worship.  The fact that our peers do or do not use it should not be a factor in our acceptance or rejection of it.

                        Neither is the issue the sincerity or goodness of those who use or reject instrumental music in worship.   Sincerity and goodness within themselves do not make one right (Prov. 14:12; Matt. 7:21-23).

                        The real issue in the matter before us is: What is God’s will on the subject?  That, and that alone, is the issue. 

FURTHER CLARIFICATION OF

THE REAL ISSUE

                        Our concern in considering Instrumental Music and the New Testament  is not that of finding the use of instrumental music mentioned in the Bible.  That is easy.  Neither is it a question of finding a scripture that speaks of instrumental music being used in worship.  That is easy also. 

                        Finding circumcision, the burning of incense and an animal sacrifice is an easy matter also.  But finding these things mentioned in the Bible does not authorize them for Christian worship.  Likewise,  finding instrumental music in the Bible does not authorize it for Christian worship. 

                        Our concern in the matter before us is to find the scripture in the New Testament that authorizes the use of instrumental music in Christian worship.  That is not so easy.  In fact, it cannot be done!

                        The real issue is:  What is God’s will on the subject?  Again, I say, that, and that alone, is the issue.  In a study of this and any other doctrinal matter, we must be guided solely by that principle.

HOW GOD REVEALS HIS WILL TO US

                        God speaks to us today through Christ (Heb. 1:1-2).  God, the Father, has declared that we are to hear Christ (Matt. 17:5).  Christ commissioned his apostles to teach all things that he had commanded them (Matt. 28:20).   To aid them in carrying out that charge, he sent the Holy Spirit to guide them (John 14:26, 15:26, 16:13).  Paul said that the words which they spoke were the words given by the Holy Spirit (I Cor. 2:12-13; II Tim. 3:16-17), and that meant that their words were not the words of man, but the word of God (I Thes. 2:13). 

                        With the old covenant no longer in effect (Col. 2:14; Eph. 2:15; Heb. 9:15-17), Christians must come to Christ and to his will revealed in the New Testament to learn what God desires in worship today. 

What the New Testament teaches

                        “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24).  To worship God in truth means to be guided by truth, which is God’s word (John 17:17).  To worship God acceptably we must do what the Lord has instructed us to do.

                        The New Testament clearly instructs Christians to sing.  Paul instructed, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord” (Eph. 5:19).  And he commanded, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord” (Col. 3:16).

                          Paul wrote the Corinthians, “What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also (I Cor. 14:15).  James wrote, “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms (Jas. 5:13). 

                        These scriptures clearly teach that Christians are to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs.  When people do this in worship, they are doing exactly that which God has authorized.

                        Where is the scripture that commands instrumental music in Christian worship?  It does not exist!  Where is the scripture that provides an example of instrumental music in Christian worship?  It does not exist! Where is the scripture that authorizes instrumental music in Christian worship by inference?  It does not exist! 

                        When people use instrumental music in worship, they do so without authority from God.

                        There are only two kinds of music known to man: vocal and instrumental.  Each is a definite action and can be done independently of the other.  Had the Lord instructed us generically to “make music,” we would be free to have vocal or instrumental music, or both vocal and instrumental music in worship.  But the Lord’s instruction is not generic.  He has specified the kind of music by which he wants us to worship him.  He has told us to sing. 

                        Therefore, we have authority from God for vocal music in worship, and we have no authority from God for instrumental music in worship.  Let it be understood that this is our simple and deeply-felt reason (and it is reason enough) for rejecting instrumental music in Christian worship.

                        Vocal music is the only kind of music divinely authorized for Christian worship!

DEFENSES OF INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

                        Through the years various arguments have been made to justify the use of instrumental music in Christian worship.  Here is an examination of and response to five of those arguments.

                        Defense #1:  Instrumental music was used in the Old Testament with God’s approval.  Therefore, it must be all right for us. 

                        Answer: While we are to study the Old Testament for the very practical lessons which are there for us (Rom. 15:4), we are in no sense bound to the Old Testament.  So whether God approved or allowed instrumental music in worship in the Old Testament period has absolutely nothing to do with what God approves in Christian worship.

                        Defense #2:  Instrumental music is only an aid; it only serves to assist the worshipper.  

                        Answer: It is argued that instrumental music is similar to a crippled man using a walking cane.  But the two are not similar.  When using a walking cane, a crippled man is still just walking.  But when people add instrumental music to their singing, they no longer have only vocal music.  They have added instrumental music, which is another kind of music.  We must not confuse an aid with an addition.

                        An example of a true aid to singing would be a pitch pipe.  We cannot sing without a pitch, and a pitch pipe aids the song director to pitch the song correctly.  But, when the pitch is set and the song is begun, that which is done is only that which is commanded, viz., singing.   The sounding of one tone by a mechanical instrument does not constitute music.

                        The hymnbook is another example of a true aid in carrying out the Biblical command to sing.  The printed words and notes enable the worshippers to sing in an orderly and harmonious manner.  When they use the hymnbook to sing, the only kind of music being made is vocal music, which is the kind that the Lord has authorized.

                        To further distinguish between an aid and going beyond that which is authorized, consider the Lord’s Supper.  The grape juice (fruit of the vine) reminds us of the blood of Jesus.  The cup used to hold the grape juice is a true aid in keeping this memorial feast.  But suppose that in addition to the grape juice, we also serve apple juice for those who like the taste of apple juice.  That would not be an aid, but the addition of another kind of juice.   Now apply that same line of thought to the addition of instrumental music for those who like the sound of such.

                        Defense #3:  The New Testament is silent on instrumental music so how can we say that instrumental music is unscriptural? 

                        Answer: This question implies that the only way that instrumental music could be unscriptural is to find a scripture that plainly declares, “Thou shalt not use instrumental music in worship.”  And there is no such scripture.  Neither is there a scripture which says, “Thou shalt not burn incense in worship,” but those who argue the first in an attempt to justify instrumental music do not argue the latter in an attempt to justify incense in worship. 

                        The absence of a “thou shalt not” does not constitute authority to do a thing in worship.  What if I were to argue that we can use a classic rock and roll song like “Blue Suede Shoes” in worship?  I think you would object, but I might argue, “Why not?  The Bible does not say, ‘Do not use rock and roll songs in worship.’ ”  To which you would surely respond, “But the Bible specifically authorizes hymns, and spiritual songs (Eph. 5:19), and there is no authority for using secular songs.”  And, of course, you would be right. 

                        Now, dear reader, follow that same line of reasoning regarding the use of vocal music (the kind of music which is specifically authorized), and the use of instrumental music (the kind of music for which we have no divine authority).  The silence of scriptures must be noted and respected.  “Let us speak where the Bible speaks and stay silent where the Bible is silent” is still a valid plea!

                        The Hebrew writer made an arugment from the silence of the scriptures.  “For the priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the law.  For he of whom these things are spoken pertaineth to another tribe, of which no man gave attendance at the altar.  For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood” (Heb. 7:12-14).  Moses had specifically said that the tribe of Levi was the priestly tribe.  Since the tribe of Levi, and no other tribe, including Judah, was specified, that meant that no person from Judah or any tribe other than Levi would serve or be a priest under the Mosaic priesthood.  That which Moses specified made the matter clear and unmistakable.  Likewise that which God has specified (vocal music in worship) makes the matter of music in worship equally clear and unmistakable.

                        Defense #4:  The book of Revelation says there will be instrumental music in heaven, so why is it wrong to have it in the church? 

                        Answer: It is true that the scriptures do speak of instrumental music in heaven (Rev. 5:8, 14:2ff).   However, the references to instrumental music in worship in heaven have absolutely nothing to do with what God approves in Christian worship.  Remember, the real issue is:  Where is the scripture in the New Testament which authorizes us to use instrumental music in Christian worship?

                        Defense #5:  The Greek word “psallo” authorizes the use of instrumental music in worship. 

                        Answer: The word “psallo,” in various forms, occurs five times in the New Testament.  “Singing and making melody (psallontes) with your heart” (Eph. 5:19).  “Sing (psallo) unto thy name” (Rom. 15:9).  “Sing (psallo) with the spirit and sing (psallo)  with the understanding” (I Cor. 14:15).  And in James 5:16, “sing praises (psallein). 

                        First, note from the scriptures above that the one hundred and forty-eight scholars who translated the American Standard Version and King James Version have said with one voice that “psallo” in the New Testament means “sing.”  That alone should settle the matter.  

                        Second, note the meaning of the word.  The word psallo means to pluck, to touch, to cause to vibrate.  That is what the carpenter does when he pulls the chalk line and lets it go to make the chalk mark.  That is what the archer does when he stretches the bow string and lets the arrow fly.  In like manner it is what a musician does when he plucks the strings of a guitar or harp.  But, note that it is not the instrument that is psalloing.  The person performing the act is psalloing and the instrument is the object of the psalloing.                      

                        So, when the action of psallo is commanded in Ephesians 5:19, what is the object of that action?  Clearly, the heart is the “instrument” that is to be psalloed in worship.  Indeed, an instrument inheres in the word psallo and the apostle Paul defined that instrument (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16).  It is the worshipper’s heart, not a mechanical instrument .

                       When a Christian sings, his heart responds to the melody of the song and he psalloes with his heart.  That is the New Testament use of the word.

                        Third, note that if psallo authorizes the use of mechanical instruments of music in worship, it does more than grant liberty for such.  It would require such, and no one could obey Ephesians 5:19 without doing what the word means.  Therefore we would all have to equip ourselves with a mechanical instrument, bring it to church and play it, or we would fail to obey the command to psallo.

                        Fourth, if the contention is correct that the mechanical instrument is in the definition of the word psallo, then it would follow that no one can personally and fully learn the will of God on the subject of music in worship without learning to read the Greek New Testament.  No one could know the truth just by reading the English New Testament, because the English translations of Ephesians 5:19 and Colossians 3:16 do not even hint at the use of a mechanical instrument.  (Brethren, beware of intellectual elitism that  would cause the average English-reading student of the Bible to believe that he cannot know the will of God by himself and that he must have a Greek and Hebrew scholar to reveal it to him.)

FINAL THOUGHT

                        If God had authorized only instrumental music in Christian worship, we would be bound to have only instrumental music in worship to God. 

                        If God had authorized both instrumental and vocal music for Christian worship, we could obey God only by doing both.

                        However, since God authorized only vocal music for Christian worship, the only correct conclusion is: vocal music is the only kind of music divinely authorized for Christian worship, and that is the only kind of music we can have in worship if we are to be pleasing to him who is the object of our worship!