God's Word- Our Guide
By Wayne Horton
“If all else fails, read the instructions!” My wife said it when I was having difficulty assembling a new bicycle. She was right, as usual. We really do need guidance and instruction in every part of our lives. The Bible is our only infallible guidance.
1: OPINION CANNOT BE THE CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE
Somebody says, “I have my opinion and you have yours and we’ll go to heaven our own way.” Well, it sounds nice, but it will not work. The Laetrile controversy proves that opinion cannot guide. Whatever my opinion about Laetrile’s effect on cancer, there is still a matter of truth. It either affects or has no effect on that deadly disease and my opinion will not change the truth. Paul said to be careful when you think (have an opinion) you are right. (1 Cor.10:12)
2: TRADITION CANNOT BE THE CHRISTIAN’S GUDE
If tradition can guide, then the Pope is correct in saying that sprinkling is acceptable as baptism. Meanwhile, those folks who call for total immersion for baptism are also right. That tradition cannot guide is readily understood when we read: “There is one baptism…” (Ephesians 4:5) Either the sprinkling folks or the immersion folks have come to the wrong conclusion, and therefore tradition has led folks astray. (cf. Ephesians 4:5; Colossians 2:12; Romans 6:3; Acts 8:35-39)
3: MORALITY CANNOT BE THE CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE
There are two reasons why morals cannot guide. First, in the eyes of the world, morals are always changing. Divorce, immodest dress, “living together” out of wedlock and other things once seen as immoral are no longer viewed as such. Secondly, morals cannot guide because people have different concepts of morality. For instance, some folks view pre- and extra-marital sexual activity as being moral behaviour. Others see lying (to some degree) or a multiplicity of wives as being acceptable moral behaviour. The truth is that morals cannot guide, because folks have differing standards. We must have an objective standard – the Bible.
4: LOVE ALONE CANNOT BE THE CHRISTIAN’S GUIDE
Somebody says, “I’ll love you and you love me and we’ll believe what we want and God will be happy!” It sounds good. So good in fact that the ecumenical movement has been spawned by this thought. In other words, “Let’s agree to disagree.” Yet ultimately, whether I love your or not, the truth is still the truth and the Bible still tells of one way to live. (Ephesians 4:4-6)
The real truth is that God’s Word is our only guide. It is the Bible that we must “study to show ourselves approved.” (2 Timothy 2:15) The Word of God “sanctifies” us (John 17:17), and “the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). For guidance in living the Christ-life, look to the instruction manual – THE BIBLE!
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