Scripture: The Litmus Test
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothy 3:16-17)
When it comes what is God’s truth and what isn’t, we must look to the Word. We cannot let our own opinions cloud our minds. If the enemy gets a foothold, he ensnares us insidiously. Therefore whatever we read, whatever a preacher says, we must compare it against the litmus test that is Scripture. Only then will we be able to discern what is true.
Because Scripture is God’s Word, because God’s Word is Jesus Christ and Scripture points us to Him as our Lord and Savior, we mustn’t let ourselves be duped by false teachings and assumptions. If we’re careless, if we leave the door open for mistaken beliefs and unsupported doctrine to seep in, we dilute the meaning and the power of our witness and pervert the Word.
This is why I ask you, readers, friends, and family, to test what I say against Scripture. I am not, like the various writings of the Bible, infallible and inerrant. I can and do and will make mistakes. I have no doubt said or done something that is either clearly wrong or can be presumed to be wrong if read incorrectly.
I said in an earlier blog post that unless I feel inspired by the Holy Spirit, I cannot write these evangelistic posts. Without a clear lens, that looks like I’m claiming to write Scripture. But that’s not what I meant. My words are not God-breathed. They do not come down from God as a command on high.
No, what I was trying to say (poorly) in that long ago post was that because I feel God’s directing hand in my life, I am motivated to write. Because of His love for me, a sinner, I am grateful to be able to write these posts and, I hope, to reach out to people who may not have heard the good news of Jesus Christ.
If I say something which contradicts Scripture, then trust the Scripture. All Christians everywhere must place their faith in God, in Jesus Christ, and not man. Whether I, your pastor, or Jimmy Johnson down the street says something to you, you must look to the Word of God. Neither I nor these other men and women are to be valued equally or above Scripture.
We may lay claim to be people of the Lord, yes. But our word is not God’s. It is not His truth. Trust in the Holy Spirit to guide your steps and lead you on the correct path. Do not think we are correct because of our shared belief in the Lord Jesus Christ, but, again, lock your eyes to Scripture and search the Word.
“Let the message about the Messiah dwell richly among you, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, and singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, with gratitude in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16)
“For the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the ideas and thoughts of the heart. No creature is hidden from Him, but all things are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give an account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13)
“Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” (John 17:17)
Therefore I ask my brothers and sisters to hold to the Word of God. I do not write Scripture. Your pastor does not write Scripture. That girl you know from second grade doesn’t write Scripture. Only the words contained within the Bible are, as is said in 2 Timothy 3:16, profitable for instruction.
We may use Scripture – and Scripture only – as the testament of God’s truth. From Genesis to Revelation, He has given us the whole of His Word so that we may believe on His Son, Jesus Christ.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created.” (John 1:1-3)
“For God loved the world in this way: He gave His One and Only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him. Anyone who believes in Him is not condemned, but anyone who does not believe is already condemned, because he has not believed in the name of the One and Only Son of God.” (John 3:16-18)
It may seem paradoxical and odd for me to write something which tells you to both listen and not listen to what I’m saying, but I believe I have articulated the point well enough (I think). Again, I repeat that whatever any believer or nonbeliever says must be tested against Scripture. If they are not found in alignment, if their position cannot be adequately supported from Scripture alone, then dismiss what the person says outright. This includes me, pastors everywhere, your neighbor, scientists, politicians, and even, as Paul says, angels from heaven (Galatians 1:8).
I hope this post hasn’t been too confusing. Thanks for reading and peace be to you.
