by Chris Steele

October 29, 2006

Don’t you find it strange when people go to the Bible to find information about God or other things that interest them, then discard whatever else is written in that same book? Where do some get the idea that truths presented in the Scriptures are like the variety of items found on the grocery store shelves. You shop for the things you want or feel you need, but push your cart right on by everything else. God’s Word cannot be treated this way.

In order to be pleasing to God we must believe and receive His entire Word. The apostle emphasized that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God...That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Tim. 3:16, 17).

Men have always had the temptation to change God’s Word to fit their own ideas. They either say too much (going beyond the scriptures) or not enough (leaving off some truths). Paul made the point, “I am pure from the blood of all men, For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:26, 27).

As preachers and teachers, we must be very cautious not to pervert or mutilate God’s message to the world by adding to or subtracting from the Scriptures. The Lord was very adamant about anyone who would tamper with His Word in this way. Anyone who dares to do such will bring upon himself the condemnation and wrath of God (Rev. 22:18, 19).

May we always demand the truth be spoken; the whole truth and nothing but the truth. We must realize that believing and obeying the whole counsel of God is the only way that we, or anyone else, is going to be saved. Jesus said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him--the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day” (Jn. 12:48; Rev. 20:12). What part of God’s Book can we ignore?