The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P2

Part Two: Historical 

The abuse of God’s Word comes in many forms; directly tampering with it, altering context, using it in vulgarity or arrogance; but when it comes to total disregard Ancient Israel was top of the class. There are countless examples of the LORD warning Israel of what would befall them if they stayed on that path. When the LORD’S patience finally ran out they were banished from the land, taken into captivity and then sifted into the nations. With rare exceptions, all the Kings of Israel flouted the Commandments and Laws. They worshiped false gods and built groves on Temple grounds. But the worst was at Gilgal when Saul replaced the LORD as king.

All their wickedness is in Gilgal: for there I hated them: for the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of mine house, I will love them no more: all their princes are revolters. (Hosea 9:15)

But Ancient Israel was not alone in its sin. The Jews of the First Century hunted down, killed and imprisoned the disciples of Jesus, imprisoned His Apostles, and with the chant of ‘his blood be on us and our children’ murdered the Christ. And yet, it was ordained for a higher purpose, a purpose thwarted ever since. And at the core of this impiety was the Nicaean Council of 325.

With the writings of the Prophets available, and the Epistles now in circulation outlining the truth of the Christ, the Nicaean Council chose to design a three-part God of their own instead. They reduced the Mighty God and Everlasting Father (Isaiah 9:6) to an obedient son, and to add insult to injury, half-heartedly agreed on the prospect of a Holy Spirit. They completely trampled God’s Word professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into and image made like to corruptible man: (Rom 1:22)

Over the centuries, the Papal Roman Church extended its power across Europe, and then much of the known world. They concealed early manuscripts declaring the Pope the final authority on God and salvation, exacting compliance under threat of damnation. They changed the Commandments, instigated a register of sin value, the holy family trinity; purgatory as a halfway house, to abstain from meats, daily attendance at the altar, the confessional, forbade priests to marry, and decreed the Pope Christ’s official messenger. The Papal Roman Church has altered and deconceptualized virtually every facet of God’s Word in order to have power over men.

Woe to them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter! (Isaiah 5:20)

While the Reformation set out to redress past wrongs, Protestantism also has its failings, above all the preservation of the Trinity Creed. Though it did enable the emergence of the Bible, its printing, distribution, and translation into various languages, which over time, shone a light on this and other errors, and those held and promoted within new and growing congregations. The Church of England and its breakaways have since fallen into a place where never the Gospel was preached.

Evangelism spread, and with it diverse opinion and interpretation resulting in the denominational church structure. With significant internecine conflict, and ongoing opposition to Rome, millions of lives were tragically lost for the sake of opinion and creed. Apostolic teaching of forgiveness and peace, the Godhead truth ignored, saw the Word of God abused at every turn. Now, listen to the LORD Jesus Christ on the subject of touching just one part of His Word…

For I testify to every man that hears the words of the prophecy of this book, if any man shall add to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book. And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. (Rev 22:18-19) 

The Christian belief is predicated on the fact Christ conquered death. It is built on the testimony of Jesus, the writings of the Evangelists, and the letters of Peter, Paul, John, James and Jude all of whom bore witness. It was foretold by the Prophets through the Spirit of Prophesy in them; for the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. (2Peter 1:21)

• The Christian Faith is a direct and personal relationship with the LORD Jesus Christ in Spirit and in Truth.

• The Christian Religion was made by men who corrupted and abused Scripture; constructing religious systems, which sit upon creeds, rules and laws.

One comes down from Heaven; the other is of the earth.

Many shall say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesised in thy name? And in thy name cast out demons? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then I shall say unto them, I never knew you: depart from me you workers of wickedness. (Matthew 7:22-3)

End of part two…