The Use and Abuse of God’s Word – P3

Part Three: the Way, Truth and Life

As the Church of Rome and daughter churches of the Reformation have obviously touched God’s Word through errant doctrine, where do we find dependable teaching and the truth of Christ Jesus in all this confusion? With so many claiming the truth, with all manner of theological answers on offer, the task can appear daunting. Yet, Paul cuts through the rhetoric in six simple words.

One Lord, one Faith, one Baptism. (Ephesians 4:5)

Let the Spirit of Jesus guide your understanding and let no man influence you, not even me. All I will do is point you in the right direction, I cannot teach you only Jesus does that. He knows His flock and His sheep follow Him. If you are around like-minded people, find a fellowship and the LORD will place a teacher in your midst. Listen to your heart, be open to your spirit; avoid church-based religion as best you can.

The most difficult thing many find is putting aside preconceived ideas; we actually have to unlearn everything we have been taught at variance with the Gospel. It can be tough, yet its reward is more than I can express in words. It truly is a new sense of liberty, gifted from Heaven through Grace. Jesus has told us that; if we believe and are baptised we will be saved, He cannot lie so it must be the truth. He also said: come to me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Matthew 11:28)

It’s true, He does.

But before He will begin to open His Word there are a few things to attend to. The first and most obvious is to believe, the second is repentance; next is baptism into His Name. Until these are done in their order, we are missing a vital component. Then Peter said to 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)

Unless the Spirit of Jesus is within us the fullness of His Word will not be revealed, as it is the Holy Spirit who does the teaching. Amen. When we study the Bible, read it in the knowledge its wisdom and instruction was given by Jesus. As Paul informs us; for I neither received it of man, neither was I taught, except by the revelation of Jesus Christ. (Galatians 1:12)

The letters of Paul in particular are among the most edifying in the New Testament, he was the LORD’S chosen vessel to bear His name. (Acts 9:15) But all of the writers; Prophets and Apostles, are treasures that adorn the Kingdom of the LORD through His Spirit.

The Bible is a great gift, treat it with respect and you will be treated the same. Use it in humility to clothe one another, not to expose perceived failings, to act in love and forgiveness. As Paul reminds us, let all your things be done with charity. (1Cor 16:14)  And Peter agrees; above all things have fervent charity among you: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. (1Peter 4:8)

Never abuse it, or use it in self-righteousness or in anger to prove a point, because it comes at a price.

The LORD will not spare him, but the anger of the LORD and His jealousy shall smoke against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie upon him, and the LORD shall blot out his name from under heaven. (Deuteronomy 29:20) 

Jesus wants us in His Kingdom, but to get there we all must be washed clean by His Word and keep a pure faith in Him alone. You don’t need to know the Bible inside out, but a good understanding is surely a joy. Yet, as someone who has trouble reading once told me, ‘I believe Jesus is both LORD and Christ, my sins are forgotten, and He lives in me.’ And to that I say a big Amen…!

In love and peace as always,

James