Subject: need for a bible-anyone |
Bible Note: Greeting Mouse2! Thanks for the site recommendation! Allow me to quote two passages from this site: 1) "If the Bible is complete and we are forbidden to add to or take away from it (Revelation 22:18-19), then we cannot reason that we have permission to do something that the Bible doesn’t authorize." and 2) "For people who ask the question, “But why can’t we?” We first need to ask, “What is their desire or motivation?” If permitted to do those things not mentioned in the Bible, then people end up doing many things not mentioned in the Bible, and a few things mentioned in the Bible, and all the while feeling that they are spiritual. We need to realize that God doesn’t need any advice, that the Bible, including the church, worship, and so on, doesn’t need to be improved. Most importantly, we need to let God be God and tell us what He wants and how He wants to be worshipped, rather than wanting to do what makes us feel good and important." Source (http://www.beavertonchurchofchrist.net/Authority_Class_7.htm) To me, there are two major problems with this position. 1) First, the Bible does not contain every possible detail about every possible subject for all time. What I mean is this: How fast are we supposed to drive our cars? Oops! There aren't any cars mentioned in the Bible. According to the quotes above then, we cannot assume that it is okay for us to drive cars, since we are not explicitly told that we can in the Bible. Can we brush our teeth? Can we take heart medication? Can we use ink to print Bibles? Do you see the problem? 2) Secondly, there are different kinds of statements in the Bible. When God says, "‘‘A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.'" (John 13:34). This is a direct command with no exceptions allowed. It doesn't say that we must love one another sometimes, or when we feel like it. However, other statements are descriptive and do not exhaust every possibilty. For instance, if the source above followed their own position on arguing from silence then they would have to say that Rom. 10:13 is all that must be done to be saved. However, we both now that Rom. 10:13 doesn't list every single step in the process of salvation. Nothing is said of 'repentance'. Nothing is said of 'confession'. Nothing is said of 'abiding', ect.... So, my position is simple. One cannot forbid something which is not forbidden by Scripture. One cannot mandate something which is not mandated by Scripture. Your Brother in Christ, Tim Moran |