How Can One Know?
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http://www.forthright.net
Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Scriptures Speak
How Can One Know?
by Jimmy Jividen
Contradictory doctrines are taught in the name of
religion. Teachers on both sides cause confusion
by claiming that what they teach is the will of
God. How can one know who speaks for God?
One claims his doctrine is from God because what
he says has the support of time-honored human
tradition. Churches, councils, and human creeds
have affirmed it. The problem is that human
traditions are changing and contradictory. The
creed of one church is directly opposed to the
creed of another. One cannot depend on such human
traditions for religious authority. God is not the
author of confusion (1 Cor. 14:33).
Another believes his doctrine is from God because
he has been given new revelation. The problem is
that these so-called latter-day revelations are
changing and contradictory. When latter-day
doctrines conflict, it is evident that one or both
are false. When they change, it is evident that
they cannot be from God. God does not change, nor
does He contradict Himself. One cannot accept new
revelation as a criterion for religious authority.
Another claims his doctrine is from God because it
is accepted by many people. To him the voice of
the people is the voice of God. He believes that
the truthfulness of a doctrine is determined by
the receiver — if he "existentially" perceives
something as true, it is true "to him". Two
contradictory doctrines can be true at the same
time if they are so perceived. For him there is no
objective, absolute, universal truth. This view of
relative, subjective truth is a popular criterion
people use to determine their faith. Such faith is
contradictory and changing. It undermines the very
nature of God, who "is the same yesterday, today,
and forever" (Heb. 13:8).
The one and only criterion for religious truth
must remain the Scriptures. They are inspired,
absolute, and do not conflict. "All Scripture is
inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for
reproof, for correction, for training in
righteousness, that the man of God may be
adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim.
3:16,17).
Thanks to The Voice of Truth International, Vol
15, p. 37.
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