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We have recently discussed religious authority and the role that Bible silence plays. This present article
shall deal with an example of restrictive silence from the New Testament.
A very basic and general principle of restrictive silence is found in an explicit statement made by Paul in First Corinthians 4:6 ASV when he said, "Not to go beyond the things that are written." The apostle John made this same restriction in Second John 9 ASV, saying, "Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son." Thus, we learn that we are not to go too far, and the limit is found in the things written. Let us never assume to have information or permission to do, or not do as we please outside the realm of "thus saith the Lord." If the Bible says it, let us believe and obey. If it does not say so, let us not presume to go ahead with God's approval. This was David's plea in Psalm 19:13, "Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins." Certainly this is a point also made by Paul when he wrote: "What saith the scripture?" (Rom. 4:3). We may proceed only upon the basis of what the Bible teaches. Now, a New Testament example: the Hebrews writer shows us again the nature of restrictive silence in Hebrews 7:14, "For it is evident that our Lord hath sprung out of Judah; as to which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priests." Moses did not say that a priest may not come from Judah, he did not have to say "no priests shall come from Judah or Asher or Gad or Dan," for when God said that the Priests were to be from Levi, that eliminated or restricted everyone else. Thus we learn that when God stipulates or specifies any one thing, all other "options" are cancelled. In fact, other actions would not really be options, but additions and presumptions. Man does not have permission or authority to add to what God said, nor to take away from His instruction. To do so is to flirt with God's wrath. Let us never willfully do such a thing! Let us be happy and content doing what God has authorized, and "let God be true, but every man a liar" (Romans 3:4). "The churches of Christ salute you!" (Romans 16:16). |