God's Rule Book Marvin L. Weir

Isn't it amazing that most people will accept some rule book written by men over the rule book written by God? Countless millions profess to believe in God and the Bible and then they put their trust in man-made creeds. It's also amazing that these people either cannot or do not desire to see the error in their reasoning. The Scriptures plainly declare, "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness. That the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17 ASV). It was Hosea who wrote, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I also will forget thy children" (Hos. 4:6). People who enjoy sporting events have absolutely no problem in comprehending the fact that there are rules that govern these events. After three strikes in baseball, one is declared to be "out." Do fans become upset and complain that this rule should be ignored in some cases? Surely there are circumstances where a batter can benefit from "four strikes" before returning to the dugout! In football, the team with the ball has four attempts to travel ten yards in the proper direction for a "first down." What if, after four attempts, the running back is within "one inch" of a first down? Does the referee say, "Because this is such an important game and you have come so close to picking up the first down, I'm going to give it to you?" No. Such a statement is not made because everyone understands that the teams must abide by the rules of the game. Does one really believe in the games of baseball and football who will not abide by the rules of those games? Not at all! They may believe in another version of the game, but they do not believe in the game as outlined in the rule book that governs it. Why cannot people see this same truth in the spiritual realm? One does not really believe in God who refuses to accept His Word as truth on any matter. The players on a sports team must abide by the rules that govern that sport. The rule books for sports were not designed to conform to the players' whims and wishes. The same thing is true regarding the Bible — God's Holy Word. The Bible does not conform to the thoughts and wishes of men, but men must conform to the Word of God (Rom. 12:2). One will not save his soul or incur God's blessing by refusing to live by the Holy Scriptures. Man must accept the truth that his thoughts are not God's thoughts and his ways are not God's ways (Isa. 55:8). Let us note some areas where men profess to follow Christ but do not abide by God's rules. The majority of those who profess to be Christians believe they are saved at the point of belief. They do not believe baptism (immersion) is necessary for salvation. They conclude that "he that believeth and is not baptized shall be saved." But the Word of God says, "He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved" (Mark 16:16). The majority of people who profess Christianity believe there are many roads (ways) leading to heaven. But God's Word says, "Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. For narrow is the gate, and straitened the way, that leadeth unto life, and few are they that find it" (Matt. 7:13-14 ASV). Man believes he can join "the church of his choice" and be saved. But the Bible says, "And the Lord added to them day by day those that were saved" (Acts 2:47 ASV). Most churches today wear man-made names, honoring their human founders. But the Bible shows Christ's church is to wear His name (Rom. 16:16) and honor belongs to Him who purchased the church with His blood (Acts 20:28) and is its builder (Matt. 16:18). Most professing Christians today believe in salvation by "faith only." But God's Word says, "Ye see that by works a man is justified, and not only by faith" (Jas. 2:24 ASV). God's rule book (Bible) says that Christ is the "head over all things to the church, which is his body" (Eph. 1:22-23). It also says there is only "one body" (Eph. 4:4) and Christ promises to save only "the body" of which He is head. One is not a Christian and cannot go to heaven who refuses to follow God's rule book!

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