How well do you know the Bible, so that when someone “quotes” something, and insists it is what the Bible says, you know to question it?
Familiarity with the Bible is essential for everyone who has a true relationship with Jesus Christ.
It is not that you need to know every word of the Bible. It is essential to have a deep enough understanding of the character of God, based upon the Bible, and God’s principles, so that you are able to discern the lies of this world.
For instance, have you ever heard someone say “Everything always works out for the best.”? Is that what the Bible says? It comes from Romans 8:28, but is only partially accurate. The verse actually says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” The truth is, that promise is for those who love God, and are following Him.
In order to discern whether something is counterfeit or true, we must be increasingly familiar with God’s word, which is the only standard for truth. Until we gain greater familiarity with the Bible, it is always wise to discuss matters with those who can help us locate truth in the Bible.
Consider warnings found in the Bible. Starting in the Old Testament and straight through the New Testament, God provides warnings for His people. One warning is to beware of false prophets and false teachers.
In Deuteronomy 18:20, God provides this warning:
“But the prophet who presumes to speak a word in my name that I have not commanded him to speak, or who speaks in the name of other gods, that same prophet shall die.”
God’s judgment rests heavy on those who mislead people, who lead people away from the Lord. This is another reason we want to be certain to know God’s character and word accurately. We don’t want to be misled.
Matthew 7:15-18 gives us some guidance regarding the ability to discern truth:
“Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit.”
The question arises – how do we know good fruit from bad fruit? The only way is to search God’s word.
Consider the topic of eternal salvation. Many people today live believing that doing good works is going to get a person into heaven. That is a lie. The Bible clearly teaches in John 14:6 that only through Jesus does one enter the kingdom of God: “Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Entering heaven based upon our good deeds sounds good to us, and seems reasonable to the human mind, but God debunks that lie. Everyone who believes that is destined for eternal separation from Jesus, a fate NO ONE wants.
Having an accurate understanding of God’s word is the only way to know for certain that we will be with Jesus for all eternity.
TO BE CONTINUED….
Please contact me at: ButGodCares@gmail.com if you want to discuss having a relationship with Jesus, and tips on studying the Bible.
Living for Jesus, Donna
P.S. If this has helped you, please feel free to share it with others!
Note: If the verses for Bible references do not appear when you hover over them, go directly to the website, and they should appear for you.
Copyright 2024 Donna Shappy All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording, or any other – without the prior permission of the author.