
Paul wrote to Timothy that “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Timothy 3: 18-17).” God through His prophets has provided us with a wonderful collection containing history, laws, moral, ethics, spiritual guidance, and more. It reads in the style of prose, and poetry; it has inspired song, and volumes upon volumes of teaching.
There have also been countless philosophers, moral “sages,” and social commentators that has tried to provide us with all of the same categories as are provided by scripture. They have at times denied the accuracy of the biblical accounts, or sought to replace them with “up to date,” or “socially progressive” alternatives. These attempts have been augmented by the “new priesthood” of the 21st Century West: the scientists. Gone today for many is any faith in the words and pronouncements of men in black, wearing backwards white collars. But, if a person in a white lab coat, and carrying a clipboard makes a statement, “it must be true.”
Whether scientific pronouncement, existential philosophy, or new spiritual guidance; if it departs from the word of God, it must be tested by the Word. Galatians 1:8 reads, “But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse!” Even angels’ words fall short!
Let us rest in the words of Proverbs 30, “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar (vs 5 -6).”
Does this mean we cannot make commentary on the scriptures? No. But we are to use scripture to interpret scripture, not social convention. And we are to never try to pass off our words for God’s.
As we look at the world around us today, let us remember the true road map, the real Route 66, the Bible.
Padre