Are We Speaking Where the Bible Speaks? Part 1

            The statement, “Where the Bible speaks; we speak; where the Bible is silent, we are silent” was said of Thomas Campbell. Though the specific statement is not found in the Scriptures, the concept is a timeless theme reiterated in the Scriptures (Psalm 119:89; Colossians 3:17; 2 Peter 1:3). In fact, this slogan is a paraphrase from what Peter said to Christians in the first century. He said, “If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen” (1 Peter 4:11). 

There is an important question that needs to be addressed, and that question is “Are we speaking where the Bible speaks?”

 Interpretation of the Word “Oracle”

We only have authority to speak as the oracles of God. It is needful to interpret the word  oracle. The term “oracle” is from the Greek word logion which appears four times in the New Testament (Acts 7:38; Romans 3:2; Hebrews 5:12; 1 Peter 4:11), and it means “an utterance of God” (Strong). Therefore, an oracle is revelation from God. Inspiration is the process by which God has revealed His will. Previously, God spoke in various ways (Hebrews 1:1-2). God now speaks to us through His complete, revealed Word which furnishes us to every good work (1 Corinthians 13:10; 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3). God’s Word is the final standard of authority in all matters pertaining to pleasing Him. Paul said, “And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him” (Colossians 3:17). The phrase “in the name of” means “by the authority.” Therefore, we must have authority for everything we do.

Illustrations of Not Speaking Where the Bible Speaks

There are people who say they believe the Bible is from God, yet they say and do things that are without God’s authority. Let’s notice some illustrations of not speaking where the Bible speaks:

• If we say or teach that someone must say a prayer to be saved, then we are not speaking where the Bible speaks, because the Scriptures teach that men and women heard the Word of God (Acts 8:5; Romans 10:17); believed what they heard (Acts 8:12; 18:8), repented of their sins (Acts 2:38; 17:30), confessed Jesus as Lord and Christ (Acts 8:37), and were baptized for remission of their sins (Acts 2:38; 22:16). We must teach this to speak where the Bible speaks.
• If we say or teach that God directly speaks to us, then we are not speaking where the Bible speaks, because the Scriptures teach that God’s Word is complete (2 Timothy 3:16-17). There was a time in which miracles were used to confirm the Word of God (Mark 16:17-20), and there was a time in which God directly spoke to men (Hebrews 1:1). Miracles would pass away and did pass away (1 Corinthians 13:10), and God does not directly speak to men anymore. Since God’s Word has been fully revealed, then there is no purpose for miracles or a reason God should directly speak to us. We are not lacking in what we need to live a godly life, because we have all we need in the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:3).
• If we say or teach that all roads lead to heaven, then we are not speaking where the Bible speaks, because the Scriptures teach that the way to heaven is only through Jesus, and that way is narrow (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; Matthew 7:13-14). Denominationalists insist that all people in denominations will end up in heaven, despite having conflicting doctrines among those religious groups. Jesus was speaking to religious people when He said, “Not everyone that saith unto me Lord, Lord shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matthew 7:21-23). There is only one doctrine authorized by God, and that is the doctrine of Christ. We must take heed to that doctrine (1 Timothy 4:13, 16). We must abide in the doctrine of Christ to have the Father and the Son (2 John 9). Jesus teaches that His way is the only way, and if we desire the hope of heaven we must do the will of the Father in heaven.
• If we say or teach that one church is as good as another, then we are not speaking where the Bible speaks, because the Scriptures teach that there is one church. Jesus promised to build His church (Matthew 16:18), and He is the head of the body, which is the church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). There is one body (Ephesians 4:4), and since the body is the church, there is one church. Jesus did not die for churches. Jesus died for one church and purchased her with His blood (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 5:25).

We may say that we adhere to the Bible as the final standard of authority, but if we are say or teach things that are not taught in the Scriptures, then we are not speaking where the Bible speaks. It is simply not acceptable to only practice some of God’s Word. We must do all by the authority of Christ (Colossians 3:17).

To be continued…