It is Settled!

A series of lessons from the Bible

by Howell Lasseter

God in Man's Image?!

In the Friday, February 7 Tribune, appeared an article that clearly illustrates the importance of Bible study, and the end result of following man’s interpretations. The writer used two-thirds of the newspaper space discussing the topic of sports. He correctly noted that rules in sports are changeable and open to various interpretations. It could be added that all endeavors of humans - in lawmaking, in commerce, in health matters, in school curriculum, to name a few - need tweaking from time to time, and the courts are filled with lawsuits resulting from the ambiguous nature of human rules.

It is a tendency of man to see God in man’s image, and put upon Him human traits. After illustrating, through sports, the shifting and ambiguous nature of man’s rules, the writer comments: “To the mindset of many, being a Christian is very much limited to a rigid interpretation of Biblical rules and principles. ‘Thou shalt not’ is often viewed as a penalty capable of snuffing the enjoyable essence out of life. The ‘straight and narrow gate’ concept is regarded as a constriction of personal freedom compared to the ‘wide and broad way’ portrayed and pursued by most.” Does it need to be pointed out that Jesus is the teacher who guides us into the narrow way and away from the broad way? See Matthew 7:13,14. Jesus continues, "Not every one 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 7:21,22). Let’s continue to hear Jesus: “Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:...And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand..." (Matthew 7:24-27). Could Jesus expect us to obey, if His words are unclear, shifting, open to various interpretations, able to be changed by denominational conferences and conventions? How important are Jesus’ words? “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). It is clear that Jesus expects us to know, understand, and obey His words; He tells us our judgment will be based on His words. Joy, peace, and confidence come from the security of God’s firm, plain, unambiguous commands!