It is Settled!

A series of lessons from the Bible

by Howell Lasseter

The Word Abides Forever

Just this week, the Supreme Court of the United States of America decreed that the authority given the President of this nation- the line item veto - was unconstitutional. Presidents in years past have desired the line item veto, the current president was given it, and now it has been taken away from him.

Why mention this? It is because that is what has been happening to God's Word for almost 2000 years. There is a common saying among man that you "reap what you sow." In another ruling, the Supreme Court decreed that anyone who tested positive for HIV is disabled, although no effects of the disease had hampered in any way the one who tested positive. Magic Johnson, for example, a man who earned millions of dollars a year after being diagnosed, was, and is, "disabled." Another statement heard in years past is this: "know that your sins will find you out," meaning if you sin, that sin will in some way or another be found out.

There are innocent victims of HIV. There are children, wives, husbands, and yes, even those who have no relationship with an infected individual other than they needed a blood transfusion to try to save their physical lives. And yet, many contracted the disease through sin. A man and a woman committed to each other, and forsaking all others, will most likely never have to worry about being infected.

What does all of the above have to do with God's Word? Everything! There are many in our nation who believe that God's Word is not authoritative and eternal; who believe man can change it to suit his worldly desires. They have come to believe this because they have been taught such by others who hold the position. Notice what 1 Peter 1:23 states: "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." Some years ago, we heard God was dead. No, He isn't dead, although the verse above is talking about the Word of God; His Word will live and abide for ever. What is the Word of God? It is the incorruptible seed, "seed" being the term used by Jesus in Luke 8:11. There He says "the seed is the Word of God." Continuing the analogy of seed, He says, "But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth with patience" (verse 15). Jesus mentions in Luke 8:5-15 the sower going forth to sow. We understand today that, when we plant corn seed, we do not expect to reap tomatoes, potatoes, beans, etc. We know we will reap corn. To reap other vegetables, the proper seed for them must be planted. So it is with God's Word. Yet, men are polluting the Word of God with the doctrines of men. One that "abideth in the doctrine of Christ hath both the Father and the Son," (2 John 9b), and is accepting the pure seed.