It is Settled!

A series of lessons from the Bible

by Howell Lasseter

Whom do I Hear?

Here’s a simple illustration: Each Gallia County school teacher, after teaching a particular subject, gives a test on that subject, using the same questions. The grading of these tests will show that, throughout the entire county, those students who answer the questions correctly, have each answered the questions alike. We understand that there is a correct answer to each question. We know there are not several correct answers to each question.

Why is it, then, that when the subject is “religion,” we are told there are many “correct” answers to each question? Denominational people say every one makes a “passing” grade, no matter whether the answers conform to the Bible answers. Going directly to the most basic question, “To whom do I listen regarding spiritual matters?”, in Matthew 4:4, during His temptation by the devil, Jesus said, “It is written, man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God.” A critic may say, “We don’t have any words of God written.” Recorded for us are at least three instances of God speaking during Jesus’ life. You may read these in Matthew 3:17, Luke 9:35, and John 12:28. In Luke 9:35, God affirms, “This is my beloved son: hear him.” How many times must God tell us to hear His Son? Can each of us not understand, from just this one statement, whom we are to hear? All who correctly answer the question, “Whom do I hear?”, will give the same answer!

Some teach that, since Jesus’ words are written in red ink, we accept only the “red ink” words. Were this true, two-thirds of the New Testament would be discarded! In earlier articles, it was pointed out that the publishers of Bibles decide what color ink will be used. The ink color bears no relation to the truth and importance of the words. The “Rainbow” version of the Bible uses many ink colors for emphasis. John 16:12-15 records for us Jesus’ promise to His eleven apostles (Judas already being gone) that, “I have many things to say unto you, but ye cannot bear them now. Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that will he speak; and he will show you things to come. He shall glorify me; for he shall receive of mine, and shall show it unto you.” Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, 8 men (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Peter, James, Paul, and Jude) wrote the New Testament. The writer of the book of Hebrews is unnamed and, therefore, unknown to us.  The 27 books of the New Testament are the words of God. It is these words each of us must know, accept, believe, and obey. When we respect God’s Word, we will all give the same answer to each Bible question!