The Holy Bible, containing the 39 books of the
Old Testament and the 27 books of the New, is, without any doubt,
the most printed book in history. It is, without doubt, the most
possessed or owned book in the world. There are more copies of
the Holy Bible in the world than of any other book. It has been
read more than any other book.
Why, then, is the Holy Bible the most neglected
book in the world? Why is it the most abused, perverted, twisted,
misused, misquoted, misrepresented, misapplied, and misunderstood?
Why is it that multiplied millions of people who claim to follow
it are wholly divided in their religious faiths and in their practices
of worship and service?
Dear reader, would you please allow me to quote
some scriptures from the Bible that are pertinent to these questions
and observations? Jesus Christ said, in quoting the prophet Isaiah,
"These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor
Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me. And in vain
they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
Matthew 15:8, 9 (Isaiah 29:13). Many people claim to follow the
Bible, but, actually, they are following the doctrines and commandments
of men. Whom are we trying to fool? God is not mocked.
Where must we go to find the doctrines and the
commandments of God? The apostle Paul wrote, "All Scripture
is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine,
for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness,
that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every
good work." 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.
Paul also wrote, "Preach the word! Be ready
in season and out of season. Convince, rebuke, exhort, with all
longsuffering and teaching. For the time will come when they will
not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires,
because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves
teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and
be turned aside to fables." 2 Timothy 4:2-4. What is the
basis for most of the so-called "gospel" preaching from
the pulpits of modern-day denominational Protestantism and Catholicism?
If the denominations were teaching the Holy Word of God, there
would be no denominations no Protestants or Catholics! Why? Because
the Holy Word of God does not teach them. In fact, the Holy Bible
condemns them. John 17:17-21, 1 Corinthians 1, Galatians 1:6-12,
and Ephesians 4:1-6. God is not the author of confusion but of
peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33.
Friends, the Holy Scriptures are sufficient and
complete. Almighty God, the Father, is over all. 1 Corinthians
11:3. The Father gave all authority in heaven and on earth to
Christ. Matthew 28:18. Today, the Father speaks through His Son.
Matthew 17:1-5; Hebrews 1:1, 2. Jesus selected and taught His
apostles. He gave them the keys of the kingdom of heaven. Matthew
10:1-4; 16:19; 18:18; John 20:21-23. He gave them the charge to
preach to every creature on earth. Matthew 28:19-20; Mark 16:15-16.
The Father sent the Holy Spirit to guide, teach, bring all things
to their remembrance, and show them things to come. John 14:16;
16:7-14; 2 Thessalonians 2:15.
Christ's apostles received the Holy Spirit on
the day called Pentecost, and they spoke as the Spirit gave them
utterance. Acts 2. The Holy Spirit guided the writing of the books
of the New Testament. 1 Corinthians 2:12, 13. These books are
our authority. 2 Peter 4:11. Receive with meekness the implanted
word that is able to save your soul. James 1:21.
Today, the churches of Christ plead with you to
look into the perfect law of liberty and continue in it. It is
this law that can make us all one in Christ, and it is this law
that will judge us in the last day. James 1:25; 2:12; John 12:48;
Revelation 20:12.