Scripture Alone

There’s an argument at home, school or work.  Someone twists something you had previously said as a weapon for winning the argument.  How do you feel about that?

We’d be surprised, frustrated, and angered.  We’d feel used and trampled.  We might shout, “But I never said that!  You got it all wrong!”

Just think how God feels every time a human being twists his words.  His heart is stabbed when he hears things like, “The Bible was written by humans and is full of mistakes,” or, “Human beings are essentially good and not sinful,” or, “If you live a moral Christian life, then God will make you rich and successful.” He must want to shout from the heavens, “BUT I NEVER SAID THAT!”

Wait a second.  God actually has shouted from the heavens.  He has peeled back his heart and shared truth from his mind in the sixty-six books of the Holy Bible.  In Scripture alone, God says that his Word is flawless – no mistakes.  In Scripture alone, God says human beings are dead in their sins from conception – but that is why he sent Jesus to fully and completely save us from all sin of all kinds.  In Scripture alone, God promises that any riches and success we gain are temporary, and that in this world we will have trouble.  And yet, he also promises that we can take heart, for he has overcome the world on our behalf in Christ!  And so we take him at his word, and let go of the things of this world while clinging to Scripture alone.

The LORD makes it clear how he feels about those who tell lies as they stray selfishly from the simple, plain and clear meaning of the Bible.  ³⁰ “Therefore,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who steal from one another words supposedly from me. ³¹ Yes,” declares the Lord, “I am against the prophets who wag their own tongues and yet declare, ‘The Lord declares’ (Jeremiah 23:30-31).    So, never listen to those who are twisting his Word for selfish reasons.  Get to know the simple message of the Bible better and better, one day at a time!  Then you will be able to discern between what is truth, and what is someone selfishly trying to put words in God’s mouth.

Prayer: O Holy Spirit, come to me with your comforting and sturdy Word.  Thank you for helping me to have faith in Scripture alone, and nothing else.  Lead me into your truth, and give me a heart that trusts you boldly.  Remind me that you are against lying prophets who keep stealing from each other words that are supposedly from you.  Help me to keep learning more of your truth, and give me a heart of wisdom, that I can discern between truth and lies.  Amen.