Don’t Go Beyond What is Written?

The Bible says:

Do not go beyond what is written! (1 Corinthians 4:6)

Do not teach any different doctrine! (1 Timothy 1:3)

Do not devote yourself to myths and speculations! (1 Timothy 1:4)

If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. (1 Timothy 6:3-4)

Yet, we have heard popular preachers say such things as:

“Jesus… so He was born through Mary the Virgin. And then He was born again in resurrection.”

“God gave me a Ferrari because I am a Ferrari. You’re a Ferrari, too!”

(Oprah Winfrey): “Do you believe that only Christians can be in relationship with God?” (Carl Lentz): “No. I believe that when Jesus said, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life…’ The way I read that… He’s the road marker.”

“God began to say to me, ‘I’m gonna tell you something right now, Beth. Boy you write this one down; and you say it as often as I give you utterance to say it!’”

“Every Christian who believes in the Trinity – that God is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit… co-equal, co-eternal… believes that because of the authority of the Catholic Church.”

“God broke the law for love!”

Jesus said:

My teaching is not mine, but His who sent me. If anyone’s will is to do God’s will, he will know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority.

The one who speaks on his own authority seeks his own glory; but the one who seeks the glory of Him who sent Him is true, and in Him there is no falsehood. (John 7:16-18)

The Bible has been written for our instruction. That through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures, we have hope!

For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through the endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures, we might have hope. (Romans 15:4)

If you go beyond what is written, you’re probably being a heretic.

…when we understand the text

(This video is by WWUTT. Discovered by Christian Podcast Central and our community — copyright is owned by the publisher, not Christian Podcast Central.)