A question that has become prevalent in my church lately is
whether some of the things we teach as doctrine are Biblical or church
tradition. Growing up I’ve always known them to be Biblical, but like most
people raised in my church the way I was we don’t have the verses at the ready.
A few of these are our stance on wearing jewelry, going to the theatre/watching
certain TV shows/ reading certain books and even drinking alcohol. All my life
I’ve known that these things were wrong but have only recently been challenged
as to the Biblical reason. This challenge elicited an extreme response that was
as a result of my own lack of knowledge. Knowing that all scripture is given by
inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine… (2 Timothy 3:16) I set to
studying. So by the grace of God I now have a more sure standing.
I could easily list the verses that would stand against
these – Jewelry: Jacob preparing his family before coming to God in prayer Genesis
35:4, God preparing to judge the Israelites after they engaged in idolatry Exodus
33:5, and Peter’s instruction for adornment 1 Peter 3:3; Entertainment choices:
King David promising not to look at evil Psalms 101:3, and Paul’s instructions
of what to keep in our minds Philippians 4:8; Alcohol: Solomon’s instructions
Proverbs 20:1 and 23:31. However, there are scripture references used to
support the use of jewelry, Rebecca receiving Isaac’s gifts, Joseph wearing Pharaoh’s
ring, Jesus giving us crowns when He returns. Similarly, with alcohol and unhealthy
entertainment I have heard the reasoning that in moderation it’s not harmful.
Let’s look at these one at a time: Jewelry. This
is a major hang up for many people because they have become so comfortable with
it and with pastors now telling them it’s ok my belief and practice elicits a
major response. I won’t expound on the pagan origins of jewelry and the
coordinating meanings behind this, this can be found out by anyone with the
internet or a library card. I look at it from the Bible’s point of view. As
prophecy believing people we know that we are currently living at the end of
earth’s history which means the end of church history, the final church,
Laodicea – A people judged. We are people that are to live in an attitude of
constant prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17). If we as Bible believing Christians
believe that God’s instructions, which has always been to remove jewelry, are
constant, as He does not change (Malachi 3:6), why would He waver on this. We
are living in a time of judgement. We as a people are being judged by our
response to His mercy and following this judgement we will enter the Promised
Land. Furthermore, in Ezekiel 28:13 we learn that Lucifer was covered with
every precious stone. Human beings were created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27),
His people were made to be clothed in light (Genesis 2:25, Revelation 12:1) but
following sin He gave us covering that reflected His sacrifice (Genesis 3:21).
When we cover ourselves in jewels we reject the image of God that remains in us
and form an image to Lucifer. This is why my church believes and many others
used to believe that we should not wear jewelry.
Entertainment choices: The Bible teaches that we should look
to Jesus in all things because by beholding we become changed (2 Corinthians
3:18). Scientists have demonstrated that the things we listen to, read, and
watch changed to way we think. This is how brainwashing works, the human mind
does not loose it’s “sponge-like” properties after the age of seven. As a TV/Movie
addict in recovery I can attest to the change in mood and thinking that occurs.
It has been demonstrated that while passively watching a scene your brain
believes that you are actually living the event, thereby changing the neural
connections to suit this new experience. Because as Christians we believe that earth’s
final conflict is for our beliefs, is it not prudent that we guard or minds from
things that negatively impacts its function?
Similarly, with alcohol, consuming alcohol is known to
damage various organs in the body including the brain. I find it flabbergasting
that this is an issue among professed Bible believing Christians. I don’t have
to list the evils that come from alcohol use. This is in the news and
scientific articles every day. I have one verse that summarizes my sentiments
on this and I will say no more anyone who has been touch directly or indirectly
by the effects of this substance knows it is evil. 1 Peter 5:8 says: Be sober,
be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh
about, seeking whom he may devour. No honest person can justify the use of
alcohol.
This is by no means a condemnation on those who wear
jewelry, enjoy unchrist-like entertainment or drink alcohol. We all have
shortcomings. This is why He died, to cover us from the things we did in
ignorance and the catch us if we fall in knowledge. How we respond to this
mercy will determine whether we receive His crown of life or smelt with the
ornaments we place on ourselves. "Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin." James 4:17 He gives us all opportunities to learn His
truth and every incentive to choose His Way. Today, in whatever means you may
hear His call please respond (Hebrews 3:15).
By Faith
P.S. There are other seeming peculiarities that were held as
doctrine at the foundation of my church (Health Message, Dress Reform, etc.); all
with Biblical standing. As a faith founded in the Protestant tradition, Sola
Scriptura, ‘this is where we stand and we will go no further’. In this year
that we remember Martin Luther’s declarations let us not forget why he made
those statements and what we will return to by attempting to erode the truth of
the Bible.
Unlucky Charms
Influence
Unlucky Charms
Influence
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