The Silence of the Bible

by H. Leo Boles
www.cvillechurch.com

There has been a great deal of discussion on "The Silence of the Bible." Some have emphasized the respect we should have for the authority of God by respecting the silence of the Bible. Others have taught that where the Bible is silent, we have a right to speak. The issue is, "Does God give to man the right to teach and practice in the name of Christ anything about which there is no divine revelation?" Has God given sufficient guidance in all affairs that pertain to the work and worship of the Lord? Has He left some things to the wisdom and judgment of man? How shall we know what has been left to the judgment of man in the work and worship of the Lord?

If, by His silence in revelation, God has granted to man the right to teach and practice some things, then there opens a field of strife and division. Man cannot agree with his fellows as to what must be brought in, and no greater source of division can be found than the different standards of men.

The Bible clearly teaches that man should not add to the word of God. "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish from it, that ye may keep the commandments of Jehovah your God which I command you." (Deut. 4:2). Here we learn that Jehovah would not let the children of Israel add to nor take from anything He had commanded them. Jehovah had given the law, and it was sufficient to guide them in all of their work and worship. They were to let the law stand, without additions, subtractions, or alterations. This enforced upon them to respect God's silence on any subject. If they could not add to or take from the law, they were not to impose human judgments upon the people. To do so would be to add to or take from the law. They had to respect the silence of Jehovah on the work and worship they were to perform.

The New Testament teaches the same principle: "I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto them, God shall add unto him the plagues which are written in this book: and if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the tree of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book." (Rev. 22:18-19). This demands that man respect the silence of divine revelation. No one is permitted to add to or take from the teachings of the New Testament. It will not do to say that the above quotation applies only to the book of Revelation. God would not forbid one from adding to or subtracting from only one book in the New Testament, but would also grant man the privilege of adding to and taking from other books.

This principle applies to all the books of the New Testament. Other teachings show this to be true. "Now these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and Apollos for your sakes; that in us ye might learn not to go beyond the things which are written..." (1 Cor. 4:6). These Corinthians were thus forbidden to go beyond the things that were written. They were to respect the silence of God — the silence of the Scriptures — and not make any alterations. God would not forbid the church at Corinth to "go beyond the things which are written," and at the same time grant other churches to add what they pleased or to leave off anything they did not wish to teach or practice. What He says here to the church at Corinth is applied to all of the churches, and is applicable to His people through all ages.

The same truth is expressed by John: "Whosoever goeth onward and abideth not in the teaching of Christ, hath not God: he that abideth in the teaching, the same hath both the Father and the Son. If any one cometh unto you, and bringeth not this teaching, receive him not into your house, and give him no greeting: for he that giveth him greeting partaketh in his evil works." (2 Jn. 9-11). This teaches that the silence of "the teachings of Christ" must be respected. John is writing to no particular church, but Christians in general. Hence, the principle of respecting the silence of "the teachings of Christ" is here taught by John.

One is safe when one follows the teachings of God. One impeaches the wisdom of God when one attempts to make any alterations in "what is written" in the New Testament. In doing so, one must take the attitude that either God did not know enough to give man a complete guide for all ages, or that God has left man free to make additions where God has not spoken.

The foundation of the argument that man may speak where the Bible is silent rests, like Dagon's temple, upon two pillars, which, so long as they continue sound, will support all the theories of men. The first pillar is that "the church of Christ, like all other societies, has power to make laws for its government." The second pillar is that, "where the sacred Scriptures are silent, human authority may interpose." But if some Samson can be found to shake these pillars from their bases, the whole edifice, with the lords of the Philistines in their seats and the multitude with which it is crowded, will be involved in one common ruin. If the two principles mentioned above are granted, the arguments cannot be refuted. But if it can be shown that the principles are false, the conclusions, with all the arguments based on them, are false.

First, the church of Christ is not like other societies. It is different from all human institutions, because Christ framed a constitution for it which is different from any of the teachings of man. No one can show that God permits man to speak or act in the name of Christ where the New Testament is silent. There is not a single sentence in all the New Testament that warrants man to speak, where the New Testament is silent, in the name of Christ; there is no Scripture that grants man such authority. How, then, can man know that he has the right to speak where the Bible is silent? No human association, no individual has any right to interpose authority where the New Testament neither enjoins nor forbids. We must respect the authority of God here.

To interpose and draft regulations where the New Testament is silent is to legislate for God's people where God has not legislated. It is a fearful thing to impose anything in the name of Christ upon God's people when God has not spoken on that point. If He has spoken, then we must respect what He has said. If He has not spoken, then we must respect His wisdom in remaining silent. It seems that anyone would know that the floodgate would be open and all sorts of innovations would be brought into the work and worship of the Lord's people if we do not respect the silence of the Bible. To respect the silence of the Bible is to respect God. To break that silence is to impeach the wisdom, love, and authority of God. It is to commit the high crime of presumptuous sin. "Every scripture inspired of God is also profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work." (2 Tim. 3:16- 17).

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(Recorded Messages)
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!
www.cvillechurch.com
E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

The Christian's Apparel -- Inside and Out

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

The real measure of a Christian lies on the inside. Jesus repeatedly warned those who admired the hypocrites of that day that it was “out of the heart” that one’s actions arise (Mt 12:34-35, 15:18-19). Later, our Lord confronted these men with the plainest and strongest words of His ministry. “For you cleanse the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of extortion and self-indulgence. Blind Pharisee, first cleanse the inside of the cup and dish, that the outside of them may be clean also” (Mt 23:25-26). In every application we make of God’s word we must first start with the heart.

Does it Matter What a Christian Wears?

The subject of clothing is a highly personal one and one that commonly provokes great emotion. Many who claim to be Christians place this subject as off-limits to the Lord and especially to those who teach His word. How many times have I heard someone say: “It doesn’t matter what you wear, but what is inside your heart is all that matters!” Is that really what the scriptures teach?

The scriptures plainly address the relationship of our hearts to what we wear. “In like manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness and sobriety; not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array; But (which becometh women professing godliness) with good works" (1 Timothy 2:9-10 KJV). What is the condition of the heart described in this verse, and what is the kind of dress that will follow?

Essential Elements in the Heart of the Christian

Modest apparel is a product of shamefacedness and sobriety, qualities that ought to be in the heart of every Christian. The English word “shamefacedness” is a good translation of the Greek word “aidos.” Greek lexicons define this word as meaning “the idea of downcast eyes; a sense of shame or honor, modesty, bashfulness, reverence, regard for others, respect.” The word “sobriety” indicates “soundness of mind, self-control.” In essence, the Christian will not seek to draw the attention of others to themselves through their clothing. They will not be trend setters, seeking the latest fashions regardless of the message conveyed to others by those fashions.

Consider the importance of shame. Shame comes from previous instruction concerning right and wrong. For shame to profit you, there are two things you must posses: proper teaching and a good conscience. Someone has likened the conscience to an alarm clock. If you heed its alarm and then act, then you will be “awakened” and thus helped to fight sin. However, if you chose to ignore it, by “going back to sleep,” or in others words, by continuing in your sin, then you will, in time, no longer hear the alarm of your conscience. Paul described the terrible consequences of those who reject sound teaching as “speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4:2).

Too Much Clothing or Too Little

Shame will keep a Christian from seeking attention by distinctive displays involving “broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array” (1 Timothy 2:10 KJV). It also will avoid attention by having too little clothing, which is a great problem in our culture.

The scriptures teach that public nakedness should always produce shame. When Christians had given in to a practice of sin, God likened the shame that they should have felt as being like the expected shame found in physical nakedness. God described them as being: “wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked.” He then urged them to “buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see” (Rev 3:17-18).

In the scriptures, nakedness is insufficient clothing, not a complete absence of clothing. The priest, while clothed, could still reveal his “nakedness” by not properly covering from “the waist to the thighs” (Ex 28:41-42). In the Garden of Eden, after the first sin, Adam and Eve were still naked when they made the equivalent of men’s swimming trunks (Gen 3:7, 10-11)! God provided sufficient clothing when he had made them “tunics of skin”. This tunic is defined in lexicons as being: "generally with sleeves, coming down to the knees." If you want to be sure to avoid nakedness, then this example ought to provide us a safe guide to follow.

You Clothes Convey a Message

The Old Testament describes the “attire of a harlot” (Prov 7:10; Gen 38:13-15). A woman can dress in such a way as to encourage men to pursue immorality with her. Here is where many women fail to understand how their dress can affect men. The scriptures give emphasis towards the woman concerning her dress (1 Tim 2:9-10) and give emphasis towards the man in how he looks at a woman and thinks (Mt 5:27-30). As a rule, men are more susceptible to visual stimulation, and as a result, the modern day pornographic industry has geared its primary attention to men. Ladies, please do not judge your clothing on “how it looks to me,” but also be open to teaching concerning how it affects others.

Clothing during Worship

It ought to go without saying that men and women should always dress modestly in public settings and especially when gathering together to worship God. In recent years, with the advent of the “non-traditional” services, has come the philosophy of “come as you are.” It is common in these gatherings to see an open display of immodesty by those who claim to be Christians. I understand that for the new Christian, and certainly for the visitor from the community, that they may not yet have received the proper teaching to guide their consciences. But when a gathering of Christians has become a demonstration of a people that no longer “know how to blush,” then a serious examination of hearts needs to take place (Jer 6:15; 8:12).

Should we then have a dress code? When we have shamefacedness and sobriety in our hearts, along with a willingness to talk with mature Christians about these things, then I am sure our clothing will reflect it. When we come to worship with the people of God with a heart of reverence and love, with a desire to pursue holiness, then our clothing will reflect it (Heb 10:23-29).

Be honest, what message does your clothing reveal about your heart?

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(Recorded Messages)
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!
www.cvillechurch.com
E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

The Power of a Presence

by Larry Rouse
www.cvillechurch.com

A real test of spiritual maturity is found in the understanding of the presence of God. As a child of God partakes of the Lord’s Supper, he should realize that there is a divine presence with him. Jesus promised that as we remember His death in the supper that He is a fellow partaker with us. “But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” (Mt 26:29). While we cannot see the Lord’s presence by sight, we nonetheless recognize His very real participation by the sight of a living faith. “By faith he forsook Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible.” (Heb 11:27)

The presence of God is a reality if a man recognizes it or not. While Jonah foolishly attempted to flee from the presence of God at first (Jonah 1:3), he came to greatly appreciate the impossibility of doing that as he prayed for God’s help from the belly of the great fish (Jonah 2:1, Ps 139:7-9).

The Power of the Presence of God

The real power of God’s presence is found when we are in fellowship with God and thus have the promises and protection of His covenant. Without these promises, the knowledge of His presence is unsettling. It ought to bring fear and trembling to the wicked (Jer 5:22-23). That is why wicked men try to divorce God from even being in their thoughts (Rom 1:28). What the wicked flees from, the child of God pursues! How comforting to know that we serve a God who sees and knows everything that happens to us and, as a result, will provide for us and never forsake us (1 Pt 3;13-14, Heb 13:5-6).

The Power of the Presence of Men

We all can relate to the power of the presence of men in our associations. One of the most powerful tools that Satan uses is the fear of what men might see and do as they judge our actions. How many are in fact “secret disciples,” those that recognize the truth about Jesus, but out of fear of men refuse to stand for Him (Jn 9:22, 12:42-43)? We cannot be a disciple of Christ if we seek to please men (Gal 1:10).

God uses the power of the presence of faithful men to help us build our faith. After describing the great men of faith throughout the ages that finished their lives as faithful to the Lord, the Hebrew writer refers to them as a “great cloud of witness” that help us to finish victoriously our Christian race (Heb 12:1-3). I have personally added men to my cloud of witnesses that I have known that “died in faith” (Heb 11:13). Their influence, examples and past words are in my consciousness and that gives me courage to cross the finish line. Who are those on your list?
God urges us to build friendships and relationships with those that love the Lord. It is very difficult to openly sin in such a presence. As we grow in our faith, even thought these faithful ones are not present, it is possible to recognize the presence of their influence to help us stand strong. “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling” (Phil 2:12).

Which Presence is Greater for You?

How blessed is the one that has made the presence of God to be greater than the presence of men. When your faith has grown to this awareness, you will find peace and purpose in the midst of ridicule and of efforts to break your faith. “Oh, how great is Your goodness, Which You have laid up for those who fear You, Which You have prepared for those who trust in You In the presence of the sons of men! You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence From the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion From the strife of tongues” (Psa 31:19-20).

The Power of an Anticipated Presence

After my wife took a trip lasting several days the children and I anticipated her return. “Momma’s coming back tomorrow. We need to clean up!” We knew with a certainty the time of her arrival and we did not want her to be disappointed to see the mess that was tolerated and created in her absence!

Paul used this truth to motivate the Corinthians to resolve their problems before his arrival. “I have told you before, and foretell as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before, and to all the rest, that if I come again I will not spare” (2 Cor 13:2).

While we can think this way about men, it is foolish to do so with God. As we have already learned, God is present now, regardless of whether we recognize it or not. One day the Lord Jesus will return in the clouds and this universe will end and each man will appear in His presence to give an account (2 Cor 5:9-10).

The Power of a Right Relationship with God

Moses knew that it would be in vain to take a single step towards the promised land unless he had the presence of God with him with the full benefits of His grace. “And He said, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Then he said to Him, “If Your Presence does not go with us, do not bring us up from here. For how then will it be known that Your people and I have found grace in Your sight, except You go with us? So we shall be separate, Your people and I, from all the people who are upon the face of the earth” (Ex 33:14-16). So should it be with us in our walk to the promised land!

God is very clear about what it takes to walk with Him. We cannot walk in sin and ever expect to have this graceful presence. “He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house; He who tells lies shall not continue in my presence” (Ps 101:7).

Consider some of the blessings of God’s presence.

1. Your enemies will be ultimately defeated. (Ps 9:3)
2. You will find joy and rest. (Ps 16:11; Ex 33:14)
3. You will find justification (Ps 17:2)
4. You will have great blessings while your enemies look on in wonder. (Ps 23:5)

Do you have such a faith that is constantly aware of the presence of the Lord? Begin today to read God’s word and meditate upon its truths and then be aware of the daily actions that we take as a living sacrifice in His presence (Rom 12:1-2).

Dial-A-Bible-Study

(Recorded Messages)

(434) 975-7373

Free Bible Study Materials

Call Anytime!

www.cvillechurch.com

E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com

"The Brotherhood"

by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.
www.cvillechurch.com

"Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king." (1 Peter 2:17)

The word "brotherhood" here is translated from adelphotes. It appears only twice in the New Testament, both times in First Peter (2:17; 5:9). The King James renders it "brethren" in 5:9, but the New King James renders it "brotherhood" in both verses. Of adelphotes Vine says, "primarily, ‘a brotherly relationship," and so, the community possessed of this relationship, "a brotherhood," 1 Pet. 2:17 (see 5:9 marg.)" and Thayer says, "brotherhood" ; the abstract for the concrete, a band of brothers i.e. of Christians, Christian brethren : 1 Pet. ii. 17; v.9).

It is clear that Peter uses the term to refer to what Vine calls "the community possessed of this relationship" throughout the world. In 5:9 he compares the sufferings of those immediately addressed in his epistle to that experienced by their "brotherhood in the world (NKJ)." In 2:17, it seems to be a contrast to "all men." Hence, when we as children of God and brothers and sisters in Christ speak of "the brotherhood" we are speaking of ourselves along with all in the world that share in this great relationship. What a great throng of people! It is this throng that Peter especially tells us to love.

It seems to me that in recent years we have lost much of that keen sense of brotherhood that we once enjoyed. Those of us who consider ourselves "conservative" and "non-institutional" have done a pretty good job of teaching that each local congregation is autonomous and independent of any other congregation in the world. We have shown that a failure to recognize this fundamental Bible principle has historically led to most of the wholesale apostasies of the past. We have rightly pointed out that the congregation of which we are members can exist and scripturally function as if there were no others like it in the world. We have also emphasized that each member of a congregation has a relationship and responsibility to the local church collectively and distributively that he does not have toward brethren elsewhere.

I fear that during all of this we may have developed a mentality that is a bit too "independent." As a result of this perverted sense of independence, brethren have almost isolated themselves from any real concern, contact or sense of fellowship with their brethren elsewhere – even other brethren meeting across town. An invitation can come (in some cases no invitation is sent) from faithful brethren elsewhere to their gospel meeting. It may or may not be announced at the receiving congregation, but it is generally ignored because it not a function of "our" congregation. In some areas preachers of local congregations have little contact or interaction with preachers or other members of other congregations. This writer confesses his own guilt to a degree at times along these lines.

We can remember a time when a church, in an area where there were several congregations would have a gospel meeting that the house would be filled mostly with members from the other congregations. Often, we would travel miles to encourage another congregation in its gospel meetings. We were just as interested in seeing another congregation prosper in the Lord as we were to see the congregation where we attended. We showed an interest in and often inquired about how that brethren meeting at such and such place were doing. That was before we conceived that "autonomous" and "independent" meant "isolation." Have we forgotten how to heed Peter’s admonition to "love the brotherhood?"

The brotherhood, of which Peter wrote, is not a brotherhood of churches organized together as a unit nor is it a brotherhood of Christians organized into a unit. It is a relationship that exists between all Christians. They share a common faith and have common interests.

While New Testament congregations were not tied together organizationally speaking, they were tied together doctrinally because they subscribed to the same standard. Paul declared that what he taught and ordained in one church he ordained in all (1 Cor. 4:17; 7:17). They shared in a common faith.

I do not have the right to meddle in the internal affairs of another congregation nor infringe upon its autonomy. It can decide, without any interference for me, its meeting times, when it will have a gospel meeting, how it can best use its treasury, who will do its teaching and preaching, lead its singing and praying, what kind of facilities it well provide to do its work, which of its members it may or may not discipline, etc.

But, because of my duty to "love the brotherhood," I have an obligation to "speak the truth in love" to my brethren everywhere I have the opportunity to do so, just as I have an obligation to preach the gospel to every creature in the world because I love their souls. It is not interference into the affairs of other congregations when I demonstrate my love of the brotherhood by teaching them the truth and warning them of departures from the faith once delivered unto the saints (Jude 3) and even the Bible teaching that should govern them as they exercise their autonomy.

Let us love and appreciate those of the brotherhood that we meet and work with regularly in the local congregation, but let us also broaden our scope of interest and "love the brotherhood" as a whole – enough to "correct, rebuke and encourage" (2 Tim. 4:2 - NIV) as needed.

Dial-A-Bible-Study
(Recorded Messages)
(434) 975-7373
Free Bible Study Materials
Call Anytime!
www.cvillechurch.com
E-Mail: larryrouse@cvillechurch.com