The Bible is Enough
Introduction
In 2 Timothy 3:16-17 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. If Christians believe this
statement; that it’s from God Himself, then why do most go after books written
by men?
The Need for more Revelation?
Over the last two decades or more people have been
buying books written by denominational preachers looking for further
inspiration in their lives. To most of them, they see the bible as no longer
worthwhile here in the 21st century. They wanted something more
“hip” and “now” compared to a book written over two centuries ago.
And these people are not picky either. Regardless of
their belief’s compared to the author’s, they will buy up every book on the
market to be more fulfilled. I personally have browsed through some of these
books to see what the hype was all about. They are filled with feel-good
stories to give you a “warm, fuzzy feeling” about your life. What these books
don’t do is condemn you of sin and instruct you on how to repent of those sins.
Sin Doesn’t Sell
One of the main reasons why none of these books
discuss sin and what you can do about it is because, if they did, they wouldn't sell anymore books. No one would come to their church and be inspired by their
message on a weekly basis.
Instead of offering the invitation at the end of a
sermon; telling you what you must do in order to be saved, they offer an altar
call. They’ll have people flock down to the front, recite the Sinner’s Prayer,
and consider themselves saved. Of course, with the Televangelists they won’t
call it the Sinner’s Prayer but more like the “Salvation Prayer”. Essentially,
it’s the same thing but it sounds less offensive. Unless you’ve been living
under a rock for the last decade, you know most everything that is said and
done today is offensive to someone.
These preachers will then declare you to be saved.
They’ll encourage you to get in a bible-based church and start your new life as
a “Christian”. You’ll notice I put that word in quotes. It’s because no prayer
has made anyone a Christian; just delusional. Mind you, you can still be a better
person; change the way you see things and live your life for God but, in the
end, you’ll still be condemned to Hell as you didn’t do what God told you (Mt.
7:21-23).
What does the Bible Say?
As stated at the beginning of this article, as Paul
wrote in 2 Tim. 3:16-17, the Bible is all we need. Does Jesus say the same
thing? Yes, he does! Look at Jn. 8:31, Then Jesus said to those
Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples
indeed. Here
Jesus shows two things: 1) Although they believed (vs. 30), there was more to
do. 2) Abide in “my word” suggests that there is no other word with which one
can be saved.
This is crucial to those who say all I have to do is believe in Jesus and I’m saved. Jesus never said to believe on him only. He said you must do something in addition to believing and that is to abide, or continue, in his word. Jesus also said in John 14:15, "If you love Me, keep My commandments.” This also proves that there is more than just belief to being saved.
Conclusion
Books by men are just that; Men’s books. They may
inspire you but they won’t save you. God’s book is the one that will save you
and it is also the one that will judge you at the end of time (Jn. 12:48).
Here is how you can become a true Christian…
Hear the Word of God (Rom. 10:17)
Believe Jesus is the Son of God
(John 8:24)
Confess Jesus is the Son of God
(Rom. 10:9-10)
Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38)
Become baptized to wash away your
sins (Acts 22:16)
Live Faithfully even unto Death (Jn.
8:31; Rev. 2:10)
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