DEUTERONOMY 4:1-2: “And now, O Israel, listen to the statutes and the rules that I am teaching you, and do them, that you may live, and go in and take possession of the land that the LORD, the God of your fathers, is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God that I command you.” (ESV)

OBSERVATIONS: What is our view of the Bible? Is it a book written by men that is subject to change and interpretation based on our ever changing culture? Or, is it the Word of God that never changes, the ultimate authority for life? This is a very important question. It will determine everything else that we do and believe. It is a question that has been argued within the church for decades. And – it is a question that have never been more relevant for our time.

Recently a high profile pastor was quoted as saying that we can no longer quote verses from a 2000 year old book to address the social mores of our culture. He went on to say – “We must use love”. But what is “love”? Who determines the definition and boundaries of love? Without an authoritative source of truth “love” is left to the tyranny of my own personal weakness, sin, and limitations.

We can only know and understand “love” as we know and understand God. We can only know and understand God as we know and understand His Word. We can only know and understand His Word as we see it for what it is – the very Word of God – inerrant, infallible, and ultimately authoritative in all matters of life and godliness.

This is not an option, nor is this an outdated declaration of the Old Testament. This is the testimony of the entire Bible, both Old and New Testament. This is the testimony of God in human history. This is the testimony of Jesus Christ through His life, death, and resurrection. And this will be the testimony that is validated when Jesus Christ returns to this earth as King of Kings and Lord of Lords! The following verses are worthy to ponder along with Deuteronomy 4:1-2:

“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished. Therefore whoever relaxes one of the least of these commandments and teaches others to do the same will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever does them and teaches them will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (‭Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭17-20‬ ESV)

“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.” (‭Romans‬ ‭3‬:‭28-31‬ ESV)

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” (‭2 Timothy‬ ‭3‬:‭14-17‬ ESV)

“And he said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent his angel to show his servants what must soon take place.” “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book…I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book. He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen. (‭Revelation‬ ‭22‬:‭6-7, 18-21‬ ESV)

Lord, have mercy on those who are moving away from the truth of Your Word and restore them to the faith! Give me strength to stand up for Your Word, Your Truth, and Your Love! May I boldly and lovingly proclaim all of these words from over 2000 years ago, for they are not words that proceeded from the mind of man, but the very Words that proceeded from Your heart to ours! In Jesus Name!