Bible Basics #3

      Proverbs 30:6 says, “Do not add to His words or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar.” God is very serious about His word. We do not get to take His silence and run with it, lest we be guilty of adding to His word.

      However, we have learned Scriptures authorize through implication what was not specifically stated. We have also learned Scriptures authorize some classes of actions generically. As we consider these methods of biblical authority, we must always take care we are not adding to God’s word by waving the “implication” wand over the Bible or just claiming it is authorized generically.

      We must make sure what we are doing is an Aid to accomplish what God has authorized and not an Addition to do more than God has authorized.

      An Aid is an action or a tool that helps us accomplish what has been scripturally authorized. When we are done using the Aid, we have done nothing more than what was authorized.

      An Addition is an action or a tool that when used accomplishes more than what is authorized, whether or not we believe it helped accomplish what was authorized.

      Consider Noah as an example again and realize that this makes common sense. In Genesis 6:14, God commanded Noah to make an Ark of gopher wood.

      God did not say anything about the tools Noah might use. However, without tools, Noah could not build the ark. By implication, Noah is granted permission or authority to use tools and the decision regarding which tools is left up to him.

      When Noah was done using the hammer, saw and other tools, he had done nothing more than what was commanded—build an ark.

      However, if Noah decided to build a lifeboat “just in case there are problems with the ark,” he would be adding to what the Lord authorized. He could claim it was just something helpful, but when he was done building the lifeboat, he could no longer say he only built an ark. He would say he built an ark and a lifeboat. That is an addition.

      Consider our worship. In Ephesians 5:19, Colossians 3:16 and other passages, God authorized singing as worship. When we are done using a song leader or a song book, we have still only sung. However, if we use a piano, we have not only sung, we have also played an instrument. Despite how helpful we might think the piano to be, we have then added to what God authorized.

      As we continue to study God’s word, we must remember the Scriptures equip us for every good work. Let us make sure we have Scripture to equip us for everything we do.

Edwin L. Crozier