[Biblemat] S) DOES IT MATTER WHAT YOU BELIEVE?

[J5827Sasser at wmconnect.com]

Brethren and Friends, Jim Sasser here.  Here is a study that rec-
ently came my way.  Use to the glory of God.

DOES IT MATTER WHAT YOU BELIEVE?

     The majority in our world believe that it is acceptable to
believe whatever you choose to believe and that ALL are on
the road to heaven, but merely taking different routes.  Many
suggest that God finds such action of "tolerance" acceptable
and right.  Is that true?  Does the Bible advocate, condone or
approve of such an idea?

     Listen To Key Passages And You Are Forced To Conclude
That It Does Matter: -- "There is a way which seemeth right
unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death" (Prov.
14:12).  "If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctr-
ine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God
speed:  For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his
evil deeds" (2 Jno. 10,11).  "This people draweth nigh unto
Me with their mouth, and honoureth Me with their lips; but
their heart is far from Me.  But in vain they do worship Me,
teaching for doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:
8,9).  "Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause
divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have
learned; and avoid them" (Rom. 16:17).  An open mind, logic-
ally thinking, is required to accept there are ways of men that
are wrong, evil and will cause one to be lost eternally.  The
ways of men are vain in God's sight.

     Remember Key Events And Be Reminded How God React-
ed To Changes, Manipulations Or Perversions: -- Adam and
Eve did not obey God -- they were punished.  Nadab and Abi-
hu rejected God's instructions -- they perished.  Moses did
not obey God's command to speak to the rock -- he was not
allowed to enter the Promised Land.  Uzzah knew that God
had commanded NOT to touch the ark of the covenant, but
he touched it anyway -- and perished because of his disobed-
ience.  God means what He says!  God will NOT allow deviat-
ions from His way!

     Is such a perspective (concept) too strict?  No doubt to
some it is -- but the same ones are just as STRICT when it
involves medicine (kind, dosage and frequency) they are to
take.  They are rigid to the exact instructions being followed.
These same individuals would be narrow-minded and strict
when signing a contract to a home, wanting to do it by the
letter of the law, so the deed would not be flawed.  Legalistic?
Yes, appropriately so!  So it should be in religious matters as
well.

     Understand God's Demands And You Must Realize That
Man Does NOT Have The Alternative To Follow His Own Whims Or Theories, And 
Expect God To Be Pleased With Such Action: -- You can NOT mess with the message 
of God
and remain "acceptable" in our Heavenly Father's sight!

     Does It Matter What You Believe?  What You Teach Others?  How You 
Worship?  What You Do To Become A Fol-
lower Of Jesus?: -- Absolutely YES!  There is not a single
occurrence, Scripture or fact in God's Word (when studied
in context) that allows for man to "do his own thing" "create
his own way" or "pick and choose" what he wants and dis-
card what he does not want.

     Let's go back to the BIBLE, the inspired and accurate 
Word of God.  It (and it alone) must be our sole and complete
source of authority in what we do to please God, our Creator.
------------- Paul Sain, via The Sower, Vol. 52, No. 1, Jan/Feb 
2007.
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