The past several years have seen the development of distinct differences between how the U.S. Constitution should be viewed. There are those who seen that document as one which is very fixed and cannot be amended without great effort by the various states. Others see it as a living entity, whose statutes must be “amended” by loose interpretation caused by the changing culture in which we live, and its meaning is therefore very fluid. The gulf between the two attitudes is so vast!
There is a great parallel between the two attitudes toward the Constitution and the two attitudes many have toward the Bible. Some see the Bible is an unchanging document with no provision made for amendments. Others see the Bible as a fascinating book, but one that is open to a variety of interpretations greatly impacted by culture and time. It is this second attitude which causes such a diversity of teachings on worship, church organization, marriage/divorce, homosexuality and the role of women in the church.
Every person is confronted in his personal religious life with a decision of how he will regard the Bible. He may not be aware of these choices, but his life reflects one or the other of the two viewpoints. How that person views the Bible can impact his devotion and the difficult decisions he makes almost every day.
Which attitude is right? If the Bible is from God, then the proper way to ask this question is, “How does the Author of the Bible regard it?” This is all that matters! He is our Creator and our Judge and we must have His view of His revelation. Prayerfully consider the following.
When God revealed the Old Testament, He made no provision for amendments. “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you. . . . Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it” (Deut. 4:2; 12:32).
The same principle is found regarding the New Testament. “If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life . . .” (Rev. 22:18-19).
The Constitution makes provision for amendments; there are no provisions for amending the gospel!