“The Bible doesn’t condemn it.”

“God knows what’s in my heart.”

“That’s just the way I see it.”

“You need to study more.”

These, among other things, is what I’ve heard over the years when discussing religious issues with others. I do my best to be logical, to lay out the case I’m trying to prove step by step, and the only response most people have is one of the four statements above. Why? If they are passionate about serving God as they claim, why not be persuasive in their arguments by using the Bible to defend their position? Why resort to “catch phrases” or belittle those that are trying to show the light of the Gospel?

One reason might be because they don’t fully understand the two divisions in the Bible. Paul wrote to the young preacher Timothy and told him to “Study to be approved by God, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). It’s been stated that the most misunderstood page in the Bible is the one that says “The New Testament”! While the Old Testament is there for us to read and learn about the character of God in dealing with the Hebrew people (Romans 15:4), it’s the New Testament, the Law of Christ, that each of us are to follow. While we may study the stories of the Old Testament hero’s of faith, it’s the New Testament that we will be judged by (John 12:48). Those that try to justify their religious practices based on Old Testament doctrine are missing the point of the New Testament.

Another reason might be that people refuse to accept they are wrong. Admitting to being wrong is hard for many, especially in matters of faith. This causes the New Testament to become nothing more than what YOU want it to be! Jesus was clear as a bell when He said those that are baptized will be saved (Mark 16:16). But I want to believe or I’ve been told that baptism is not necessary to be saved. Maybe I’ve had a loved one die and was never baptized, so I refuse to accept what the Lord said. I can’t be wrong! The fact of the matter is that you can be wrong so why not swallow your pride and conform to the will of God? I’d rather be right with God in heaven than be wrong in hell for eternity!

It doesn’t matter how you see it, what matters is what God said to do!

By: Justin Odom