God’s LAW is Not God’s “Suggestions”
We live in a land of law. We have “law” in our homes, “law” in our places of work, “law” in our places of education, “law” in places of business, “law” regarding transportation within any vehicle, “law” regarding even the distribution of chemicals to fertilize soil whether farmland or our yards at home. We all understand “law” to mean “rule,” and we all understand such “law” is not a listing of “suggestions,” or ‘invitations,” but rather a non-negotiable and absolute regulation that carries a severe penalty when not obeyed. We understand these laws are written and enforced for our safety and well-being, and that of all others. While we understand these realities in our daily lives, it is amazing to know many choose to think God’s law is different!
By God’s divine authority, He gave us all things that pertain to life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). Unfortunately, some souls are not content with God’s law, but instead, they endeavor to establish their own, failing to submit to God’s law. (Romans 10:3) A 2020 Religious Census says the United States has more than 375 religious organizations, not including religions that do not contribute to such databases, and those whose origins are from far eastern nations like India, China, Tibet, etc. Therefore, we can easily estimate nearly five hundred “types” of religion in the United States alone.
A similar survey of churches of Christ says there are nearly 12,000 congregations in the United States, comprised of nearly two million members. And then they add this caveat: “This article is about a specific fellowship of Christian congregations. For Churches of Christ that do not agree with congregational support of church or parachurch organizations, see Churches of Christ (non-institutional).” Does that not shout, “DIVISION?” And is it not true that ADHERENCE TO THE LAW eliminates division? If true, then we have the explanation for the existence of so many religions and so much division between groups that would claim to be united in Christ Jesus. John said it this way, “Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.” (1 John 2:18-19)
This is why the word “commandment” is so important! Concerning obeying Jesus, we can find this word at least four times as He “commanded” His apostles and disciples. In Matthew 28:20, Jesus said, “Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.” He said this after telling the apostles to go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Notice He did not permit just “any” gospel but THE gospel to be preached: i.e., HIS word. By inspiration, Paul frequently used the word “commandment” when exhorting adherence to the LAW of Christ. For example, see 1 Thessalonians 4:2; Romans 7: 9 – 13; 1 Timothy 1: 1 – 11. John also uses the word “commandment” no less than six times in his three general letters when he refers to obedience to the law of Christ. We must never negate that word by replacing it with any other term like “suggestion” or the more common “invitation.” Note Jesus did not “invite” or “suggest” when He commands us to come to Him (Matthew 11 28 – 30). Neither is any part of His law within the New Testament, “suggestion” or “invitation.” Therefore, we find again, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:14)
When man mutates the law of God (which is the same as the law of Christ – Hebrews 1:1-2), he is either adding to or taking from the revealed word of God (Revelation 22: 18 – 19). Name one human being who is wiser, more knowing, and more powerful than the God of heaven! Since that is impossible, here’s another challenge: make one law that is greater and more effective for the salvation of the soul than what God has authorized. Last, how many of man’s “laws” of religion will be at the judgment, determining the eternity of souls? Jesus said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” (John 12:48) Now, will it be His LAW or some “suggestions” that determine your eternity? Why not read, study, learn, and obey HIS law, without question of its validity? It and it alone is God’s power to save all souls! (Romans 1:16)