by Harry Osborne
On my first trip to Lithuania, we studied with some Russian soldiers on numerous occasions. Over time, we became good friends with several of them. They began to tell their friends at the military academy about the studies and a number of their associates came to the classes. One night, the soldiers who studied with us regularly brought two of the friends of Russian Orthodox background who were somewhat antagonistic to Bible teaching.
When the initial lesson was completed, we asked if they had questions. After a few questions regarding the lesson, the two newcomers began to dominate the questioning. They began by stating their belief, as though it were a proven fact, that the New Testament documents were not reliable. After we presented the facts showing that the New Testament is the most well documented work of antiquity by the number and quality of manuscripts, they gave up that line of attack.
Their next effort was to claim that the Russian Orthodox Church and its teachings were in absolute agreement with the New Testament. This struck me as strange since they had just finished arguing that the New Testament was unreliable, but we proceeded to test the theory. After comparing the organization and major Russian Orthodox teachings with the New Testament, they also gave up on that approach as well. Their confident affirmations had faded from their original bluster, but they were still not ready to quit.
In what seemed to be a last ditch effort to thwart our teaching, one of the cadets asked, "Maybe God wanted us to be creative with the Bible rather than just following it exactly. What do you think?" We asked them to turn to Revelation 22:18-19 and read it as follows:
For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: 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, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
After reading it, the rest of the young men looked at the questioner and laughed as they said, "Nyet" (the Russian word for "no"). They had no trouble seeing that God's word is an exact pattern for us to follow (2 Timothy 1:13). They did not argue that we are free to act where the Bible is silent. They did not claim that we should do many things for which there is no Bible authority. The Bible answered their question because they, unlike the questioner, were content with the instruction found in Scripture (1 Peter 4:11).
The modern assortment of denominations proves one thing - many churches have exercised "creativity" by changing God's message to meet the desires of people. Whether it be the gymnasiums and ball teams of the social gospel, open acceptance of immoral behavior, women preachers or a host of other manifestations, it is clear that the denominations are not following the verbatim message of God's word. It may be justified as a "different interpretation" or a "translation of the same message into modern concepts," but honesty demands we admit the bottom line - the message of God has been changed.
The above passage is not the only one to say the Almighty God does not look favorably upon His will being changed by mere men. Notice some other examples.
"Do not add to His words, lest He reprove you, and you be found a liar" (Proverbs 30:6). When we change God's message, it has serious consequences on us. God's Word remains true, but we become liars - misrepresenting His truth. That is a serious consequence which accrues to the one who alters the message given by Him who defines all that is true.
"But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed" (Galatians 1:8-9). If it could be proven that an angel instructed one to do something contrary to the teaching of the New Testament, many would consider that sufficient authority to act. However, Paul said by inspiration that we must abide by the instruction found in the revealed word. If neither angels nor apostles have the right to change God's will, we surely do not.
"Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds" (2 John 9-11). The point is so plainly stated in this passage that it cannot be missed. Any teaching or practice outside of the divinely authorized bounds of Christ's doctrine is prohibited.
The "doctrine" or teaching which has Christ as its source was given to and preached by the apostles (John 14:24-26; 16:12-15; 17:8,14,18). John, an apostle, says that the one who fails to limit their teaching to that message does not have God or Christ and is guilty of "evil deeds." He also warns others not to follow their evil teaching.
God's statements are plain. His message is not to be changed either by adding to or subtracting from its content! One thing added is one thing too many. One thing subtracted is one thing too few. We must set aside the practices and doctrines of men for the unadulterated message of God if true unity is to exist.
Ten years have past since that study with the Russian soldiers. That study was my last time to see the two young Russians so intent on discrediting the Bible message. I have often wondered if they ever changed their minds. That is exactly what had to change -- their minds. They changed their method and approach several times, but they remained intent on opposing the gospel message as stated in the Bible. When one is intent on maintaining his thoughts in opposition to revealed truth from God's word, his mind will be "creative" in determining a myriad of options. Why? Because the mind is fixed on one main objective -- rejecting truth. Any convenient means is equally acceptable for one whose mind is determined to oppose truth. Let us be sure that we are always open to seek truth and obey it, rather than seeking creative ways to change it.