THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES

Introduction:
   1. Often when men are asked as to why they practice certain
      things in religion, the answer is, "THE BIBLE DOES NOT SAY
      NOT TO DO IT."
   2. The practice in question is not specifically prohibited by
      the scriptures.
   3. Therefore, men presume to know that God approves of those
      things which He did not specifically prohibit.
   4. Actually, this reasoning presumes to know the mind of God.
   5. Such reasoning is faulty at its very best.
   6. Let us examine this question: Are we at liberty to do
      anything we desire, just so the Bible does not comdemn it?
      Just so long as the Bible does not say not to do it?

BODY:
  I. THERE ARE TWO ATTITUDES TOWARD THE SILENCE OF THE SCRIPTURES:
     1. Where the Bible is silent, that is, God has said nothing on
        the subject, one is at liberty to act.
     2. Where the Bible is silent, man must act accordingly and be
        silent. In other words, we are at liberty to do only what
        is authorized by the Scriptures.

 II. THESE TWO ATTITUDES HAVE BEEN PRESENT THROUGH THE AGES:
     1. The Reformation: Martin Luther claimed liberty to do
        whatever the Bible said nothing about. He was opposed by
        others who believed men could do only what was authorized.
     2. The Restoration: Denominationalist claimed freedom to do
        what was not forbidden by the scriptures. They were opposed
        by those who contended we must be silent. Thomas Campbell
        in 1809 said, "We speak where the Bible speaks and are
        silent where the Bible is silent."
     3. Divisions over Missionary Societies and Instrumental music.
        Those favoring these contended, "Silence is freedom to act
        if desired." Those opposing said, "Silence does not
        authorize."
     4. During the past 50 years both attitudes have been
        expressed:
        (1) Brethren who content that the silence of the scripture
            gives them liberty and freedom to have things without
            authority, calling them "good works" and arguing, "the
            end justifies the means." Look how much good we are
            doing. These often played to emotions saying, "Rather
            do it wrong than not do it at all." And, they often
            charged those opposing them with "Making laws where God
            has not made them."
        (2) Opposition has come because of the attitude that says:
            "Silence does not authorize;" "Good works" must be
            authorized. The plea has been, "Teach and practice only
            what the Scriptures authorize," giving book, chapter,
            and verse for all that is done.
     5. History will repeat itself if we are not careful. We need
        to remember the past and be forewarned.

III. HOW CAN WE DETERMINE WHAT JEHOVAH WANTS OF US??

     1. 1 Cor. 2:9-12,16. The only way to know what is truth, and
        what pleases God, is to find out what He says on any given
        subject.
     2. What color am I thinking of?  I probably would receive as
        many answers as people I ask.
     3. John 8:31-32 -- "If you continue in my word, then are ye my 
            disciples indeed; and you shall know the truth and the
            truth shall make you free."
     4. Rom. 11:33-36 -- the Scriptures tell us that no man can know
            the mind of God, unless He reveals it to man.
     5. Eph. 3:1-5 -- God has revealed His will through the apostles
            and inspired men of the first century.
     6. Matt. 7:21 -- He that doeth the will of my Father....
 
IV. OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURES:
     1. Jer. 10:23 -- Not in man that walketh to direct own steps
     2. Prov. 14:12 -- Way which seems right....end ways of death
     3. Leb. 10:1-2 -- Nadab and Abihu. They acted without divine
           authority. "God did not say NOT to use this fire. But,
           told them where to obtain the fire.

  V. NEW TESTAMENT:
     1. Heb. 7:11-14 -- Take Priest from tribe of Levi.
     2. Did not need to say, "Not Benjamin, not Dan, not Simeon, not
          Reuben, etc."
     3. Sufficient for the Lord to speak, man needs to listen.

Conclusion:
     1. The Bible is God's revelation.
     2. What is truth and what pleases God is found in His Word.
     3. And in no other place.
     4. Col. 3:17 -- Do all by authority of Christ, in His name.
     5. I cannot enter Heaven of my own will, bukt only through the
           will of the Father.
     6. May we never say, "Well, the Bible doesn't say not to do it."

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