Strange Things In The Bible Even this lesson might be a little strange.

INTRODUCTION There are many things that are called strange in the Bible. Let’s study a few of them in this lesson. The dictionary gives several definitions for the word “strange”. That which is not normal, unfamiliar, of external origin, not native to, does not naturally belong in a certain place. In this lesson you will see how these definitions fit the subject.

Strange Fire Nadab and Abihu offered strange fire on the altar of incense. Leviticus 10:1-2, it was described as unfamiliar to God. It was of external origin and had been forbidden by God Exodus 30:9. When people do that which God has forbidden He considers it strange. To do strange things is to commit sacrilege (profaning something holy).

Strange Fire People do this all the time in religion. Jeroboam did this in 1 Kings 11:25-33. He substituted his way for God’s way, showing no respect for God. The same could be said of the Israelites in the days of the Prophets.  

Strange Baptism People today offer a strange baptism to God. It is called infant baptism where they sprinkle or pour water on the head of an unbelieving baby instead of baptism by immersion for a believing, penitent person. In the scriptures only those with the ability to believe and understand what was being done were baptized Mark 16:16; Acts 8:35-39; Acts 18:8. No infants, no unbelievers in the bunch.

Strange Baptism Other people offer a strange baptism after the fact (saved first then baptized). This is also contrary to scripture. Salvation never preceded baptism, it was always afterward. Mark.16:16; Acts 2:38, 41; Acts 8:12-13; Acts 22:16; 1 Peter 3:21. God will no more accept these strange baptisms today than He did the strange fire of Nadab and Abihu. 

Strange Music Another example of a strange thing (that which God has not commanded) in God’s word is mechanical instrumental music. The scriptures teach us to sing praises to God, not play an instrument along with it. Turn to the scriptures Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:15. The only instrument mentioned in these verses to accompany the words was the instrument of the heart.

Strange Music The purpose of the singing (not playing) was to praise God and teach each other, not to entertain an audience. Be honest with the scriptures and don’t go beyond what is written 1 Corinthians 4:6. Yes, God at one time allowed mechanical instruments in Old Testament days, but no longer. 

Strange gods God forbids men to worship “strange” (foreign) gods Deuteronomy 32:16; Joshua 24:20-23; Judges 10:16. God does not accept this as normal. He considers it strange. Something strange is that which does not naturally belong in worshiping Him.

Strange gods He is the only true God, and He is a jealous God, allowing no one to come before Him Exodus 20:1-2; Matthew 4:10-11; 2 Corinthians 11:2; 1 Corinthians 8:5-6; Jeremiah 2:12-13. The worship of Allah or any other human god is anathema with the Lord God. Some claim that Allah of the Muslims is the same as Jehovah the Lord of all creation. The two are not the same. 

Strange Doctrines People follow “strange” doctrines Hebrews 13:9. These are doctrines that do not naturally belong in serving Him. His doctrine is found in His word Acts 2:42 and one must not go beyond what is written 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 John 9. The strange doctrines of men are additions or changes from what He has said in His word, and they are unacceptable to Him Mark7:7-9; Matthew 15:13.

Strange Doctrines To use strange doctrines is to make void the word of God. If the doctrine you follow cannot be backed up by the word of God, then it will be rejected by God. Paul told the Galatians their perverted doctrine was unacceptable to God Galatians 1:6-9. If you turn and read Revelation 22:18-19 you will see what He thinks of those who would add to or take from His word. 

Strange Flesh Many today are following after “strange” flesh Jude 7. This strange flesh would include any illicit sexual activity or perverted lifestyles. Things such as pre-marital sex, adultery, homosexuality, bestiality and other such things are strictly forbidden by God Romans 1:26-28; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10. Even if the world accepts these things as alright, they are still an abomination to God.

Strange Flesh There may come a time when godly people will be forced to accept, accommodate, and even promote the lifestyle or go to jail. Once you remove God’s approved marriage, anything will go. People will marry their pets to get more income tax deductions, etc. God will treat those who practice such things with contempt, just as He did Nadab and Abihu. 

Strange Things Those who practice these strange things are condemned of God if they persist in following them. But while people are alive they can repent of these “strange” practices and turn back to God. If they are willing to repent (quit practicing) of these things, and obey the truth, which is God’s word John 17:17; John 8:31-32, then God will forgive them. He gives each of us the choice.

World Considers Us Strange Christians are considered “strange” to the world 1 Peter 4:4, but not to God. They are seen as “peculiar” people because they don’t run with the pack so to speak 1 Peter 2:9-10. Christians have a different lifestyle, one that is pleasing to God.

World Considers Us Strange They do this because we are His special people and act like it Titus 2:14. The world may not like the way we are supposed to live as God’s people, In a way our behavior judges the world 1 Corinthians 6:2 But we will one day have to answer to God, and not man 1 Peter 4:15-19; 2 Peter 3:11.

Conclusion Many other strange things that we could find in the Bible (or technically outside of the Bible). Our duty to God is to learn what is in the Bible and do those things in the ways He has commanded. We may be considered strange by the world and the denominations; But God will reward those who are faithful to Him.