God Has Spoken: A Study of Bible Authority Aids and Additions

2 Nature of Bible Authority Generic INCLUDES choices related to the commandmentINCLUDES choices related to the commandment-“GO”-Specific EXCLUDES choices – God specifies what He wantsEXCLUDES choices – God specifies what He wants-“SING”-

3 How do we Know Difference? AID Helps obey God’s commandmentHelps obey God’s commandmentADDITION Violates God’s commandmentViolates God’s commandment

4 What is an Aid? sumphero: “lit., to bring together…to be an advantage, profitable, expedient” (Vine, 218) John 16:7sumphero: “lit., to bring together…to be an advantage, profitable, expedient” (Vine, 218) John 16:7 “To bear together...to carry with others; to collect …in order to help, hence to help, be profitable, be expedient…” (Thayer, 597)“To bear together...to carry with others; to collect …in order to help, hence to help, be profitable, be expedient…” (Thayer, 597) “Aid” virtually synonymous with “expedient” … Helps one obey God’s will“Aid” virtually synonymous with “expedient” … Helps one obey God’s will

5 What is an Aid? Must be lawful, 1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23Must be lawful, 1 Cor. 6:12; 10:23 Command: Seek well-being of others & glorify God, 1 Cor. 10:24, 31-33Command: Seek well-being of others & glorify God, 1 Cor. 10:24, Lawful to eat meats (1 Tim. 4:3-5)Lawful to eat meats (1 Tim. 4:3-5) Not always expedient (helpful, an aid) in glorifying God & causing no offenseNot always expedient (helpful, an aid) in glorifying God & causing no offense

6 What is an Aid? Non-essential: Does not change the force or effect of authorized actionNon-essential: Does not change the force or effect of authorized action Noah’s tools (Gen. 6:14)Noah’s tools (Gen. 6:14) Song books & pitch pipe (Eph. 5:19)Song books & pitch pipe (Eph. 5:19) Trays & cups (1 Cor. 11:23-26)Trays & cups (1 Cor. 11:23-26)

7 What is an Aid? Non-essential: Does not change the force or effect of authorized actionNon-essential: Does not change the force or effect of authorized action Work of the local church:Work of the local church: Preach (1 Ths. 1:8): Pulpit, power pointPreach (1 Ths. 1:8): Pulpit, power point Edify (1 Cor. 14:26): Classes, bulletinEdify (1 Cor. 14:26): Classes, bulletin Relieve saints (Acts 2:45): DistributionRelieve saints (Acts 2:45): Distribution

8 What is an Aid? Non-essentials allow choices of libertyNon-essentials allow choices of liberty Choose to use pitch pipe to singChoose to use pitch pipe to sing Choose to use power point to preachChoose to use power point to preach Choose to use printed material to edifyChoose to use printed material to edify Choose hand delivery or mail to relieveChoose hand delivery or mail to relieve Aids are unspecified: “What is the expedient way to fulfill God’s will?”Aids are unspecified: “What is the expedient way to fulfill God’s will?”

9 What is an Aid? Must edify, 1 Cor. 10:23Must edify, 1 Cor. 10:23 “To help, be profitable” (10:24, 31)“To help, be profitable” (10:24, 31) Because it is non-essential, not to be forced on others or used in a way that compels someone to violate their conscience, 1 Cor. 10:24Because it is non-essential, not to be forced on others or used in a way that compels someone to violate their conscience, 1 Cor. 10:24 Willing to forego (10:28) / Willing not to condemn (10:30; Rom. 14:13; 15:1-2)Willing to forego (10:28) / Willing not to condemn (10:30; Rom. 14:13; 15:1-2)

10 What is an Addition? prostithemi: “to put to, to add, join to, gather with any company” (Thayer, 549); “increase” (Matt. 6:27)prostithemi: “to put to, to add, join to, gather with any company” (Thayer, 549); “increase” (Matt. 6:27) The “joining of a thing to another thing” (Webster)The “joining of a thing to another thing” (Webster)

11 What is an Addition? Changes the force or effect of command: Produces a “different” gospel, Gal. 1:6-7Changes the force or effect of command: Produces a “different” gospel, Gal. 1:6-7 Ark of ash wood: Adds another kind of woodArk of ash wood: Adds another kind of wood Pouring as baptism: Adds another kind of action, (Col. 2:12)Pouring as baptism: Adds another kind of action, (Col. 2:12) Instrumental music in worship: Adds another kind of music to singing (Eph. 5:19)Instrumental music in worship: Adds another kind of music to singing (Eph. 5:19) Social activity as work of the local church: Adds another kind of workSocial activity as work of the local church: Adds another kind of work

12 AIDS vs. ADDITIONS COMMAND BUILD ARK SINGPREACHEDIFYRELIEVEAIDToolsBooks Radio, TV Bible class Cash, goods ADDITIONHOUSEPIANOPSYCHOL.POTLUCKUNBELIEVERSINCLUDEDGopher In heart Gospel Truth in love Saints

13 Additions are Forbidden No authority from Christ, 2 Jno. 9No authority from Christ, 2 Jno. 9 Additions to God’s revelation causes divine wrath, Rev. 22:18Additions to God’s revelation causes divine wrath, Rev. 22:18 A different, perverted gospel that curses one before God, Gal. 1:6, 8-9A different, perverted gospel that curses one before God, Gal. 1:6, 8-9