Is The Bible Truly Enough?

About three or four years ago, I assisted in working on a religious thesis. The project took me on a research of many religions of the world, and it was eye-opening to study their origins. Some of these psuedo-religions were blatantly anti-Christ and anti-God, but others were more subtle.

The most fascinating for me were those that seemingly had their origins in Christianity or ‘Christian’ experiences, but later deviated into error. As I studied them, one major factor and common thread kept jumping out at me:

The Bible was not enough for them.

-Many started with the Bible, went on to read other books – then began to explain the Bible through the lenses of the books…instead of vice versa.
-Others had spiritual experiences that contradicted the Bible, but chose to believe those experiences over the Bible. Rather, they explained the Bible through their own experiences.
-Others did not fully agree with some portions of the Bible – and went on to rewrite their own books or bibles.
-Yet others seemingly agreed with the Bible, but felt it was incomplete – so they wrote additional portions to it.

The Bible, in itself, was never enough for them.

If you are a Christian, the Bible is not just all you need – it is more than enough. “What does the Bible say?” should be your guideline.

Any other book,
Experiences (yours or others),
Logic or reasoning,
Personal opinions or preferences…
…should ALL be subject to the Bible and viewed through its lenses. Not vice-versa.

Doing this keeps you from sin, error and heresy.

Thank God for moral, scientific and intellectual debates regarding the Bible. However, if you are a Christian (note my emphasis), “Because the Bible says so” is more than enough answer – no matter how unintelligent, archaic, shallow-minded or legalistic you might seem.

A minister was on a popular talk-show, and the interviewer asked him point-blank. “Is homosexuality a sin? Is it wrong?”

The minister (who, by the way, hates to “ruffle feathers”) responded, “Well, the Bible says…”

The interviewer cut him short, “I did not ask what the Bible says. I asked if you think it’s wrong.”

The minister responded calmly and with a smile, “I cannot go beyond what the Bible says. If the Bible says it wrong, then it’s wrong to me.”

End of story.

See, the devil is the master of logic and reasoning – especially against scripture. Remember Eve and “…did God really say?” Exactly.

When you begin to debate or reason with him, you will lose. The only way to shut him down is, “God said…” or, like Jesus, “It is written.”

If he asks, just like he did to Eve, “Did God really say?”, simply reply “Yes.” End of story.

The wife of a certain minister said, early in their marriage, she wondered why her husband was almost 100% accurate in spiritual discernment and hearing God – unlike many of his colleagues at that time. She said she noticed that a lot of them fell into error and heresy, despite operating in powerful spiritual gifts.

She began observing him, then realized that he studied the Word as much as he prayed, if not more. Like the others, he was a man of much prayer and praying in the Spirit – however, while the others preferred much prayer over little, if not zero reading of the Word, her husband read and studied the Word copiously. While most of his colleagues exalted their spiritual experiences, everything – for him – was subject to the Bible.

The full, rounded knowledge of the Word sharpened his accuracy and discernment – so that when he began to later manifest more powerfully in the gifts of the Spirit, he didn’t go into error or excesses. In fact, he is one of the most balanced ministers I know, and he teaches his church to not only pray, but also study the Bible extravagantly.

Again, as a Christian, the Bible is more than enough for you. While other godly materials and spiritual experiences are good, they are meant to assist with your understanding of the Bible – not take its place.

Simply ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes as you read, and you will discover that everything you need is in the Word.

*****

Would you like to give your life to Jesus? Simply pray with your lips, “Lord Jesus. I am sorry for all my sins. Come into my heart, forgive me and cleanse me with your Blood. I believe You died and rose again, and I accept You as my Lord and Savior. Amen.” Welcome to the family! 🤗 Drop a note, and we will be glad to reach out!

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