Introduction
In a world filled with shifting opinions, traditions, and human philosophies, the Christian must ask: What is my standard of truth? The Bible makes it clear that the Word of God is our only authority. Men may create rules, traditions, and excuses, but God’s Word remains eternal, unchanging, and final.
The temptation today is to dismiss Scripture as “outdated” or “cultural,” claiming that because it was written during the first century, it does not apply in our modern world. Yet Scripture affirms that God does not change, His Word is everlasting, and His commands are binding for all generations.
God’s Word is the Final Authority
The Scriptures are inspired, complete, and authoritative.
- 2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NKJV): “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
- 2 Peter 1:20–21 (NKJV): “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.”
These passages remind us that the Bible is not a human invention, nor is it open to man’s personal reinterpretation. It is divinely authored and eternally binding.
God Does Not Change
One of the greatest lies of modern thinking is that God “adapts” to culture. The Bible firmly rejects this notion.
- Malachi 3:6 (NKJV): “For I am the LORD, I do not change; therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.”
- Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV): “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
- Psalm 119:89 (NKJV): “Forever, O LORD, Your word is settled in heaven.”
God is eternal, unchanging, and His Word stands forever. What was sin thousands of years ago is still sin today. His promises and warnings have not expired.
Warnings Against Following Man’s Rules
When mankind replaces God’s commands with their own rules, the results are disastrous.
- Mark 7:6–8 (NKJV): “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men.”
- Colossians 2:8 (NKJV): “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”
Jesus warned that worship becomes vain when we substitute God’s Word for man’s traditions. Paul likewise warned against being deceived by human philosophies.
Excuses That Lead to Rebellion
Today, many excuse disobedience by saying:
- “That was 2000 years ago.”
- “Times have changed.”
- “God understands our culture.”
Yet the Bible makes no allowance for this reasoning. Sin remains sin, and truth remains truth.
- Ecclesiastes 1:9 (NKJV): “That which has been is what will be, that which is done is what will be done, and there is nothing new under the sun.”
- Isaiah 5:20 (NKJV): “Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for darkness.”
The danger of using culture or time as an excuse is that it directly challenges the authority of God’s Word.
Consequences of Rejecting God’s Word
When people ignore God’s commands, consequences always follow.
- Romans 6:23 (NKJV): “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
- Galatians 6:7 (NKJV): “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.”
- Hebrews 2:2–3 (NKJV): “For if the word spoken through angels proved steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just reward, how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation?”
God’s Word is not optional. Ignoring it or replacing it with human ideas leads to judgment.
God Means What He Says
God is not a man who changes His mind or bends to human will. His promises and warnings stand firm.
- Numbers 23:19 (NKJV): “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?”
- Joshua 23:14 (NKJV): “…not one thing has failed of all the good things which the LORD your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one word of them has failed.”
If God says it, it will happen. He keeps His promises of blessing as well as His promises of judgment.
Application for Today
As Christians, our responsibility is simple:
- Hold fast to the Word of God as our only authority.
- Reject traditions, excuses, and cultural compromises that contradict Scripture.
- Live in obedience, knowing that God’s Word is eternal and unchanging.
- Warn others that rejecting God’s commands leads to eternal consequences.
Conclusion
God means what He says, and He says what He means. The Scriptures are not outdated, optional, or subject to human revision. They are eternal, binding, and powerful.
The believer must stand firm, knowing that God’s Word will never fail. To follow man’s rules above God’s commands is to walk in rebellion. But to stand on Scripture alone is to build one’s life on the sure foundation of truth.
As Jesus declared:
- Matthew 24:35 (NKJV): “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.”
See also – “Understanding Tongues in the New Testament“