I grew up loving Scripture. It started in Awana as I memorized God’s Word and continued in Sunday school as I marveled at the accounts of creation, Moses, and the Israelites.
Later as I studied Greek and Hebrew in Seminary, my appreciation for the Bible grew even stronger.
Perhaps this is why I feel such grief at the current attacks on the Bible. GQ Magazine referred to the Bible as “one of the most overrated books of all time” and placed it on its list of 21 books “you don’t have to read.” This is so incredibly sad.
A pro-LGBTQ bill making its way through the California legislature would ban the sales of any book or counseling that speaks negatively about homosexuality or gender confusion. Such a fascist approach to free speech will at some point in the future be construed to prohibit the sale of Bibles. It will only be a matter of time before this happens.
It’s not surprising to see our Christ-rejecting culture also spurn His words. What is more troubling to me, however, is the dismissal of Jesus’ words by those who claim to follow Him and believe in Him.
At its heart, adherence to all of God’s Word is absolutely essential for our culture as well as for our journey below as followers of Jesus. Let me explain:
1. Scripture Defines Right Versus Wrong
The Judeo-Christian worldview has long been the basis of right versus wrong for our nation as well as for much of the world. Now that this is changing, what is the basis for making moral determinations?
In other words, without Scripture who or what determines right versus wrong?
Is it society? Is it the majority opinion in a culture or those who seize control of a particular group of people? This has not worked well in the past. Hitler convinced a controlling interest in his society that it was morally right to kill Jews. If society determines right or wrong, how does one respond to that?
Today, many believe it is murder to kill babies before they are born while others believe it is just fine to do so and adamantly declare it is justified up to birth. Many, like me, remained appalled at this evil and vile practice. Who decides who is right? Is it really a matter of women’s rights? What about unborn child’s right to live?
Is it a matter of conscience? That varies greatly, as well, from person to person. Some people feel no guilt whatsoever after committing great crimes while others sense remorse at receiving a parking ticket.
“Love wins” has become the battle cry of those advocating homosexual marriage. However, those opposed to it can also build compelling reasons against such unions based on love.
Without Scripture, there is no ultimate authority for moral behavior.
Without Scripture, there is no ultimate authority for moral behavior. Who is to say whether or not one person’s view is superior to that of another?
And, if we are not accountable to a higher being, what difference does it make if one’s behavior is moral or not? Without a higher authority, does it really matter if ones actions benefit others or not?
Stay tuned for part 2 and the second compelling reason to love Scripture, which represents God’s revelation to us of what we could not know apart from Him.