What do we mean when we say this? We mean exactly what we are saying.
If you watch television, listen to the radio, read newspapers or magazines, I know you will run across people that are misrepresenting the Bible. This may be out of lack of knowledge or it could be on purpose. There are many religions out there that have their own view regarding God. Some will tell you there are many "right" choices. You could find almost any answer you want, but is it the right one?
First thing we have to establish, is that the Bible is true. If we look at all the historical evidence about the Bible and the evidence in the Bible itself, we will come to the conclusion that is has to be the word of God. God will proof himself to us thru the Bible.
So how do we know we are being taught the truth?
We check everything against the Bible, to make sure it lines up with what it teaches.
If it is not backed up by the bible, we discard it.
What we have to do is read the Bible ourselves. The way to do this get with someone you trust, to give you a basic overview, this way you will know where to start without being totally confused. After you have a basic understanding it will be a lot easier then you think it might be.
Here are some of the scriptures the Bible uses to warn us about just blindly following other people's teachings:
The Apostle Luke wrote in the book of Acts about what Paul, who we know to be God's chosen man to take his message to the non-Israelites, was saying:
AC 20:29 I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock (church).
AC 20:30 Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples (followers) after them.
AC 20:31 So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.
I don't think I could say it any better then Paul said it. There is no interpretation necessary. If it brought him to tears, it had to be of great concern; it was not something he took lightly. He new this was going to happen.
Apostle Peter wrote about it also:
2 PE 2:1 But there were also false prophets among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies, even denying the sovereign Lord who bought them--bringing swift destruction on themselves.
Paul and Peter are both warning the church.
Why? Why is this so important?
Because we can very easily be misled. People claim there are many ways to get to heaven. Some claim there is no heaven at all.
What does Jesus say?
JN 14:6 Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
Luke writes:
AC 10:43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name."
Not just one, ALL the prophets.
John writes:
1JN 5:13 I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.
It says that you may know you have eternal life. It is not just wishful thinking, it is established as truth.
So what do we do?
Don't listen to just anybody. Make sure you can trust the people you are listening to.
Make sure the bible backs up what they say. If you study the Bible it will be easy to distinguish who speaks truth and who does not.
Pray as much as possible, God thru the Holy Spirit will help you stay on track.
So why do this:
This way you will be certain of your salvation and of all the promises God made.
It will give you an inner peace that is indescribable.
