Several years ago, I was in the state of West Virginia, and while I was there, Brother Tom Butterfield was preaching in a gospel meeting near where I was staying. During this meeting, he delivered several sermons on New Testament baptism. In fact, he had preached more on it than the Elders thought was necessary, so they approached him to ask why he was dedicating so much time to this subject. Brother Butterfield replied, “There is so much said about it in the New Testament until it demands the attention I have been giving it.” The Elders, however, didn’t believe that the New Testament contained as much about baptism as Brother Butterfield suggested.
To settle this, Brother Butterfield proposed an interesting challenge. He said, “I will let you take my Bible home with you, and I will not look at it until tomorrow evening when I get in the pulpit. Whatever page you open it on, I will find enough material on that page to preach a sermon on baptism.” The Elders accepted the challenge. To their surprise, on every page they examined, they found a statement that either directly or indirectly suggested baptism. Finally, they opened his Bible to the blank end page and placed it on the stand.
That evening, Brother Butterfield saw what they had done and told the congregation about the challenge. He said, “They think they have me, but they don’t. Here is where the Methodists and Catholics get their authority to sprinkle.” He then proceeded to preach one of the best sermons I have ever heard on the mode of New Testament baptism.
This story was shared by Bill Haynes, and it serves as a powerful illustration of how the Word of God speaks consistently, even in unexpected places.
Salvation by Faith and Grace: Understanding the Balance
Many religious groups claim we are “justified by faith alone,” but this concept does not reflect the complete teaching of Scripture. Romans 5:1 (NASB) states, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,” but James expands on this in James 2:24 (NASB): “You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.” Clearly, there’s a need to understand that faith without action is incomplete. Our actions and obedience to God play a vital role in our salvation, just as faith does.
Similarly, some preach that salvation is wholly by grace. While Ephesians 2:8 (NASB) tells us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God,” it’s crucial to remember the role of obedience in response to this grace. Titus 3:5 (NASB) reminds us that it is “not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit.” Grace saves, but it is grace that calls us to action.
The Danger of Ignoring Apostasy
The idea of “once saved, always saved” is a popular one, but the Bible offers many warnings against falling away from the faith. 1 Timothy 4:1 (NASB) says, “But the Spirit explicitly says that in later times some will fall away from the faith, paying attention to deceitful spirits and doctrines of demons.” We are called to keep watch over our faith and maintain a close walk with God. Similarly, 2 Peter 1:10 (NASB) warns us to “be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble.” Vigilance in our spiritual lives is essential to avoid the danger of apostasy.
Biblical Worship and Practices
Another practice that causes division among religious groups is the use of instrumental music in worship. Many prefer to use musical instruments, but the New Testament church adhered strictly to vocal praise. Colossians 3:16 (NASB) instructs believers to, “Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Similarly, Ephesians 5:19 (NASB) emphasizes, “Speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord.” It is clear from Scripture that worship in song was intended to be vocal, focusing on the heart rather than instruments.
Scriptural Authority Over Church Practices
Many religious traditions have introduced extra-biblical practices, but the Bible cautions against using human traditions as a basis for authority. 2 John 9 (NASB) teaches, “Anyone who goes too far and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God; the one who abides in the teaching, he has both the Father and the Son.” The practice of establishing authority through traditions rather than Scripture has no biblical foundation. 2 Timothy 3:16 (NASB) reminds us that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness.” The Word of God is the only foundation for Christian authority, and anything added to it is not from Him.
Conclusion: The Foundation of the Word
As we reflect on these issues, we must always return to the foundational question: What does the Bible say? 2 Peter 1:3 (NASB) assures us that, “His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness, through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” We have everything we need in God’s Word to live faithful, obedient lives.
So, are you standing firm on the foundation of Scripture, or have you allowed human traditions and teachings to sway you? Let us make sure that we are following the authority of the Bible and nothing else. Will you give God’s Word the place it deserves in your life today?
The Simple Gospel 