In today’s religious landscape, many practices are justified on the grounds of silence—believing that if the Bible doesn’t explicitly forbid something, then it must be acceptable. But is that truly how God desires us to approach His Word? The Bible provides clear guidance on what is written, and we are also called to respect what isn’t written. This principle is key to understanding how we ought to serve God faithfully.
The Silence of Scripture is Not Permission
The author of Hebrews gives us a valuable example of this concept. Hebrews 7:14 (NASB) states, “For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, a tribe with reference to which Moses spoke nothing concerning priests.” Notice what is emphasized: Moses didn’t say that priests couldn’t come from Judah—he simply didn’t say anything about it. This silence wasn’t permission, but rather a prohibition. Priests were to come from the tribe of Levi, and no one had the authority to add to what God had already established.
This principle should guide us today. Just as Jesus couldn’t serve as a priest while on earth because He was from the tribe of Judah, we too should refrain from adding practices or doctrines that aren’t rooted in Scripture.
Going Beyond What is Written
Paul cautions us in 1 Corinthians 4:6 (NASB) not to go “beyond what is written.” This is a key concept for Christians: where Scripture is silent, we must not presume to act. God’s Word has given us everything we need for life and godliness. 2 Peter 1:3 (NASB) reminds us, “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.” If the Bible provides everything we need, then silence on certain issues isn’t an invitation to innovate but a call to exercise restraint and respect for God’s Word.
Examples of Man Adding to Worship
History has shown that mankind is often tempted to add to God’s commands. Consider a few examples that have crept into religious practice over time:
1. Washing Hands as a Religious Act
Jesus directly rebuked the Pharisees for adding traditions like washing hands as part of their religious practice. In Mark 7:7-8 (NASB), He says, “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men. Neglecting the commandment of God, you hold to the tradition of men.” Their error wasn’t in the act of washing hands but in elevating it to a religious requirement, something God never commanded.
2. Burning Incense in Worship
Burning incense was a practice in the Old Testament, but it has no place in Christian worship today. Deuteronomy 12:32 (NASB) warns us, “Whatever I command you, you shall be careful to do; you shall not add to nor take away from it.” Bringing Old Testament rituals, like incense, into New Testament worship is a way of going beyond what is written.
3. Sprinkling Babies (Christening)
Baptizing infants through sprinkling, often referred to as Christening, is another example of a practice with no scriptural basis. In the New Testament, baptism was always preceded by faith and repentance. Acts 2:38 (NASB) says, “Peter said to them, ‘Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’” Babies, unable to repent or believe, do not meet the biblical criteria for baptism.
4. Mechanical Instruments in Worship
God commands us to sing in the New Testament, but no authorization is given for mechanical instruments in worship. Colossians 3:16 (NASB) instructs, “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.” The emphasis is always on vocal worship, making melody in our hearts. Adding instruments is not a neutral choice—it goes beyond what is written.
Organizations Beyond the Local Church
Many religious organizations today function outside of the local church, such as missionary societies, orphanages, and schools. While these institutions may serve good purposes, the Bible does not authorize churches to support them financially as part of the work of the Lord. Acts 14:23 (NASB) and Philippians 1:1 (NASB) show the local congregation as the only organization specified for the work of the saints. Adding human institutions to carry out the church’s mission is stepping beyond what God has authorized.
Extended Oversight of One Eldership
The Bible specifies that elders are to oversee the local flock. 1 Peter 5:1-2 (NASB) says, “Shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God.” There is no scriptural precedent for one group of elders to oversee multiple congregations, as is the case with some modern-day organizations. Expanding the authority of one eldership to include region-wide oversight is going beyond what the Bible teaches.
Conclusion: Respecting What God Has Said—and What He Hasn’t
God’s Word provides a clear foundation for how we are to live, worship, and serve Him. Deuteronomy 4:2 (NASB) warns us, “You shall not add to the word which I am commanding you, nor take away from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you.” When God is silent on a matter, we must not assume that silence is permission.
The principle is simple: we must respect what God has said, and we must also respect what He has not said. Let us be careful to avoid adding human traditions or innovations to God’s perfect Word.
The Simple Gospel 