When determining what is right religiously, Bible authority should never be too far from our minds. The Bible clearly states that we need authority for all that we do religiously.
Colossians 3:17 (ESV)
17 And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
The Bible is an emotional book that causes the undisciplined to rely on their feelings more than a “thus says the Lord.” It is interesting how authority-oriented a person can be until a subject close to their heart is discussed and their emotions take over. Now, instead of requiring book, chapter, and verse, their “think so’s” become the standard by which they make their decision. This results in false teachings and practices that could be avoided by always keeping Bible authority in mind.
How do we know if we have Bible authority for something? It comes in three forms—direct commands or statements, apostolic examples, and necessary inferences. In Acts 15, we see all three of these being used to establish that Gentiles could be saved apart from keeping the Law of Moses. Peter used an example (Acts 15:7-9). Barnabas and Paul used a necessary inference (Acts 15:12), and James used direct statements (Acts 15:13-18). If this was a good way to establish authority for leaders of the first-century church, including the apostles, it is good enough for us.
Direct commands and statements, examples, and necessary inferences are the ways that authority is established in every walk of life. What this means for us religiously is that when we do something without having at least one of these things, what we are doing is unauthorized. For something to be unauthorized means that it is outside of the doctrine of Christ. Is that a problem? Let’s allow the Bible to tell us.
2 John 1:9 (ESV)
9 Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.
Yes, I would say not abiding in the teaching of Christ is a problem. It is imperative, then, that we decide Biblical issues with the Word of God and not with opinions, feelings, and teachings outside of the Bible.
Cain was condemned because he offered a sacrifice that was not according to the instructions of God (Genesis 4:1-5). Nadab and Abihu were killed by God because they offered unauthorized fire (Leviticus 10:1-3). Moses lost the chance to enter the promised land because he went beyond the Word of God and struck a rock after God had told him to simply speak to it. These are clear warnings that God does not want us to go beyond His Word, and if we do, we will draw His wrath upon us.
Let us always abide by the Word of God. Whatever we do, in word or deed, let us make sure that we can find the passage in the Bible and put our finger on it. If we cannot do that, not only should we not participate in it, we should stand against it.
As you wind down for the night, think about these things.