Lately, it seems as if many ultra-liberal thinkers in religious matters have attacked the slogan, “Speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent.” One man said about the above statement, “Though well-intentioned, this slogan has caused many to view the New Testament writings through legalistic lenses…”
I might say in response to that statement that although this brother has good intentions, it is that kind of attitude that leads people away from the Bible and into unscriptural, and, therefore, sinful practices.
The charge that those who claim that we should speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent are somehow legalistic, is without validity. Was Peter a legalist when he said, “If any man speak, let him speak according to the oracles of God” (1 Pet. 4:11)? The whole idea that emphasizing strict adherence to the word of God is somehow wrong is ludicrous.
The Bible is God’s inspired word (2 Timothy 3:16). When Jesus went back to heaven to be with the Father, He sent the Holy Spirit to guide the apostles into all truth (Jn. 16:13) making the New Testament the product of that inspired guidance (Ephesians 3:1-5).
The Bible is not just another man-made book from which we can choose what to accept and what to reject. It is God telling us how to live our lives. What if we neglect to honor some portion of the word of God, whether it be by not living by it or by adding it? James tells us.
James 2:10 (ESV)
“For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” That pertains to how we live, but what about what we teach?”
Do we have the right to go beyond the word of God? If so, what passage of scripture gives us that right? Is there any statement made by Jesus or one of His apostles that might in any way suggest that we can go beyond God’s word without consequences? If so, what is the passage that says so?
Are there any passages that warn us against adding to the Bible? Yes! Read 2 John 9-11; Galatians 1:6-9; 2 Corinthians 2:17. These are just a few of the many passages that might be sighted. Certainly, it ought to be the goal of any Bible believer to speak where the Bible speaks and to be silent where the Bible is silent. Any attitude that differs from this is shameful.
Can division result from brethren demanding that we abide by the word of God? Yes, but sometimes division is necessary. God wants unity, but not unity at all costs.
What if a church decided to install three or four young single men as elders in the church? Should everyone in the local church go along with it to prevent division? Not too many brethren would say yes. But, on what basis, should some in that situation reject those men as elders? There could be just one objection—it would be a violation of God’s word. If it is not right to go beyond the word of God in this area, on what basis could we go beyond the word in another area?
If we open the door to unscriptural practices, when do we have the right to close it? If we open it for musical instruments, on what basis can we close it for homosexuality? If we open it for recreational facilities and social functions paid for by the church, on what basis can we close it for musical instruments? If we open the door for false teaching on marriage, divorce, and remarriage, on what basis can we close it for the false A.D. 70 doctrine?
We should all strive to speak where the Bible speaks and be silent where the Bible is silent. Furthermore, that attitude should be reflected in our teaching and our living.