Tag: liberalism

Deuteronomy: The Second Giving Of The Law (XIII)

Neither Addition Nor Subtraction (12:1-32)

Neal Pollard

It is woven into the language of Moses’ words in this chapter. Four times, he tells Israel, “Be careful” (13, 19, 28, 32). He begins the chapter pointing out the Lord’s statutes and judgments (1), then ends the chapter with the fourth of four references regarding all that God commanded them to do (11,14,28,32). 

There are prohibitive commands in this chapter. Thus, he says “you shall not” (4,8,16,23-25,31-32), “do not” (13,19,30), and “you are not” (17,30). There are positive mandates. The word “shall” is found 31 times in these 32 verses. There were things they absolutely could not do, but also things they were absolutely expected to do. These commands were not arbitrary and capricious. They were for the good and benefit of the people. 

These commands were in response to the good God had done for them, blessing them in the past (7). These commands were to be obeyed in trust and anticipation of what God was going to do for them (8-11). They had the freedom of choice in many areas (15-22). Yet, even where God restricted and specified, He had the best interest of the people at heart. That included their yet unborn offspring who would benefit from these people’s obedience (28-31). 

God is not ambiguous here. He does not expect Israel to read His mind. Instead, He tells them what He desires from them. His concluding statement demands our attend. Regarding their response to His commands, God says, “you shall not add to nor take away from it” (32b). He knew our tendency to try and “help Him out” regarding His instructions. Sometimes, we tack on our own rules and laws and go further than He did in His commands. Perhaps we think we can improve on or prompt people’s submission by throwing up additional safeguards and conditions. This was a problem with the Pharisees (cf. Matt. 15:9; 23:16-24). We should not make obeying God harder than God does!

Sometimes, we try and nullify or lessen the commands God gives. What God has tied down, we may seek to untie and say they are unnecessary. We take the “nots” out of His “thou shalt nots.” We do not have license to permit what He prohibits (cf. Gal. 1:6-9; Rom. 6:1-2). This occurs when we let some alternative standard take the place of God’s will, whether the culture, feelings, traditions, family, or some other source be our rule in His place. Making our own laws or breaking His laws puts us in the same predicament. We are adding to or taking away from His commands. How does He feel about that? Look at the closing argument of the entire Bible. Scripture says, “I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues which are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the tree of life and from the holy city, which are written in this book” (Rev. 22:18-19). God takes His will seriously, and He wants us to do the same! 

Which Is Worse: Lawbreaking Or Lawmaking?

 

Neal Pollard

Scruples, proclivities, judgments, convictions,
“I would prefers” as well as “It’s betters”
Men put these on par with divinely revealed positions
Make laws they bind on others like fetters

Freedoms, liberties, rights, excesses,
“God’s grace” gives me license to sin,
Men loose themselves, and self-will professes,
“No matter how I live I’m still ‘in.'”

Perhaps all men lean to the left or the right
Are prone to rebel or restrict
But it’s darkness to be away from the light
Whichever direction one picks

These extremes are two sides of one penny
Only one way to correct either faulty course
Be sure it’s in Scripture, for way too many
Are self-led and don’t seek a heavenly source

No “thus saith the Lord,” no book, chapter, verse
That in context supports their position,
Instead, they labor under that ancient curse
Placed on binding and loosing, both are sedition!

Our task is most clear, to place ourselves under
The Sovereign will God left in His Work of inspiration
Other ground is sand, leaves our souls all asunder
Such is to build on the only firm foundation!

Man walking and balancing on rope over precipice in mountains

TO THOSE WHO DIVIDE BRETHREN

Neal Pollard

—“A perverse man spreads strife, and a slanderer separates intimate friends” (Prov. 16:28).
—“A worthless person, a wicked man is one who…spreads strife” (Prov. 6:12,14).
—“There are six things which the LORD hates, yes, seven which are an abomination to Him: …one who spreads strife among brothers” (Prov. 6:16,19).
—“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions” (Prov. 10:12).
—“Though his hatred covers itself with guile, his wickedness will be revealed before the assembly” (Prov. 26:26).
—“Keeping away from strife is an honor for a man, but any fool will quarrel” (Prov. 20:3).
—“Through insolence comes nothing but strife, but wisdom is with those who receive counsel” (Prov. 13:10).
—“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out” (Prov. 17:14).
—“He who loves transgression loves strife…” (Prov. 17:19a).
—“Like charcoal to hot embers and wood to fire, So is a contentious man to kindle strife” (Prov. 26:21).
—“An arrogant man stirs up strife, But he who trusts in the Lord will prosper” (Prov. 28:25).

Suffice it to say, the Lord has not been silent on the matter. Our age is marked by the manufacturing and fanning the flames of controversy, endless argument, and divisive issues. Men seem to take pride in starting strife and stirring the pot. When we share the gospel, in gentleness (2 Tim. 2:24) and love (Eph. 4:15), it can still be met with devastating disagreement and vehement vituperation. But, thanks to mediums like social media, some among us have seized the platform to spread division where they could as easily work to promote love and unity among brethren.  I cannot presume heart or motives, but the fruit has been to start brotherhood brawls and to stratify schisms. It is worrisome that while we manufacture outrage on politics, race, law enforcement, “guilt by association,” nitpicking the church, or constantly bringing up the latest “what’s wrong with the church” scenario, 151,600 people die around the world every day (via http://www.ecology.com/birth-death-rates/)! Most of that number will have traveled the broad way that leads to destruction. Surely we can redirect our passion and conviction away from divisive diversions and do our part to stem the tide of such an eternal tragedy!

Meanwhile, we can resolve to see people, not skin color, God’s sovereignty, not party affiliation or uniform, the local church’s autonomy, not an opportunity to be a busybody, and with every other, similar scenario, not major in the minors. Jesus condemned the Pharisees for neglecting the weightier provisions of the law, justice, mercy and faithfulness while scrupulously focusing on matters comparatively minor (Mat. 23:23).  We have a brief time to use our talents and influence on this earth. Will our cause be social justice, brotherhood policing, or political activism, or will it be building up the kingdom through evangelism, edification, and benevolence? May God grant us all the wisdom to “not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life…” (John 6:27). Be a builder, not a basher!

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