All people, young and old, need to be rooted and grounded (indoctrinated) in the Word of Christ (Col. 2:4-8; 3:16,17). A Christ-centered, Bible-based religion unashamedly has a verse for its existence (Isa. 8:20; 1 Cor. 4:6). Thanks be unto God that we do not have to rely upon human schemes, which have the flimsy foundation of worldly wisdom, in order to worship God acceptably. The very reason that many have succumbed to Satan is because of their lack of reverence for the Word of God. The clever reasonings of men are nothing more than their vain imaginations which Paul and the prophets say the faithful must pull up and cast down (Jer. 1:10; 2 Cor. 10:3-5).

It is true that innovations of brethren have brought division and dissension, but is is unfair to blame the steadfast for the consequent loss of souls. The faithful belong to no party or sect which has confused and dimmed the vision of honest hearts and sincere souls. "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world has blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ should shine unto them" (2 Cor. 4:3, 4).

All human plans, rituals, ceremonies and doctrines, whether they originate in denominationalism or in the hearts of deceived brethren, make the Word sent from heaven void and vain (Matt. 15:8,9). Therefore, they must be exposed and condemned (Eph. 5:11; Rev. 2:2,3). Only the work and worship, the order and organization of God, as expressed in the New Testament, will stand in the last, great day.

Christ is the sum and substance, the center and circumference of salvation (Jno. 14:6; Acts 4:12). That being true, why adulterate and contaminate tht which comes from Him by adding the things invented by men? Does it make good sense to take the worship and service of Christ, as outlined and defined in the Word of God, and add to it the items of man's invention?

All agree (because the Bible teaches it) that Christ is high, holy, and heavenly (Rom. 9:5; Heb. 9:25-28). Would any man seek to add or adorn Christ with any trait of character not given Him in the Bible? We have the perfect, complete Son of man, the divine Son of God. Shall we call a convention of men and seek to add anything to (or take anything from) His divine and eternal majesty? Every sincere saint is repulsed by the very hint of such an endeavor. In the words of Paul, "God forbid!" Likewise, therefore, since we have the complete work and the pure worship of Christ set forth by Spirit led men in the New Testament, dare we add to it what they did not advocate or advance? See the parallel? If the very person of Christ cannot be improved, upon what basis would we presume to add human traditions to His divine appointments of worship as set forth in the New Testament?

Those who contend for traditions and worship activities unknown to the Bible need to answer the argument above. If they will not allow any to add to (or take from) the pure person of Christ, how can they be allowed to add to the perfect system of worship given by Him through the Spirit?

By Larry Ray Hafley in Truth Magazine, Vol. 49, No. 23, Dec. 1, 2005

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