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"You're Wrong" Is All Wrong
As we have studied the concept of patterns from the Bible, we have made reference
to those who call themselves non-patternists. These people do not believe that
the Bible has a pattern that we are supposed to follow. They accuse anyone who
tells someone they are wrong as being a patternist, and that is not done in
a complimentary way.
The non-patternists are wrong. As we look at the result of their teaching, we
could suggest that we use lasagna and milk-shakes on the Lords Supper or suggest
that we revive temple prostitution. While we might see instantly that these
are wrong, the non-patternist cannot if he/she is true to their teaching. As
far as the non-patternist is concerned, the only thing wrong is someone pointing
out the error of others.
OK, we are getting to the crux of the matter. These people have rejected Bible
authority and choose to do anything their heart desires. When others who believe
in the authority of scripture start quoting scripture to show them the error
of their way, they get very defensive and resort to calling them names of derision.
Another tactic that they might use usually backfires upon them. They are very
animate to declare that there are no patterns in the Bible, and when we ask
them what principles they follow, they say that "Jesus is the pattern".
Well, let us examine this argument. Peter tells us that Jesus is our perfect
example (1 Peter 2:21). This fits in their teaching, right? Notice 1 Peter 4:1-2:
"Therefore, since Christ has suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also
with the same purpose, because he who has suffered has ceased from sin, so as
to live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but
for the will of God." If we inspect the example Jesus set for us, they
lose their argument and run the other direction because they do not want to
do God's will. Jesus came to do the Father's will, and by that example, taught
us that we need to do the Father's will also. Many times, Jesus told His listeners
that He was doing His Father's business. One of the greatest phrases Jesus uttered
is a pattern we all need to follow. Jesus prayed, "Not My will, but Thine
be done" (Luke 22:42; Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:36). Jesus never even spoke
on His own initiative, but spoke only what the Father told Him to say (John
12:49). Go back one verse (v.48) and see that the words of Jesus will judge
everyone in the end. Those who reject the pattern of the Bible, reject God according
to Jesus, and if we are concerned for their souls, we had better speak up like
Jesus gave us an example to do. This is what they do not like.
Often they do things for which there is no bible authority. Their pride gets
in the way because they are trying to do things that the denominations are doing.
They would rather be called a denomination than a church. Or so it would appear.
This battle will continue on until the Lord comes again. There will always be
those who do not want to be limited by the Bible. Like a president said about
the constitution: "It is in the way". So it is with these non-patternists.
The Bible is in the way, and they do not like it. Their soul is in jeopardy,
and they really do not seem to care.
By Carey Scott
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