Proverbs 30:5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.
We all know about the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Have you ever heard of the fifth Gospel? That’s right, the fifth one. The Gospel of Norm. Just insert your own name as the name of the fifth Gospel. The Gospel according to self. This is the Gospel we have written with all our own interpretations and highlights of all our cherry-picked verses we have collected over the years. This personal gospel gives us permission to believe what we wish to believe during times of hard decisions. Prov. 30:6 Do not add to his words, lest he rebuke you and you be found a liar.
I am amazed at the amount of energy and subterfuge people use to find ambiguities in the word of God to get away with what they want to do outside of God’s instructions. Even at this point these people whether they realize it or not, have God’s grace working within their souls. The only reason they keep searching for loopholes in God’s word is that their conscience is still working. This is a good thing because otherwise, they would just go ahead and sin without thought. Once the conscience is seared and has become reprobate, it is a long repentful journey back. Even our own self embellished gospel will not help us out during this difficult time. We need the word of God and His word only to get us back on Christ’s righteous track.
If the amount of energy and craftiness being used to look for a way out of obeying God were used to develop a sincere relationship with the Lord, we would become powerful in the Lord’s righteousness and not need the distractions of sin. Plus, if we apply our hearts, dedication, and obedience to the directions found in the four Gospels of the New Testament, there would be no need for anyone’s fifth one. The word of the Lord would be satisfactorily sufficient for life.
The promises that have been given to us according to the Lord, are that our burden and yoke would be bearable. God’s light yoke is better than man’s heavy religious rules. There is truth and mercy with God but rarely is there mercy with man-made laws even when they get the laws from God’s word. Matt. 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
The Lord took a big chance when he created us with free will. He gave us the choice to walk with God or not accept Him or His way of salvation. We can apply and live within the loving instructions of His word or make up our own rules as we see fit. The gospel of whatever feels right at the time is the modern-day gospel. There is nothing new here. This road has been travelled many times. Judges 21:25 In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes. The problem with this road is that it always leads to the same place of loss.
We need to throw away all that extra-biblical revelation that we have accumulated over time. Get real with the Gospels that God has provided and we will do very well to find all we need in the Lord. God’s word is pure and gives life to those who apply it to their lives. Prov. 30:5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we can, through grace, be all who God says we are in Him. Thank you, Lord, that your gospel is truly the good news I need to live a righteous life. Amen!
Thank you for speaking the truth in love it makes such an impact