Not All That Glitters Is Gold

This week we are looking at the warnings that the Bible gives us concerning the dangers we face in our Christian walk.  Paul wrote to Timothy that there would be those who held to a form of godliness, but they did not believe the power of God.  From such, Paul warned Timothy, turn away. 

The problem in our human thinking is that’s since God’s name is glorious, when we hear it we attach the glory of His name to the one using it.  We assume that by the use of His name they are presenting a safe and glorious message.  But what should be true is not necessarily true.  Not all that glitters is gold.  God gave 10 Commandments at Mt. Sinai.  One of them is “Thou shalt not take the Lord’s Name in vain.”  In other words, God is giving a warning that people will do just exactly that. 

We often assume that this commandment relates most to those who profane His name by using it as a swear word.  That would be an application, but only one, and such a simple one to identify that we overlook many other blasphemies.  God said that His word is true and righteous altogether.  There are many pulpits today that declare God’s word is subject to debate or not His word at all.  In my book Deceived I cover that topic in depth.   This is not just a problem in an isolated instance or two; it is a very real problem confronting the Church today.  Paul had warned the Ephesians that after his departure some from among that very strong church would turn away from truth and devour the true saints with their falsehood.  He called them wolves just as Jesus had done.

And so Paul cautioned the people to beware.  They will look like you, they will use the same book you use, they will use words you understand, but they will deny Christ’s authority by denying the very essence of the book they preach from.  That was his warning.  A messenger can use God’s name, but if they deny the power thereof, they are using it in vain and we need to stand apart from the certain judgment that God has for them.  This commandment of God came with a specific declaration of punishment: “For the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His Name in vain.” 

Let us make sure that we are standing on the sure foundation of God’s Word and not on the corrupted doctrines of men who use it vainly.  Let us trust the full integrity of God’s Word.  Here is a new song by Joshua Drake, “The Holy Word of God”.

The Holy Word of God: it is the Christian’s rule to teach, correct, rebuke and train— The Church’s priceless jewel.

Let others rule by whim their lives from day to day. God’s children have His Holy Word,
which gladly they obey.

God-breathed, yet penned by man, preserved by arms and art, the Church has born it in her breast— she dare not from it part!

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