During his earthly ministry Jesus Christ condemned human ideas which men added to religion. Jesus said, “But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men” (Matthew 15:9). God communicated his will to mankind in such a way that we can understand it, and God expects us to comply with his revealed will (for us, the New Testament). Jesus also said, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). To disregard, change or add to the Word of God is to enter into an argument with God. Men cannot win that argument!
The ideas or creeds of men are the source of much religious division around the world. And, though men sometimes change their religious creeds, the New Testament or doctrine of the church of the Bible does not change. Only the changeless doctrine of the New Testament (if men will accept it alone) can produce religious unity. For instance, the New Testament alone binds the independent congregations of the churches of Christ together.
Further, the New Testament alone is the absolute and final standard of authority in religion today. By the New Testament all souls now living will be judged someday. Once again hear the words of Jesus: “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).
The word “doctrine” simply means “teaching.” The New Testament teaches man how to live with his fellow man, how to acceptably serve and worship God, and how to receive the blessings of the Gospel and the hope of heaven. Dear reader, accept no substitutes; make no subtractions, additions or changes to the Word of God.
“For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19).
