Many modern religious practices and organizations are not authorized in the gospel. Since the New Testament provides us to all good works, practices not authorized there cannot be from Jesus. They must, therefore, be human in origin [cf. Matt. 21:25].
A. What Does Jesus Think of Man-Made Doctrines?

>>> Read Matthew 15:9,14. <<<

*39* How does Jesus describe our worship if it is based on human doctrine? (a) it is vain, (b) it is acceptable, © it doesn't matter.

*40* What happens if we follow men who teach such doctrines? (a) we go to heaven, (b) we fall in the ditch, © we get a second chance after death.

Fallible men cannot know what pleases God without revelation from God. The "way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps" (Jeremiah 10:23). Only by following the teaching of Jesus can we know what is pleasing to God.

>>> Read Galatians 1:6-9. <<<

*41* What were the Galatians guilty of doing? (a) following the Bible, (b) following a different gospel, © denying God's existence.

*42* What is the state of one who preaches a different gospel? (a) accursed, (b) blessed, © he will be in error but will still be saved.

Some people think that God will accept anything that they think is "good." "There is a way which seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death" (Proverbs 14:12). "Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son" (2 John 9).

If we follow Jesus as Lord, we must do only the things taught in His word. To follow practices He has not authorized is to show disrespect for His lordship. We would be following men instead of following Jesus. The fact that Jesus nowhere specifically says not to participate in an activity, does not necessarily mean that practice is acceptable. Instead, we should ask, "Where did Jesus say we should do this?" If it is not authorized in His word, we should not practice it.

[See also Rev. 22:18,19; Col. 3:17; Prov. 3:5,6; 2 Cor. 10:12,18; 1 Pet. 4:11; 1 Cor. 1:18-25.]
B. Some Examples of Human Authority in Religion

Many people accept religious practices without realizing why they accept them. Often they are following human authorities such as those we are about to consider. (Note that some of the things we are about to mention do have a right to exist, but the danger comes when they are viewed as authority which people follow to determine what they believe or practice.) On the basis of the Scriptures we have studied, please consider the following guides some people follow.
Family Religion

Some people think, "It was good enough for my mother (or wife, etc.), so it's good enough for me." This makes the family our authority, instead of Jesus. We should be glad if our families follow the Bible, but most people's families are in error (Matthew 7:13,14). Nearly all people who became Christians in the New Testament had to leave their family religion. [Note Matt. 10:34-37; Acts 5:29; Gal. 1:13,14.]

*43* If our family is involved in practices not found in the gospel, should we still practice as they do? (a) yes, (b) no.
Conscience, feelings, sincerity

We need to have a good conscience and be sincere, but these become the standard for some people. "Just let your conscience be your guide. It doesn't matter what you believe as long as you're sincere."

Some people sincerely follow their consciences yet are wrong, as in the case of Paul - Acts 23:1; 26:9; 1 Timothy 1:13-15. Your conscience only tells you whether or not you are doing what you believe to be right. Like a clock, it will not be reliable unless it has been set properly. [See also Prov. 14:12; 28:26; Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Cor. 10:18.]

*44* If we are sincere and have a good conscience, do we please God if we continue practices not found in the gospel? (a) yes, (b) no.
Preachers

Some people just accept what their preacher says. "My preacher is well educated, and he would not mislead me..." "Most scholars say..." Preachers can help us learn Jesus' will, but they must not become the standard of authority. Preachers are wrong when they differ from what Jesus said. [See also Acts 17:11; 20:29,30; Matt. 7:15; 15:14; 1 John 4:1,6; 2 Cor. 11:13-15.]

*45* Should we accept what our preacher says if he cannot show it in the Bible? (a) yes, (b) no.
Church creeds, traditions, and decrees of councils

Many denominations write books that the group follows as authority or doctrinal standards. Any creed that contains more than the Bible contains too much. Any creed that contains less than the Bible contains too little. All human creeds and church laws are made on the assumption that fallible humans can write a better standard than the Bible! [See all the passages above on human authority.]

*46* If a practice is authorized by a church creed or tradition, but is not authorized in the gospel, should we practice it? (a) yes, (b) no.
Conclusion

"And by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments" (1 John 2:3-6). A true disciple is one who devotes his lifetime to serving his Master's will. Jesus deserves our service because He died to save us, because He is God's Divine Son, and because someday He will be our Judge. Shouldn't you be His disciple?

During your lifetime you have a choice whether or not you will serve Him. If you are not Jesus' disciple, He calls on you to repent and serve Him. "If you love Me, keep My commandments" (John 14:15; cf. 1 John 5:3). Do you love Jesus enough to be His disciple?

Correct answers to the questions are as follows:

*1* = C, *2* = A, *3* = B, *4* = C, *5* = A, *6* = A, *7* = B, *8* = A, *9* = C, *10* = B, *11* = A, *12* = C, *13* = C, *14* = A, *15* = B, *16* = C, *17* = C, *18* = C, *19* = A, *20* = B, *21* = C, *22* = B, *23* = B, *24* = A, *25* = C, *26* = B, *27* = D, *28* = C, *29* = C, *30* = A, *31* = D, *32* = B, *33* = B, *34* = C, *35* = A, *36* = A, *37* = C, *38* = B, *39* = A, *40* = B, *41* = B, *42* = A, *43* = B, *44* - B, *45* = B, *46* = B
Note: If you would like to study further about topics discussed in this lesson, please see our list of links below. We have online studies about keeping the Law of Moses today, authority in religion, following man-made creeds, etc.

© Copyright 1987, 1990, David E. Pratte
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