Written for Certainty’s Sake

Our minds are to be renewed by what is written, not by the whims of our hearts.

I saw a preacher recently, addressing an entire congregation as believers by default, actually lift up the bible and say,”this is not enough” in reference to the daily Christian’s walk. The context was that the believer needs to be led by the Spirit who can give additional words/promises/purpose. Granted, there was a disclaimer that these words will never contradict what is written…so I ask myself, why distract away from what is written (while holding it in the air!) then?!

The Word of God is set in stone, unchanging, and not subject to the convictions of men’s hearts but laid in a firm foundation for the sake of the believers’ assurance and certainty. Those men who say that the written Word is not enough for the believer (please note that I’m talking of professed believers here, the written Word for the unbeliever is like a light we must shine, it is the seed we need to sow, only God can make the new life appear), that the believer needs also a mystical, existential word or promise, these men fail to see or believe that what is written is actually existentially active and eternally relevant. Can it be so? Does not the Holy Spirit cover the entire earth and indwell every true believer? We know He brings the written Word to remembrance, discerning the innermost depths of our existence. The believer is taught by God. To be full of the Spirit is to be bold in the proclamation of the very Words of God…these Words are not vague and uncertain, but are written for our knowing and certainty, for our education and edification, and for rebuking and correcting.

To know salvation is to rest in its assurance. He loves us that much that He had it written so we can know it. Do you know it? We can know for certain what He has done for those who believe in Him, and even what He will do! We even know how people come to believe in Him, God is gracious…it is His gift to give. Proclaim His unadulterated Word to the brethren. Encourage them. Challenge them to reform their thinking to what is written. Our minds are to be renewed by what is written, not by the whims of our hearts.