Articles
When Man Assumes of God
WILL WE ASSUME OF GOD TODAY? If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Will we repeat the mistake of Aaron’s sons (Leviticus 10), doing what is convenient, instead of what God has commanded; assuming that it will be okay? Will we look for a “better way” like king David (2 Samuel 6) and ignore the commands of God? Uzzah should teach us otherwise. Will we seek our own standard of righteousness, like the Jews as discussed in Romans 10? Will we use the name of Jesus without His approval (see Matthew 7:21-23)?
We have God’s will today, we must not assume of God; from which all believers must unite in one mind and one judgment (1 Corinthians 1:10). God has given a plan for souls to be saved (Matthew 28:18-20). Respecting Christ’s authority in all that we do; becoming followers of Christ by believing and baptism (Mark 16:16); and continuing in His commands. We also must consider every example of conversion in the Book of Acts, where literally thousands of people obeyed the gospel and their examples teach us how to do the same. God has provided for our worship and our daily service, and by His authority we act; without His authority we must not act (Colossians 3:17). We must read, study, and give ourselves entirely to His instructions (1 Timothy 4:13, 15-16). We must seek to “rightly divide” His word (2 Timothy 2:15); never twisting it to our whims and wants, which will destroy us (2 Peter 3:16). We are not to “think beyond that which is written” (1 Corinthians 4:6). We must be “doers” of His word (James 1:17-25).
God throughout His word warns us not to go beyond, or without, His word - it is not our right or privilege to assume of God.
CONCLUSION: When is it safe to assume? Well, as I have learned in this life, its just not a safe thing to do. As we have learned through the Scriptures - we must never assume of God.
God has revealed His will to those who are willing to submit to its doing. The hope of His promises are only found through obedience to the instructions that He has revealed through the word. One area of life wherein many assume is that of salvation. We must not ignore or twist the Scriptures to fit our wants; and we must not “think beyond” what God has said, in the assumption that we are okay. We know that God’s will has been given, it is up to us to just do what He says. The opportunity for you to follow God’s will in truth, is yours right now.
