Some Things Man Can and Cannot Know
In Deuteronomy 29:29, the divine record says, "The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of the law." There are some things not meant nor necessary for man to know. At the same time, there are some things that we are to know, as the writer declared "that we may do all the words of the law" or as in our case the law of Christ since we are under the Christian dispensation. Yes, I realize Deuteronomy is under a different dispensation. However, the principle is still applicable to those under the Christian dispensation. Namely that which God has revealed in His word those things are for us that we do all He commands (Mt. 7:21, John 12:48).
In order for one to know God’s will he must diligently study the inspired scriptures. Paul tells us: "So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17). Again he shows how faith comes in 1 Corinthians 15:11, "Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed." Therefore, in order for one to know God’s will he must submit to that which produces faith that being the word of God! An examination from God’s word pertaining to the following doctrines will prove that they CANNOT be known by the scriptures.
Doctrines Which Man CANNOT Know From God’s Word
1)
Instrumental music in New Testament worship is acceptable to God.
2) Christ will return to the earth, set up
His kingdom, and reign a thousand years.
3) Sprinkling is New Testament baptism.
4) One is saved by "faith only."
5)
Church membership is non-essential.
6)
Human names and creeds are acceptable to God.
7)
Denominationalism is acceptable to God.
8)
Peter is the head of the church.
9) To partake of the Lord’s supper
quarterly or annually.
10)
Woman preachers
11)
The Holy Spirit works separate and apart from the word of God in conviction and
conversion.
12)
Miraculous manifestations of the Holy Spirit are still in effect.
Doctrines Which Man CAN Know From God’s Word
1)
That one can know the truth (John 8:32; John 17:17).
2)
Baptism is essential for the remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
3)
The KIND of music authorized by God in New Testament worship in vocal only (Eph.
5:19; Col. 3:16).
4)
There is only one church (Mt. 16:18; Eph. 4:5; Rom. 16:16).
5)
Salvation and church membership are inseparable (Acts 2:37, 38, 47).
6)
One can fall from grace (Gal. 5:4).
7)
That the kingdom is now in existence (Mt. 16:18, 19; Col. 1:13).
8)
Immersion is New Testament baptism (Rom. 6:3-4; Col. 2:12).
9)
The divine rule of faith and practice is the New Testament (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 1
Peter 4:11).
The church of Christ, the Lord’s church, is committed to following only that which is revealed in the sacred pages of the Holy Writ. It is our sincere prayer that all will lay aside their creeds, manuals, disciplines, catechism, and be content to follow only the Bible, and to be a Christian, a member of the church you read about in the Bible.
--Ivie Powell