2 Timothy 3:16-17 – All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
Do you ever check the source of the information you hear or read? If so, I am fairly certain that you have found claims about products and such to be untrue or misconstrued. If you do not check sources, then I believe you are headed for a cliff. It is critical for us to trust the information we use to live by, and this could not be truer for the object of our faith.
The importance of the validity and authenticity of the Holy Bible cannot be overemphasized. Frankly, if the truths revealed in the Scriptures are not accurate, then we are liars and frauds, and we only perpetuate those lies if we continue to believe and share them with others. God forbid.
Few people could be a greater critic than Saul of Tarsus, who later became the Apostle Paul. Saul or Paul was trained to be a strict Pharisee, and beliefs outside of this strict sect were punished as heresy. In fact, Saul was converted by Jesus Christ while in transit to capture Christians. I suppose none other than Jesus Christ could have convinced Saul of the error of his ways. The soon to be Apostle had resisted and rejected the message of Jesus Christ with all of his being, but once he was turned toward Jesus, he fully embraced the Truth.
Paul encouraged new believers to test the message of anyone who spoke to them against the canon of the Old Testament and the gospel message given them by the Apostles directly from Jesus. In time, Paul and many others penned the books of the New Testament, and they carried the Truth of God’s Word to conclusion. Anything written since that time is suspect. At best we can attempt to explain and exhort one another using their teachings.
The Apostle John also wrote, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). While Peter wrote even more strongly, “We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:19-21).
So, whom do you trust? I think the answer is obvious, but of course I think you should decide. I encourage you to work it out for yourself. Only then will you be free.
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