No human being knows absolutely everything there is to know. Thus, infinite (unlimited) knowledge is possessed by no one person. However, to say that no one person is omniscient (all-knowing) is not to say that a person cannot know at least some things. The Bible teaches that there are some things that a person absolutely must know and do to live in harmony with God's will (Matt. 7:21-23; John 3:1-7; 4:24; 8:31-32).
It is neither arrogant nor conceited to teach from the Bible what one knows to be true. As a Christian, I am obligated — as is every Christian — to teach in a very kind, loving, and courteous way, yet clearly, firmly, and truthfully, the truths imparted from God's word. Following are at least some truths I know the Bible teaches.
I know the Bible teaches that there is but one, and only one, God, the Father, Who created all things, Who loves every human being, and Who wishes every person to be saved (Eph. 4:6; Acts 17:24-25; 1 Tim. 2:3-4).
I know the Bible teaches that this same loving God is a "great and terrible" God and that He will punish the majority of the human race eternally in hell for their disobedience to His will (Deut. 10:17; Neh. 1:5; Matt. 7:13-14; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).
I know the Bible teaches that there is one, and only one, New Testament church, and that every person who obeys the gospel is added to that one church by God so that every Christian is a member of the church of Christ for which He (Christ) died (Eph. 1:22-23; 4:4; Acts 2:37-47; 20:28).
I know the Bible teaches that denominationalism is sinful, that it is a hindrance to world evangelism and thus contributes to infidelity, that it is in direct opposition to Christ's prayer for unity, the apostles' plea for unity, and God's eternal plan for every Christian to be united into one body (John 17:20-23; 1 Cor. 1:10-11; Eph. 2:14-18; 3:9-11; 4:3-6).
I know the Bible teaches that it (the Bible) is the all-sufficient and verbally inspired revelation from God to man, and that additions to, subtractions from, or substitutions for, on the part of man are presumptuous, foolish, and seriously sinful (1 Cor. 2:12-13; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Rev. 22:18-19).
I know the Bible teaches that Jesus never authorized, the Holy Spirit never revealed, the apostles never approbated, and the first century New Testament church never employed the use of mechanical instruments of music in Christian worship to God. Furthermore, I know that the introduction of all such man-made innovations in Christian worship is an addition to God's word, and therefore must be regarded as sinful (John 16:13; Eph. 5:19; Rev. 22:18-19).
I know the Bible teaches that Christians are saved by the mercy and grace of God and not of one's own works of human merit, while simultaneously teaching that unless (except) every accountable person complies with the gospel terms of obedience (faith, repentance, confession, and immersion in water for the forgiveness of sins), one will lose his soul and suffer eternal punishment in hell (Titus 3:4-7; John 3:1-7; 2 Thess. 1:7-9).
I know the Bible teaches that the terms "gospel" and "doctrine" are but two different words to designate the same message to be preached or taught, and not two separate and distinct messages, one for alien sinners and the other for the saved. No such distinction is in harmony with the Bible (Rom. 1:15-17; 2 Thess 1:8; Acts 13:12).
I know the Bible teaches that it is sinful for one to be so radical as to make laws forbidding or condemning what God allows. Furthermore I know that it is sinful for one to be "liberal" so as to go beyond God's written word and uphold or practice that which the Bible does not authorize (1 Tim. 4:1-3; Acts 15:1-29; 2 John 9).
I know the Bible teaches that, even though many hated Him and eventually killed Him for it, Jesus told people the truth because He loved people and wanted them to be saved (Luke 6:11; John 7:7; Mark 14:60-65).
These Biblical truths are here stated in love for God, His Son, His Word, His church, and for every person who has never obeyed the gospel. May we realize there is no possible way we can truly love people while withholding the truth from them.
Written by Stephen Wiggins
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