Have you ever heard someone try to justify a practice by saying, “This must be okay for us to do because God never specifically says not to?” This is a common argument made today. I hear it all the time.

Is this a legitimate argument? What are we to do when God is silent about a matter? Consider three things that we must understand when it comes to this critical topic.

God demands careful obedience.

  • Consider the example of Cain (Genesis 4:3-5).
  • Consider the example of Israel (Deuteronomy 29:29; Joshua 1:7-8).
  • God requires this of Christians (John 8:31; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 John 9; Revelation 22:18-19).
  • God has never left men to their own devices! He has always had requirements and demanded that they are strictly followed.

God’s silence is NOT permissive.

  • Instead, it is restrictive.
  • This is a basic rule of everyday communication. The dentist, car repairman, and even small children understand this.
  • The Hebrews appeal to the silence of God when talking about the priesthood of Jesus (Hebrews 7:14). While the Law was silent about priests coming from tribes other than Levi, that was not permission for Israel to do it. The specifics in the Law that the priests were to come from Levi excluded Jesus and anyone else from the other tribes.
  • A failure to apply this basic communication rule leads to any practice being a fair game (ex: women elders, taking the Lord’s Supper on Friday, sprinkling babies, instrumental music)!

Instead of focusing on all God has not said, let’s make sure we focus on what He has said and do it!

  • God has told us what He wants when it comes to…
  • Appointing elders (1 Timothy 3:1-4).
  • The Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:17, 26; Acts 20:7).
  • Baptism (Mark 16:15-16; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:35-39).
  • Singing (Colossians 3:16; Ephesians 5:19; 1 Corinthians 14:26).
  • God is fully capable of telling us exactly what He wants! Will we respect and honor what God has said? Will we abide in the words of Jesus (1 Corinthians 4:6; John 8:31-32)?
  • If we do, we will please God and stay on the spiritual path that leads to heaven.

Conclusion:

Let us always adhere to the silence of God!