Some say, “The use of mechanical instruments in worship is okay because God never says it is wrong.” Others even say, “It is okay for us to use the Lord’s money to build a gymnasium or dining hall because God never specifically forbids it.” How are we to respond to these arguments?
These arguments are rooted in the silence of God. Unfortunately, many folks (even some in the churches of Christ) see the silence of God as permission. They see God’s silence as an open invitation for us to do whatever God has not specifically forbidden.
Is this a valid argument? Is God’s silence permissive? What are we to do when God says nothing about a matter?
God Demands Careful Obedience
- God demanded this of Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:3-5).
- God demanded this of the nation of Israel (Deuteronomy 29:29; Joshua 1:7-8).
- God demands this of disciples (John 8:31; 1 Corinthians 4:6; 2 John 9; Revelation 22:18-19).
God’s Silence Is Not Permissive, It’s Restrictive
- Explain how this argument is being made in Hebrews 7:14.
- Explain how this argument is being made in Acts 15:24.
- Explain how this argument is being made in Numbers 9:8.
Doing What God Has Said Needs To Be Our Focus (2 Peter 1:3)
- What has God said about the Lord’s Supper (Matthew 26:17, 26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-30; Acts 20:7)? What does God’s silence eliminate?
- What has God said about baptizing (Mark 16:15-16)? What does God’s silence eliminate?
- What has God said about singing (Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:26)? What does God’s silence eliminate?
- What has God said about using the church treasury (Philippians 1:5; 1 Corinthians 16:1-3)? What does God’s silence eliminate?
- What has God said about the gender qualifications for elders (1 Timothy 3:1-5)? What does God’s silence eliminate?
- What has God said about the church’s method of gathering funds (1 Corinthians 16:1-2)? What does God’s silence eliminate?
What has God said about local church benevolence (Acts 11:29-30; 2 Corinthians 9:1)? What does God’s silence eliminate?
