So near; yet so far from truth
Concerning matters of spirituality, is it really important what Scriptures instruct us to do, and what it does not? In this article, I will present why we must be careful to follow what is written.
As we already know, there are two simple yardsticks for guiding anyone (even if you have no understanding of Greek, Hebrew, and all that) in arriving at a proper understanding of any Biblical subject:
- Look for clear instructions or commandments from Jesus and/or the apostles
- Look for clear examples of believers carrying out these instructions/commandments
The above guidelines safeguard us from making presumptous conclusions that do more damage than any of us can imagine. In this article, I will use examples to drive home the message.
The Holy Spirit
The Bible teaches that the Holy Spirit is God, same as both Jesus and the Father are God. We are clearly commanded in the Bible to worship God, and to give Him our attention; are we not?
Anyone may now assume that based on the above, it is proper to worship the Holy Spirit, pay Him attention, pray to Him, and teach about Him (as people like Benny Hinn and Chris Oyakhilome do). “Good morning, Holy Spirit“, “Welcome, Holy Spirit“, etc.
But this cannot be right; for the simple reason that Christianity and the Gospel is entirely Christo-centric; not Pneuma-centric. Jesus said:
He [the Holy Spirit] will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. (John 16:14)
The Holy Spirit is not here to draw attention to Himself, but to point people to Christ. This other spirit that draws attention to himself is not the Holy Spirit.
This Pneuma-centric approach to the Gospel is an example of how presumptous conclusions can result in a false “gospel” that looks like the real thing, yet is so far from the truth.
Do we have examples of the apostles doing what Benny Hinn and company are doing with the “Holy Spirit” today? No. Paul said he preached Christ; not the Holy Spirit. Did Paul have the Holy Spirit, and was He at work in him? Yes. But the Holy Spirit did not draw attention to Himself.
Similar Issues
Issues similar to the above include: “sprinkling the Blood“, “calling down fire“, “giving to God“, and “Deliverance sessions“. The list is near endless, should we choose to dig deeper. But the lesson is clear: we must not make presumptious conclusions. It is important to do what we are told to do, as it is not to do what we are not told to do – in matters of the faith.
The greatest challenge of the believer is not identifying blatant lies, but discerning those things that are so near, yet so far from Biblical truth.
