Tradition and "I Think"

In regard to tradition, have you ever heard someone say, "that which is good enough for mother and father is good enough for me?" This has been said many times when it comes to family religions. When it comes to religion, any excuse that one uses to do what they want to do seems to be a good excuse as far as they are concerned. But let’s look at this same reasoning when it comes to other areas of our life. Are the farm tools used by our father and grandfather good enough for us? Is the office equipment of a hundred years ago good enough for you? If it is, then why do we have the modern machinery, computers, and electronic devices that are used today? Is the model “T” Ford good enough for us, or do we prefer the modern, faster, more convenient automobile?

So why is this true in religion? Here’s a question for us to ponder: “Could it possibly be that mother and father did not learn all about the truth of God?” If not, would it be wise to hold to their “tradition” of religion if such is not found in God’s Word, the Bible? If we really are as honest as they, will we not accept any new truth we learn? The apostle Paul wrote: “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” (Colossians 2:8). And Peter said: “knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). Jesus Himself said: “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37-38). When it comes down to tradition, we better make sure that we are following the tradition of Christ, and not our family, friends and other loved ones. 

Besides tradition, many have an “I think” philosophy. I have often heard people say, “I think that one religion is just as good as another.” When I’ve heard that, I must say that it honestly set me back on my heels for I was thinking, now where in the world did he read or hear that? Certainly not from the Bible that I read. In the judgment, will God judge, or will I be my own judge? Will He decide whether I go to Hell, or will I? The answer is obvious. Yet many think themselves to be the judge - or whether they are NOW saved. Just as I will have to meet with God’s approval then, so must I do so now. Yet, I hear this: “I think I am saved.” Or I've heard: “I'm satisfied with my baptism or the church of which I am a member of.”

These type of statements are alarming to me. When I hear them, it makes me think that we have just missed the whole point of religion and the Bible. The questions we should be asking are these: “Will God find me righteous at the judgment? Do I know for certain, based upon God’s written Word, that I am saved? Can I read in the Bible about the church in which I am a member of? Is God really satisfied with my baptism?” We must make sure that our answers are determined by what God has said, not what man has said. God is the judge of present and future righteousness and is the one that has set the standard of the things we must do in order to be saved and go into heaven. God has to be satisfied with what we are doing, not me, or anyone else. Knowing then that God is our judge we better be striving to do all we can to please Him because our eternal destiny depends on it (John 12:48).

The Hebrew writer wrote: “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment” and “having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him” (Hebrews 9:27;5:9). Only those that obey Christ will be able to enter into heaven. Many today think that they can ride the coat tails of their fathers, mothers, grandparents, or friends into heaven. Matthew 7:21 says that only those that do the will of the Father will enter heaven. Let us all live daily, letting God’s inspired Holy Word guide us, being obedient and faithful to His Word, so that we can know that we will have an eternity with Him in heaven. Remember, Jesus also said “If you love me, keep my commandments” (John 14:15).