Topic(s): Bible Authority, Worship

Several years ago we lived in Savannah, Georgia. It was a new experience for us to watch huge freighters entering the Savannah River to travel fifteen miles inland to the state docks. It did not seem possible that the massive ships could achieve such a feat. However, we learned that a channel had been dredged for safe passage. And as long as the captain steered the vessel in the channel, there was safety. It was not necessary for him to know all the hidden dangers; it was only essential to possess knowledge of the safe way.

This principle is applicable in the study of the New Testament. Jesus taught men to enter the “strait gate” and walk in the “narrow” way (Matthew 7:13–14; cf. Proverbs 14:12). We should seek out the way that is infallibly safe and cannot be wrong in religion. We suggest studying the following aspects of this way. It cannot be wrong to:

• Accept the Holy Scriptures as being the inspired Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16–17; 2 Peter 1:3, 21).

• Believe in God and in His Son Jesus Christ (Hebrews 11:6; John 8:24; Matthew 16:16).

• Teach sinners to repent of sins (Acts 17:30–31; 2 Peter 3:9).

• Be baptized for the remission of sins, having confessed one’s faith in Jesus (Romans 10:10; Acts 2:38; Acts 8:35–39).

• Be immersed in water instead of being sprinkled (John 3:23; Romans 6:3–4; Colossians 2:12). Have an obedient faith instead of a faith-only religion (Matthew 7:21; Hebrews 5:8–9; James 2:14–26).

• Wear the name of Christ (Christian) rather than names that honor men/movements (Acts 11:26; 26:28; 1 Peter 4:16; Romans 16:16).

• Sing praises without adding instruments (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 2:12; 13:15).

• Partake of the Lord’s supper upon the first day of every week (1 Corinthians 11:23–30; Acts 20:7).

• Be faithful in attendance to the periods of worship (Acts 2:42; Hebrews 10:24–25; James 4:17).

• Be pure in heart and live a faithful Christian life (Matthew 5:8; Hebrews 12:14; Revelation 2:10).

We need to possess the wisdom of following the safe way wherein is assurance and security. Why take a risk when the safe way can be learned by all who choose to do so? Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6). The infallible Word of God provides us the infallibly safe way that cannot be wrong (John 12:48). —Raymond Elliott, Prattville, Alabama