God And The Principle Of Specifics
Categories: Church of Christ Bulletin Articles, uncategorizedIn the Old Testament, God revealed to Moses the colors of blue, purple and scarlet as His colors of choice for articles in the temple and the dress of Aaron (Exodus 28:1-12). He also specified blue as the color for the loops (Exodus 26:4), the color for Aaron’s robe that covered the ephod, and the lace that bound the breastplate (Exodus 28:31; Exodus 28:37).
Why the color blue was more pleasing to God than any other color, I do not know. However, I do know that it was His choice to make because it was His temple. I also know that He meant what He said about the pattern for the temple and that Moses built it according to the pattern God showed Him (Hebrews 8:5; cf. Exodus 25:9; Exodus 25:40; Acts 7:44). To please God, Moses had no choice except to build exactly as God specified. God did not specify how the materials were to be dyed nor from what source the dye would come – those would be options for Moses and the artisans. Those options would be expedients by which His commands for the temple construction could be obeyed.
In this revealed pattern, there’s a lesson to be learned about the principle of specifics. When God specifies what He wants, man must comply with the exactness God requires (cf. Genesis 6:13-22 – NKJV). Moses could not have obeyed God by saying, “Well, God didn’t say not to use green or gray or black, so those colors will be all right.” The only authority with which Moses was to act upon was that which God had specifically stated. The only way he knew what pleased God, was by what God had revealed to him – those were the limits of his options.
Today, Jesus has all authority (Matthew 28:18 – NKJV). Even in the 21st century, it is essential that men practice only those things which have heaven’s approval. And, when we question others and ourselves about authority for religious practices and belief’s, there is no alterior motive. Rather, such a question stems from a desire to do only “those things that please Him” (cf. John 8:29 – NKJV).
Let each present the scriptural evidence of Jesus’ approval, and let each be convinced by the evidence. Furthermore, when we question someone about authority for a practice, such questioning does not imply that the practice must be mentioned specifically in order for it to be authorized. Some things are essential or permitted, which expedite the performance of general commands. But one can never claim authority for a practice based upon the fact that he deems it an expedient when there is no command or statement that it is to expedite. In its legitimate meaning, an expedient facilitates the execution of a God-given responsibility.
To illustrate the above point, God commanded singing as the kind of music by which He wishes to be praised (cf. Ephesians 5:19 – NKJV; Colossians 3:16 – NKJV; 1 Corinthians 14:15 – NKJV). Whatever is essential to the performance of that responsibility in worship, is either essential or permitted to be used when it does not add to or change the command.
Songbooks only contain the written melody and words. A pitch pipe only gives a starting frequency for singing together. A song leader only directs the singing. All of which expedite the performance of worship to God in the way God has approved and none of which alters the command to “sing.”
On the other hand, instrumental music is not singing and it does not expedite the command to “sing.” It is a different kind of music and it is a different act of worship than that which God has commanded. To those who practice such we ask, “Where is the authority for your religious practice?” Give us a New Testament passage that in some form or fashion authorizes the practice. If you are really interested in pleasing God, then present the evidence by inspired Scripture or cease an unauthorized practice.
Brethren and friends, we appeal to you to examine carefully any involvement of congregations in a social gospel and perversions of scriptural worship. Let’s be willing to give New Testament authority for all things we practice (Colossians 3:17 – NKJV). If we cannot give any authoritative passage or passages in the New Testament, let’s give those practices up for our soul’s sake.