Test All by God’s Word
By J. W. Lowe
Be not deceived by vain sophistries, or the mere opinion of any man, no matter how well educated and talented and wise he may have the reputation of being; for a large share of false doctrines and theories has originated with persons of education and ability. Test all philosophies and doctrines and theories and opinions that may be brought to your notice, by the word of God; and if they do not agree with “the law and the testimony,” you may know of a certainty that they are not of God, but false and pernicious and misleading. No matter how innocent and beautiful and true any moral or spiritual claim may appear on the surface, do not accept it until you have subjected it to the Scriptural test laid down in God’s word. Considering the many conflicting doctrines in the world, this is the only safe course to pursue. It is wise to remember also that error and truth are many times so interwoven as to render the mixture very deceptive. Satan knows, from personal experience, that he can more readily deceive by this method. Hence the necessity for a more rigid examination of all such claims presented, and the application of the infallible Bible test. But on the whole, it is very unprofitable and unwise to spend valuable time studying error. We haven’t any too much time in which to study truth. It is far better and wiser to be so well grounded in the fundamental principles of truth, that we shall be able to recognize error when it appears. This is possible by a thoro and systematic study of the Holy Scriptures. Then, too, by studying into error, we place ourselves on the enemy’s ground. And error and sin, from the very nature of things, are hypnotic, for they have back of them the evil one, whose policy is to deceive and even force. Test all things by the Word, but do not unnecessarily subject yourself to Satan’s snares. J. W. LOWE.