There are many in the religious world that base the entirety of their doctrine and authority upon it not being explicitly forbidden by the Scriptures.  Even in the Lord’s church, there are a growing number of brethren who feel the same way, which state there must be a change in the way we do things to accommodate a different society.  God has made it clear however, that man is not capable of making his own way (Jeremiah. 10:23).  God’s word is sufficient and supplies all we need (2 Peter 1:3) and God has commanded us not to add to or take away from His word.  “Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.” (Deuteronomy 4:2).  “What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:32).  “For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.” (Revelation 22:18).

The Bible gives examples of those who took it upon themselves to do as they wished and the consequences of their actions.  For Example, Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron, were of the opinion that, that which was not forbidden was authorized, and offered a strange fire to the Lord.  Fire from the Lord consumed them because they offered that “…which He had not commanded them” (Leviticus 10:1).  The Lord had not said they could not, but by stating what they were to use, they transgressed God’s will by not complying with the commandments given them.  Sadly, many today are doing the same thing by adding to the commandments of the Lord.  Many are adding clapping, musical instruments, solo singers, choirs (under the guise of worship teams) to the worship.  These things are not authorized by the word of God, they are merely will worship.  Will worship is comprised of the wants and desires of men.  David Lipscomb wrote, “Will worship is after our own will.  It is self-chosen, and for this single reason is a departure from allegiance to God”.   Our worship must be in spirit and in truth (John 4:24) and always decently and orderly (1 Corinthians. 14:40).  God has authorized us to sing as a congregation and only acapella (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16; Hebrews 13:15).  The silence of the Scriptures are just as authoritative as the explicit statements, and we should take careful heed not to add to nor take away from God’s word.  We need to make certain that all that we do is by the authority of our Lord (Colossians. 3:17).

The consequences of failing to abide by the silence of the Scriptures are seen not only in religion, but also in society as a whole.  Truth according to many is no longer objective, but subjective, including our government.  Man is constantly looking for loopholes to justify his actions.  We must turn this trend around, and return to the principles and truth of the word of God, which includes respecting the silence of the Scriptures.

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