Devoted to the Propagation and Defense of New Testament Christianity
VOLUME 22
November 19, 1970
NUMBER 28, PAGE 10

On Being "Narrow"

Donald R. Givens

All truth is narrow. In demonstration of this simple fact, just pick up your telephone and dial correctly the first six digits of the number you want, but change the seventh...and you will get the wrong party. This is a very minor variation, but the small change results in a "wrong number" nevertheless. Truth is narrow. Truth is narrow in any realm. God's truth cannot be changed to fit the passing fancy of fickle men.

God's truth is "narrow." God is filled with wisdom (Romans 11:33-36) and He knows what is best for man. Everything that God has provided for man in the scheme of redemption is good and beneficial, and if men will follow God's plan they will reap everlasting life.

But...herein is the trouble. Men do not always want to follow God's plan. They have devised their own "systems, creeds, canons, dogmas, edicts, laws, rules, manuals, and theologies," which they enforce instead of the New Testament scriptures. No wonder the religious world is divided! We have as many ideas and opinions as individuals. If we are going to follow what we like and what suits us — then naturally we will have denominations. But if one will follow strictly and explicitly what GOD has said in HIS BOOK (the Bible) then we will be united (Eph. 4:3; I Cor. 1:10).

Now some people call this "narrow-mindedness.:' If following the Bible only is "narrow-mindedness" then I plead guilty. I want to be just as narrow as the scriptures and I want to be just as broad as the scriptures. We dare not devise and enforce laws of our own and we dare not loose the laws God has revealed.

The reason some denominational individuals call Christians "narrow" is because the denominationalist has WIDENED (added to) the law of God and he is "broader" than the Bible. If you think following the inspired scriptures alone is too narrow, then read this and take heed: "If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, which are written in this book." (Rev. 22:18,19).

Do not attempt to add to, subtract from, change or modify God's instructions. Rather, take them as they are, be thankful to the Lord for His guidance, believe His Word wholeheartedly, practice it diligently, teach the glad tidings unto others, and heaven will be your blissful home throughout eternity.

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