Does It Matter?
Recently, while discussing the Bible with a preacher of the Presbyterian Church, I explained to him the plan of salvation very carefully and concluded by showing him from the scriptures why we teach that baptism is necessary for the remission/of sins. He heard me through politely, then replied, "Well, you are quite right, but of course it doesn't matter."
As shocking as it may seem, this preacher was expressing the real attitude of much of the religious world today. For years denominational preachers have been drilling it into their members that it makes no difference what one believes just so he is sincere. Apparently they have succeeded in convincing a great part of their members, and they have demonstrated that they are themselves governed by such a philosophy.
It is impossible to convert a person to the truth on any subject as long as he thinks that it doesn't matter what the Bible teaches, or what he believes about it. It is necessary first of all to show him that it does make a difference what we believe in religion. It is essential to show the importance of respecting the authority of the Bible.
We have often pointed out that if it does not matter what one believes, then it does not matter whether he believes. If it is not essential to believe the right thing, certainly it is not necessary to believe the wrong thing. Thus, it is not necessary to believe anything. Who would want to accept such a position? Yet, the conclusion follows naturally from the premises. So, if it does not matter what one believes, he may as well be an infidel and believe nothing. I submit that belief must have an object, and it must be the right object to be acceptable to God.
Furthermore, if it does not matter what one believes, he may as well believe some book other than the Bible. That would be to say that another book is just as good as the Bible. Thank God that a few people are still levelheaded enough not to be taken in by the different attitude toward what the Bible teaches. Yes, it does make a difference what we believe.
The preacher who made the above statement that "it doesn't matter" meant that regardless of what the Bible teaches he would not accept it. The question arises, Does it matter what the Bible teaches ? Must we follow its teachings in order to be saved? I will say that if we reject the authority of the scriptures we are left without a guide in religious matters; we are destitute of a map to point out the way to heaven, and we must blunder along in weakness and doubt.
How can a person claim to be a Christian and not be concerned about what the Bible says? After all, the Bible is the only book which reveals Christ to us. We cannot believe in Him without believing its teachings. Even my Presbyterian friend admits that one must believe that Jesus is the Son of God to be saved. But why is it more important to believe one thing that the Bible teaches than to believe it all? It does matter what the Bible says regarding the plan of salvation. We are taught to believe in Christ, (Acts 16:31). We are taught to repent of all of our sins, (Luke 13:3-5). We are commanded to be baptized in the name of Christ, (Acts 2:38). What is your attitude toward these commandments of our Lord? Will you joyfully obey them, or will you say, "That is right, but it doesn't matter"?