Bible Neglect

There are few things more dangerous to the spiritual health of Christians than a neglect of sincere, careful Bible study. Christians need to be immersed in God's word, for that is what makes them different. For instance, Christians are different from the ungodly, because study of His word has led them to the knowledge that an ungodly life will result in destruction (Jude 14-15; 2 Pet. 3:7).

In addition, careful study of God's word separates Christians from non-believers who claim to be moral. Held to an arbitrary standard as set by society, they may be, but someone who is striving to do what God wants must study His word to determine what is truly moral. Acting then, on His word, the Christian separates himself from the atheist who acts merely on what society thinks is moral. The atheist may believe, as much of society does, that a woman's right to an abortion is the position of moral high ground, but a careful student of God's word will understand that murder, no matter the name it is given, is always wrong (Rom. 1:29; 1 Jn. 3:15).

Further, Bible study separates the Christian from false religions. Millions all over the world are happy in religions which worship figures other than the true and living God, whether it is Buddha, an ancient goddess or even man himself. The Bible student, intent on pleasing God, will grow to appreciate and worship the God who is both Creator (Gen. 1-2) and Deliverer (1 Cor. 15). It is impossible to imagine anyone with an open mind seeking truth studying God's word and not coming to Him in faith.

Bible study also separates the Christian from so-called ""Christian"" denominations. Many denominations do not teach the truth on such Bible subjects as baptism (Acts 2:38; Rom. 6; 1 Pet. 3:18-22), homosexuality (Rom. 1:26-27; 1 Cor. 6:9-10) or the ability of the saved to sin and be lost (Gal. 5:4; 2 Pet. 2:20-22). Failure to carefully examine His word with respect to our own practices can result in our being misled by such false doctrine. A Christian, well-grounded in God's truth, will learn to recognize error when it is preached.

Finally, Bible study separates the Christian from the Church-of-Christer. The Church-of-Christer is tied to a denominational concept of the church. He is what he is out of loyalty to a kind of party spirit, or because ""My family's always been Church-of-Christ!"" The Christian is what he is because God's word has led him to understand, accept (believe) and respond to eternal truths which work to save his soul. He understands that he will reach heaven because he has responded to God's grace by turning from sin, obeying God's commands and striving to live a life that is Christ-like in nature, rather than because his ""heavenly ticket"" was punched when his name was added to the Church of Christ role.

How does Bible study accomplish all this separation? By allowing the careful student to see and embrace the mind of God (1 Cor. 2:10-16). Through the word revealed by the Spirit, we are able to gain insight into the mind of God, so that we are better equipped to serve Him. In fact, Paul told Timothy that God's word was perfectly designed to equip us (2 Tim. 3:16-17), and it is that word which ""grants to us everything pertaining to life and godliness"" (2 Pet. 1:3).

It is then, easily seen how a neglect of Bible study can cause one to lose the faith they have in God. We must continue in His word to strengthen the faith we have, and we must study and re-examine our lives as we seek to please Him.

Separation from evil, from falsehood and from hypocrisy is important; it is only our attention to the scriptures which can offer us that separation and unite us with God in heaven.