The Bible is the book of authority in religious matters.

1. Isaiah pointed out, many years ago, that one should appeal to the Law and the Testimony. "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them"(Isaiah 8:20).

2. When Jesus was upon the earth, he encouraged men who lived before His death to follow the commands of the Law of Moses. "And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments" (Matthew 19:16-17).

3. The Law of Moses was kept by the Hebrews, for they were God's chosen people of that day. With the crucifixion of Christ, this law was nailed to the cross. "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross"(Colossians 2:14).

4. The Gospel of Christ is the standard since the day of Pentecost. "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek"(Romans 1:16).

5. All religious teachings and practices at present are to authorized by Jesus Christ through His gospel. "And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him"(Colossians 3:17). "Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus"(II Timothy 1:13).

Please click here to proceed to a check-up on on the knowledge you have gained from this second lesson. When you complete the check-up you will proceed to Lesson Three.