Bible Thoughts May 24, 1998
"For John said unto him, "It is not lawful for thee to have her"(Matthew 14:4).
This statement by John the Baptizer to Herod caused the prophet to be placed in prison. Later, when an evil woman danced in the presence of the wicked Herod, John would pay with his life for speaking the truth.
The truth is not pleasant to those who refuse to accept it. All kinds of excuses have been offered by mankind to avoid following the word of God. The truth still stands, although many generations have passed since those true and forceful words of John the Baptizer.
Truth has a way to rising above all societies, all ages, and all oppositions. The masses may not accept what the word of God teaches, but it is still the word of God. Brethren may not appreciate or acknowledge the truth, but it is still the truth.
Truth cost John his life. Truth cost the apostles their lives. Truth may cost Christians at present. The sacrifice may not involve one's life(but could). It may cost one a relationship, a job, a friend, a family, or a host of other sacrifices, but it is worth it. Truth is what saves and, surely, the Christian wants to be saved.
On occasions, men ignore the law. They practice the unlawful, but seek to justify their conduct. One may listen to a preacher who approves their behavior(or belief) and believe that makes right. However, men are not the authors of Christ's law nor will they be the judges of what is right.
Herod ignored the law. John knew it was his duty as a servant of God to point out the error existing within Herod's marriage. Herod had taken his sister-in-law to be his wife(Mark 6:17). This adulterous relationship was contrary to the Law, but it did not matter to Herod and Herodias, they wanted to live their own lives in the lust of the flesh.
It is not lawful under the law of Christ for men to alter what the New Testament instructs in regard to marriage, divorce and remarriage. One may salve the conscience by finding some elder or preacher(you can find someone who will approve almost anything if you search enough) who will bless an unscriptural marriage relationship, but it does not make it right before God. Those who qualify for scriptural marriages at present include the person who has never been married, one who has lost a mate to death, or the innocent party in a case of adultery. The marriage partner who commits adultery and is put away has no right of remarriage under the Law of Christ. Harsh? Unkind? Mean? Charge what one may, it does not change the Law of Christ. Point: There are sacrifices one must make in order to do what is right. Men put a high premium on physical relationships and are unwilling, too many times, to make the sacrifices necessary to go to heaven.
Marriage is not the only relationship in which men ignore the law of Christ. There are countless areas in which mankind ignores what the Bible teaches and engage in activities and teachings which are not lawful. The principle that John the Baptizer expressed so many centuries ago is still a principle respected by righteous people. In word and action, as individuals, we need to be sure that what we teach and practice is lawful. As a local congregation under Christ, we need to be certain that what we teach and practice is lawful.
However appealing and satisfying may be a religious practice, the appropriate question is always: "Is it lawful?" Not so many years ago, someone said, "We do many things for which we do not have authority." If that is true, we better quit them, now! "And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him"(Colossians 3:17).
Doing something in the name of the Lord requires the approval of the Lord. The only way on can find the will of the Lord at present is in the New Testament of Jesus Christ. If there is no book, chapter, and verse for a teaching or practice, it is wrong. Herod's marriage was wrong because it was not approved under the law in force at that time. Since we have a perfect law(James 1:25), we can continue in the Law of Christ and be acceptable to him.
We need to apply the principles of righteousness in every relationship(including marriage), in every moral situation, in every social situation, and every other phase of our lives. If it is lawful under Christ, do it. If it is not, avoid it. Next time we are about to do something, why not ask ourselves, "Is it lawful?"