Monday, September 16, 2013

The Precepts of Men

The scriptures warn us repeatedly about the dangers of perverting the word of God--teaching the precepts of men mingled with scripture. Just a few examples:

"...they are led, that in many instances they do err because they are taught by the precepts of men" (2 Ne. 28:14).



"Cursed is he that putteth his trust in man, or maketh flesh his arm, or shall hearken unto the precepts of men, save their precepts shall be given by the power of the Holy Ghost" (2 Ne. 28:31).

We "teach for doctrine the commandments of men" (2 Ne 27:25; D&C 45:29; D&C 46:7).

Compare with this:

"These words are not of men nor of man, but of me; wherefore, you shall testify they are of me and not of man. For it is my voice which speaketh them unto you, and by my power you can read them one to another; and save it were by my power you could not have them; wherefore, you can testify that you have heard my voice, and know my words" (D&C 18:34-36).

A simple example illustrates the importance of God's word as opposed to the precepts of men.Take two primary children. Both were taught about letting their light shine, but one was taught to be a good example and to follow others who had set good examples. The other was taught that it was Christ's light that we should let shine, and to follow that light (3 Ne. 18:24). Which one of these primary children is in the right way?

It is a precept of men, mingled with scripture, to teach that we let our own light shine, and to set a good example. It is the Lord who speaks when He says, "I am the light which ye shall hold up" (3 Ne. 18:24). Compare with Isaiah 50:11 where Isaiah says that our light is but sparks.

The reason we persist in teaching the precepts of men is because we have not armed ourselves with "the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God" (Ephesians 6:17).




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