There is much wisdom in the Bible, but it is frequently misquoted and misunderstood. The same holds true for Jesus’ words. In spite of the fact that Jesus’ teachings only lasted about three years prior to His death, a vast world of truth, myth, legend, and superstition was constructed around Him in that brief period. When studying the Bible, there is a wide variety of interpretations and opinions, despite the fact that Christians hold a common set of beliefs as essential to their religion. Today, readers and messengers frequently interpret particular verses and passages in ways that were never intended. While the Bible is frequently cited, it is also frequently misquoted. There are also a number of things Christians say or do that they believe to be biblical but have no basis in the Bible. They may act this way due to false teachings, a limited understanding of God’s Word, or the belief that their actions carry little weight in God’s eyes. It is essential to be knowledgeable about the Bible and to take God seriously, especially if you live by the Word and proclaim it to others. Here are six Christian practices that are not biblical.
Make Statements That Are Not in the Bible.
David promises God in Psalm 119:16, “I will delight in Your statutes; I will not forget Your word.” In Deuteronomy 11:18-19. God admonishes the Israelites, “Therefore, impress these words of mine on your heart and soul; bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets on your forehead. You are to teach them to your sons while sitting in your home, walking along the road, lying down, and rising up. As Christians, we are aware that we must study the Bible, memorize it, and obey it. However, the Bible does not always say what we think it says, and there are several phrases that sound like they come from the Bible but do not. The Bible is God’s written testament to His Word. His truth can be discovered in the Bible. Some sayings are straightforward rephrasings of biblical truth, whereas others constitute dangerous heresy. No matter how witty or instructive a quote may be, if it is not in the Bible, there is no assurance that it is the Word of God.
Consult Horoscopes to Predict Future Events
The fascination with astrology and horoscopes is unquestionably indicative of people’s desire for knowledge beyond their own and guidance for the future. Astrology is the ancient belief that a person’s fate is written in the constellations and planets at the time of his or her birth. The “horoscope” is a chart that attempts to describe one’s fate. The Bible mentions the inability of the Babylonian royal court’s astrologers to predict or interpret royal dreams (Daniel 2:10-11 and 4:7). Prophet Isaiah mocked astrologers, saying, “Let your astrologers come forward, those stargazers who make monthly predictions; let them save you from what is coming” (Isaiah 47:13). Astrology is offensive to God because it attributes to planets and stars the power that God alone possesses and because it attempts to discover God’s Will through means other than those that God has designated.
Based on a Sense of Obligation to Give
Few individuals are comfortable discussing their financial contributions to the church. Most would prefer not to discuss it at all. In reality, tithing is a matter of the heart, which is overlooked by so many Christians. God instructed His people in the Old Testament to tithe, or give ten percent of their income to support the religious, economic, and political system of ancient Israel. Jesus set the higher standard in the New Testament, though it was a less precise standard. According to the Bible, giving should be done voluntarily and not out of obligation (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and not for the purpose of public recognition (Matthew 6:1-4). Too frequently, we view our financial situation and other resources as if they were God’s. Instead of giving from a place of gratitude and joy, we view ourselves as judicious administrators doling out scarce resources. We forget that everything good comes from our heavenly Father (James 1:17).
Blame Karma
Karma is a religious concept found in the Buddhist and Hindu faiths. It is the belief that the quality of your life after reincarnation will depend on how you live your current life. If you are selfless, charitable, and holy during your lifetime, you will be reincarnated into a pleasant existence. If you live a life of selfishness and evil, however, you will be reincarnated into a life that is less than desirable. To put it another way, you reap what you sow. Some Christians believe in karma, but this concept has no biblical foundation. Reincarnation is the theological foundation of karma. Since the Bible rejects the concept of reincarnation, it does not support the concept of karma. Reincarnation and karma are incompatible with the teachings of the Bible regarding life, death, and the sowing and reaping of eternal life.
Having faith in Superstition
Superstition is based on the belief that an object possesses supernatural powers. Idolatry is another word for superstition. The Bible does not support the notion that things occur by chance, but nothing occurs apart from God’s control. He either causes or allows everything to occur according to His divine plan (Acts 4:28; Ephesians 1:10). There are a variety of superstitions in the world, ranging from the harmless, such as not walking under a ladder, to the more sinister, such as magic, divination, voodoo, and sorcery. Idolatry is prohibited. These practices are dangerous because they expose the practitioners’ minds to the devil’s influence. Peter 5:8 warns, “Be self-controlled and vigilant.” Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour.”
Drinking to Get Drunk
The Bible prohibits alcohol consumption. While it is a sin, drinking in moderation has been the subject of heated debate for centuries, and even more so in recent years. With the emergence of postmodernism, practices that were once frowned upon by the Christian community have been accepted and even encouraged. Jesus said, “You cannot serve two masters,” whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or some other addictive behavior (Matthew 6:24). When we become intoxicated, we serve a master other than the Lord. To choose to follow Jesus is to choose against our previous sinful patterns and way of life. Drunkards are among those who “will not inherit the kingdom of God” (I Corinthians 6:10).
The Bible is the most significant book ever composed. It is an eyewitness account of monumental historical events that literally shaped the world in which we live. Without the Bible, the Western world and a significant portion of the Eastern world would be drastically different than they are today. The Bible is unique. It is unique. No other book possesses these qualifications. No other book is even comparable. It is essential that our words and actions reflect our faith.
