What Did Jesus Really Say? 

by Aubrey Belue, Jr.

Christianity is centered upon Christ. As disciples, we are committed to being “followers”, not “thinkers”. Our highest ambition should be to learn and do as He directs – not as we think, or what seems good to us. This is true for several reasons, not the least of which is the simple fact that He told us to obey Him. Because He IS our Savior, and our Head, it is both appropriate and essential for us to do so. There is a direct connection between obeying Him and divine blessings. Only in obedience do we demonstrate the attitude He demands, “Why call ye me Lord, Lord, and do not the things that I say”? (Lk 6:46)

There is nothing casual about true service and submission to Him, and if we intend to be true disciples, we must diligently determine what He said. So often we hear, “it doesn’t make any difference what you believe”, or “there are many ways to heaven”, or “one church is as good as another”, etc. – from those who claim to be His disciples. The question is: Where in all the words of Christ can such ideas be found? It is obvious that such claims have greatly eroded our concern for resting our faith in His words. Men no longer feel any urgency about the real teaching of Jesus.

What did Jesus really say about such notions as mentioned above? Well, He said, “strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, that leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it”. (Mt 7:14). He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man cometh unto the father but by Me.” (Jn 14:6). He said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him. The word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day”. (Jn 12:48). He said, “but in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrine the commandments of men….every plant that my heavenly father hath not planted shall be rooted up…” (Mt 15:7, 13) In the light of what He really said, and because we claim to be His disciples, at the very least we should not be saying the opposite! After all He has done for us, and out of our professed love for Him, we must admit that He deserves better!

Let us do Him the courtesy of not “putting words in His mouth”, and if we claim to be His disciples, let us seek to learn and follow what He really said!

 

Other Articles by Aubrey Belue, Jr.
The Exculpatory Rule
It's Not How You Feel
Two Visions of the Church
Concerning the Clarification and Other Matters