A Convenient Doctrine    
 

by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr.

 

The doctrine that the Holy Spirit in the Christian directly guides his steps or directly “speaks to his heart” on a day to day basis is becoming more and more popular among professed Christians. By “directly” I mean other than indirectly that is that of getting the Spirit’s word through a study the Scriptures. It is a false doctrine, not taught in the Bible. It is also a very CONVENIENT doctrine.  1. It takes away the need to diligently search the Scripture for guidance – just listen to what the Spirit is saying to the heart. 2. It provides one with the assurance(?) that about anything he really wishes to do is right – after all, that urge that he feels must be coming from the Holy Spirit. 3. It relieves one of the burden of having to wrestle with making the right choices – the Holy Spirit will guide him to the right way. 4. It relieves one of having to give objective evidence to his critics for his course of action – he can just claim that he doesn’t need objective evidence because he has the Spirit in his heart guiding him. 5. It give him an “out” in explaining any weird thing that he might do – he was just following the urging of the Spirit. 6. It can give one an excuse for “unity in diversity” – after all the Spirit in each one will surely guide him in the best course for HIM. Without a common objective standard, then who is to say that another is wrong when he is following what the Spirit in HIM is saying. This can also explain why different people claiming to be directly guided by the Holy Spirit can contradict one another and still be right. Yes, convenient, indeed. But it is not right. The Scriptures, inspired of God (Holy Spirit) comprises the complete guide for the Christian (2 Tim. 3:16-17), completely furnishing him unto every good work. He needs to look to the apostles doctrine (N.T. Scriptures) for guidance and not to feelings, hunches, etc. that he can attribute to the Spirit’s guidance in his heart.       Other Articles by Edward O. Bragwell, Sr. Cutting Wood and Restoring N. T. Christianity About Christians Feeling Unworthy and Undone Holding a Church Hostage What Can God do? Undercover Agents for Christ Reformation or Transformation? Be Careful With the Blame Game Is Unrestricted Loyalty a Virtue? A New Dogma How to Raise a Heartache The Right Baptism Standing Alone       For Past Auburn Beacons go to: www.aubeacon.com/Bulletins.htm   Anyone can join the mailing list for the Auburn Beacon! Send your request to: larryrouse@aubeacon.com