Pick and Choose

All Scripture is inspired by God…2 Timothy 3:16

This means we are not allowed to pick and choose which verses we accept and which we reject. The Scriptures are the word of God; God-breathed. The same Bible that taught us we were sinners introduced us to our Savior. The same verse which speaks of “the law of God” also speaks of “the law of sin.” Romans 7:25. The law of God exists because of who God is. The law of sin and death exists because of who man is. Which caused Paul to write: I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, with the mind I myself sever the law of God, but with the flesh. Romans 7:25.

Jesus taught us the same truth. If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. John 8:31-32. Therefore, the opposite is also true. If we reject the words of Jesus, we remain enslaved. Truth sets us free. Lies keep us prisoners. Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed, John 8:36. There is no middle ground. There is no “almost free.” 

For this reason, Jesus sent the Holy Spirit; the Helper, John 14:26. But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. The promise of the Holy Spirit underscores how important the words of Jesus are. 

The Jews of Jesus’ day were taught to honor all of Scripture; the law and the prophets, Matthew 7:12, 22:40 and Luke 16:16. They taught their children to obey the Tanakh. Tanakh is an acronym for the three parts of Scripture. The Torah; the Nevi’im and the Ketuvim (T-N-K). The Torah encompasses all the instructions given by God through Moses; the first five books of Scripture. The Nevi’im includes the scrolls of the prophets. The Ketuvim consists of ‘the writings.’ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 2 Timothy 3:16. We have not been given permission to pick and choose.