God’s Word Abused
What Are Some Things Not to Do with the Bible?
From the very beginning, Satan knew this was to be the foundation of everything–believing and obeying God. It’s not surprising, then, that we can discern a number of ways of mistreating the Word of God in the account of Satan’s attack on Adam and Eve in the garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-13).
1) We must not doubt or slander it.
“Has God indeed said…?” the devil asked (3:1), when both he and Eve know full well God had! In effect, Satan seeks to ridicule God’s Word, in the process making Him seem unfair, and casting doubt on His goodness.
2) We must not add to it.
“Nor shall you touch it…” (3:3a)–which, as far as the record shows, God had not said (cf. 2:17). Eve has begun to take Satan’s side, representing the Lord as unfairly harsh.
3) We must not subtract from (or weaken) it.
“Lest you die (3:3b, lest perhaps, in case you might). But God had said “You shall surely die” (2:17). Eve weakens the impact of God’s holy Word, implying a possible inconsistency on His part.
4) We must not reject (deny) it.
“You will not surely die” (3:4). Satan builds on Eve’s growing uncertainty, now impugning God as a liar.
5) We must not disobey it.
“She took of its fruit and ate (3:6a). Eve replaced God’s standard with her own, in essence becoming her own god.
6) We must not tempt others to disobey it.
“She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate” (3:6b). The tempted becomes the tempter, urging the devil’s ways upon another. Eve, the first missionary!
7) We must not evade responsibility for disobeying it.
“The woman whom You gave me…she gave me of the fruit….The serpent deceived me…” (3:12-13). Denying responsibility for sin stands in the way of true repentance and reconciliation. It is one more thing not to do with the Bible.