Are we following tradition or the Scriptures?
Jesus said to the Pharisees, “Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written
In addition, he said unto them, ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition. Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many suck like things do ye.” Mark 7:6-9, 13.
In verse 8 there is a sharp contrast made between “the commandment of God” and “the tradition of men.” This same contrast is found again, in verse 9, “the commandment of God” versus “your own tradition.” Also, it is found in verse 13 where Jesus makes the contrast that they had made “the word of God of none effect.” How? They had passed down their traditions to the people. Jesus quotes from Isaiah and makes the application to them saying that Isaiah was right when he spoke of “you hypocrites.” Hypocrites are those who“pretend.” They were pretending to honor Jesus but Jesus said that they were giving lip-service, that is to say, they were honoring Him with their words. However, Jesus states, “but their heart is far from me.” How could this be? Theywere following “traditions!” Their hearts were following the wrong things whereas
Some today are saying that we are “following the traditions of our parents and grandparents in the church of Christ.” That is a strong accusation! If the accusation is true, then that means that our parents and grandparents who taught the same plan of salvation, the same way to worship God and how that it is to be conducted that we still do have set aside, done away with, the commandment of God. It also means that they and we have rendered void and deprived the force and authority of the word of God. Where will our parents and grandparents stand with God on judgment day? It is with sadness that some of the same folks say we are “too judgmental.” By stating that we are, “following the traditions of our parents and grandparents in the church of Christ” is passing judgment upon those who have in times past spoken “as the oracles of God.” 1 Peter 4:11. If what they did and taught us to do is not the commandment of God then they were “hypocrites” that is they were “pretenders.” They have been condemned and if we continue to follow our parent’s and grandparent’s “tradition” we also will be condemned. That is the conclusion of their argument!
Jesus said, “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”John 7:24. Our Lord also said, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth