Humility and Judgment
Today, people seem to think they have the right to sit in judgment on God. Does that sound presumptuous—like something no one would ever do? Atheists do it. They find fault all the time with God's universe (although they have never demonstrated they could have created a better one). But many (even among those who claim to be Christians) do not like what the Bible has to say; so they sit in judgment upon it and change God's commandments to the way it suits them.
Let's use an illustration that all can see. The Bible teaches that stealing is wrong. It was one of the Ten Commandments God gave to Israel (Ex. 20:15). In the New Testament Paul taught, "Let him who stole steal no more" (Eph. 4:28). Now, how would we react if someone tried to justify stealing? The thief might say, "Not stealing is a good precept for the average person, but it's the way I make my living. Most of the time what I do is within the limits of the law, but I can't be concerned if I cross over the line occasionally. I have three children, a wife, and her mother to support. Without me they would not survive. Besides, it doesn't bother my conscience." Wouldn't we respond by saying, "It's still a violation of God's Word"? Someone who would take issue in this way with what the Scriptures teach lacks humility.
The same is true with those who deny the correct teaching on salvation. Despite Mark 16:16, Acts 2:38, and Acts 22:16, they say, "I just don't think you have to be baptized in order to be saved." In doing so, they are sitting in judgment on the Word of God just as much as a robber who tries to justify his actions. So is the person who says, "I like singing hymns with instrumental music." Did God authorize instruments to be used in New Testament worship? No. Did Jesus and the apostles ever sing with musical accompaniment? No. Did Jesus or His apostles ever approve or authorize the practice? No. The response to all of these points is to sit in judgment on the Word and say, "But I like it."
God did not give us the right to express our opinion. Whatever happened to the humility expressed in, "What is man that You are mindful of him?" (Ps. 8:4). God is the Creator; we are part of His creation. Why would we think God has to yield to our demands? In reality, it is quite the reverse. God cannot be called to account (as Job discovered); He calls us to account (2 Cor. 5:10). We dare not sit in judgment on the Word; rather we will be judged by it (John 12:48). Shall we stand before God in humility—or arrogance?