Biblical parameters.
Do not exceed what is written
The Christian faith and its doctrine is built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets and Jesus Christ is the Chief Cornerstone.
There is no other foundation that can be used for doctrine and this is the teachings that we as Christians should be devoted to.
1 Corinthians 3:11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 2:20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,
Acts 2:42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.
The teachers within our Christian churches or fellowship’s, should never exceed the parameters of what the Bible teaches. If anyone goes beyond what is written, he is in danger of teaching false doctrine and would be responsible for leading others astray.
KJV 1Co 4:6 And these things, brethren, I have in a figure transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes; that ye might learn in us not to think of men above that which is written, that no one of you be puffed up for one against another.
Other translations render these words:
ESV “not to go beyond what is written”.
ISV “not to go beyond what the Scriptures say”.
Weymouth: "Nothing beyond what is written!"
What is this verse saying?
It is saying that the Bible, the Holy Scriptures are the foundation for the Christian faith. We must not base Christian doctrine on anything other than the Word of God.
No added revelation, no words of man, no words from a supposed prophet or proclaimer, no word by tongue and interpretation, vision, dream or any other kind of revelation.
Heb 1:1 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets,
Heb 1:2 Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds;
Doctrine is based on the scriptures from the Bible, the Word of God by exergesis, (examination, drawing from the Word, the truth).
One cannot exegete an experience.
If anyone comes along with an experience that seems real to that person, if it is not in concord with the Bible, it must be rejected in favour of the Word of God.
Jesus in Matthew 24 warned of many false prophets who would come in the last days.
Mat 24:4 And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.
Mat 24:5 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.
Mat 24:24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.
These prophetic words of Jesus have come true time and time again. There have been many false prophets and teachers that have deceived many and some are still deceiving many.
People that have had supposed new revelation from God.
People like Mohammad of the Islam faith, Joseph Smith of the Mormons, Charles Taze Russell of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mary Baker Eddy, Christian Science, Ellen White of the Seventh Day Adventists. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Theosophy.
There have also been many who have come claiming to be the messiah the Son of God.
From Simon Magus in the first century to Ann Lee (1736–1784), a central figure to the Shakers.
William W. Davies (1833–1906), Latter Day Saint (Mormon) schismatic leader; claimed that his infant son Arthur (born 1868) was the reincarnated Jesus Christ.
Sun Myung Moon (1920–2012), founder and leader of the Unification Church established in Seoul, South Korea, who considered himself the Second Coming of Christ, but not Jesus himself.
More recently, David Koresh (Vernon Wayne Howell) (1959–1993), leader of the Branch Davidians.
Even David Icke (born 1952), has described himself as "the son of God", and a "channel for the Christ spirit".
Sadly even in our day, there are those that claim to be apostles, that can speak new revelation. This is evident in such movements as the New Apostolic Reformation, the Word Faith Movement and the Prosperity Gospel.
We are warned in scripture that in the last days some will depart from true doctrine and teach error.
1 Tim 4:1 Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons,
This is why it is important for every Leader, Elder, Teacher or Pastor should warn the church about this work of the devil.
Our only defence against false teaching is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
The Reformers had a saying “Sola Scriptura”, Latin: by scripture alone.
Jesus tells us what the truth is in John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.
Jesus is the Word of God incarnate, the Living Word. Greek Logos.
John 14:6 I am the way, the TRUTH and the life.
The Berean’s knew this and checked everything by the Word of God.
Acts 17:11 These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.
Not Traditions of men.
Not experiences of men.
Not extra revelations by men
But! The scriptures alone.
John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.
