
Tradition: Is It A Good Thing In Religion?
The word tradition simply means that which has been handed down. The traditions approved of in the Bible are those teachings which were handled down to Christians by the Apostles (2 Thessalonians 2:15), and all such teachings are found in the New Testament (Jude 3; 2 Peter 1:3; John 16:13; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). 2. But we run into a problem when purely human traditions are added to Christianity. The Bible contains many warnings about adding to the revelation which God has given man (Galatians 1:6-9; 2 John 9; Revelation 22:18-19). 3. Neither are we left wondering how God feels when human traditions are placed alongside of His commandments. When the Son of God came to this earth He specifically rebuked people who had added human traditions to the Divinely approved religion (Matthew 15:1-9; Mark 7:1-13). He said that such a combination makes our worship worthless. Let us make sure that what we are doing and saying in the name of God is supported by book, chapter and verse—before we practice it.
