Great Fallacies Concerning The Bible
Life is filled with fallacies; i.e. things not true. These untruths may be in the realm of education, parenting, religion, God, etc. Consider some fallacies relating to the will of God.
The Fallacy that God’s Will is Dangerous. Some have reasoned that God’s will is dangerous—the laws of God are considered antiquated and non-authoritative. Satan has convinced man that he wiser than God; therefore, God’s will is distasteful instead of delightful and dangerous instead of safe. God’s will is an expression of God’s love and thoughts; therefore is safe, good, and a blessing to man. The Psalmist writes, “The counsel [will] of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:11). If it is the case that God’s will comes from God’s heart, then who would argue that whatever comes from God’s heart is dangerous? Only a fool!
The Fallacy that God’s Will is Distant. It is argued that none need be concerned about obeying God’s will today, but rather one’s main concern is for the things of life—education, house, homes, money, work, marriage, etc. When these have been achieved to one’s satisfaction (are we ever satisfied?), then one might consider obeying God’s will. The fallacy involves separating God’s will from being meaningful now rather than just in the future. God’s will is described as, “Your word is a lamp to my feet, and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). The verse teaches that God’s will is to direct our walk or path of life. God’s will is designed for man’s life (2 Timothy 3:16-17). To ignore God’s will with the idea of obeying tomorrow (distance) is a fallacy. It reminds me of the man driving a car and announcing to his wife and children, “We are lost, but we are making good time.”
The Fallacy that God’s Will is Divided. Some reason doing God’s will is like ordering from a mail-order catalogue. You select from God’s will whatever you like; and you omit from God’s will whatever you do not like. Romans 12:1-2 teaches us that in living holy lives acceptable to God we “prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.” I once read concerning a believer who misunderstood Romans 12:2 state in reference to these verses, “I don’t want God’s perfect will for my life, but I will settle for His good will.” God does not have a will divided three ways—good, acceptable, and perfect. God has one will and that will is “good,” “acceptable,” and “perfect.” God only wills what is best for man made in His image and after His likeness (Genesis 1:26-27).
The Fallacy that God's Will is too Difficult to Discover. As children we had little difficulty discovering what our parents wanted us to do or not to do. As we became parents, we communicated clearly our will to our children. It was not difficult for us to understand our parents will or for our children to understand our will. Just so, God does not hide His will from man nor make His will difficult for man to discover. Paul writes, “[W]hen you read, you may understand” (Ephesians 3:4). A willingness to obey God’s will results in knowing God’s will (cf. John 17:17) and is evidence we love God (John 14:15).