1. It is not of faith. A pleasing relationship with God begins with and is based upon our faith (Heb. 11:6). We are to walk by faith (2 Cor. 5:7). "So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God" (Rom. 10:17), not from our opinions, desires, feelings, think-so's, or beliefs handed down from our loved ones.
2. It was not taught or commanded by Christ. The apostles were commissioned to "go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matt. 28:19-20). These apostles were guided by the Holy Spirit as He revealed all truth to them (John 16:12-13). The doctrine of Christ has been delivered in its entirety (Jude 3). No truth or command that was taught by Christ has been left out of the Bible.
3. It is not a good work. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17). If it is a good work, it will be revealed in the Bible. If it is not authorized in Scripture, it is not a good work.
4. It goes beyond what is written. Paul warned the Corinthians "not to think beyond what is written" (1 Cor. 4:6). The Bible provides a needed boundary for us. It sets limitations and restrictions to which we must adhere if we are going to enjoy fellowship with God. To go beyond these limitations is to transgress the doctrine of Christ and to be without God (2 John 9).
5. It is another gospel. Paul was amazed that the Galatian Christians were departing from Christ to accept a different gospel (Gal. 1:6-9). Many people today bring messages that are different from the plain teaching of the New Testament. Those who do so are cursed by God because they pervert the pure gospel of Jesus Christ and teach things which will ensnare hearts in error and condemn souls to Hell.
6. It results in vain worship. God will not accept just any kind of worship (John 4:23-24). God has always prescribed the way He wants His people to worship Him. When we set aside the worship set forth in the New Testament for our own preferences and desires, our worship is not accepted by God. It becomes vain, empty, or worthless. "And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men" (Matt. 15:9).
7. It is not according to the oracles of God. Peter says we are to speak as the oracles of God (1 Pet. 4:11). The word "oracles" is translated from the Greek word logia, which was originally used to refer to sayings that originated from a divine source. One who teaches or preaches must be careful to do so as the oracles of God state. There is no room for opinions, speculations, or traditions of men in the establishment of our beliefs and service unto God.
8. It adds to the word of God. The Bible warns that we are not to add to God's word. Doing so will render us unable to keep God's commandments (Deut. 4:2), will cause us to be rebuked by God (Prov. 30:6), and will cause us to receive punishment from God. "For I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book" (Rev. 22:18).
Having established these truths, let's make the application to things like instrumental music in the worship of the church, women preachers, churches observing religious holidays and celebrations, infant baptism, church sponsored meals and recreation, same-sex marriages, etc. These practices cannot be found in the Bible. We have no authority to engage in any practice that cannot be found in the Bible. Let us learn to be content with the Word of God and abide within the confines of its precepts. This is the only safe path for us to follow.