One thing that adds to the confusion many people feel concerning religion is the fact that there are many different creeds considered to be equal, or in addition, to the Bible. The word creed, defined, means "a formal statement of religious belief; a confession of faith. A system of belief, principles, opinions." How can people defend human creeds as being equal, in force and power, to the Bible?

Many years ago, Benjamin Franklin made a statement concerning human creeds: "First, any creed containing more than the Bible is objectionable, because it does contain more than the Bible. Second, any creed containing less than the Bible is objectionable, because it does contain less than the Bible. Third, any creed differing from the Bible is objectionable, because it does differ with the Bible. Fourth, any creed precisely like the Bible is useless, because we have the Bible. This covers the whole ground. There can be no other thought of. A creed must contain more than the Bible, less than the Bible, differ from it, or be precisely like it." All I can say is Amen!

God's word is His word, and He commanded that man not tamper with or change it. "You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you." {Deuteronomy 4:2} The wise man Solomon confirmed the words God gave Moses. "Do not add to His words, Lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar." {Proverbs 30:6} God made it very clear that His word was not to be altered -- at all. The one who changes or adds to that word becomes a liar! Those who have honest hearts find this easy to understand.

During New Testament times, did God's message and guidelines handed down by the Old Testament writers change? "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed." {Galatians 1:6-9} Paul rebuked the Galatian churches for turning from the true gospel to a perverted gospel. Paul's admonishment was quite forceful. If anyone, even an angel, preached something different than what they had been taught--they were not to accept it! This is exactly what men do today when they promote human creeds. They pervert the truth so it will conform to the thinking of the so-called mainstream. Man's creeds cannot improve on God's message.

"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; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book." {Revelation 22:18,19} This passage states a principle that shows the terrible consequences of accepting creeds in place of the Bible. The thought of having one's name removed from the book of life is indeed sobering. Could following and accepting human creeds be worth losing one's soul? It doesn't sound like much of a bargain!

During the Restoration Period, the main thrust was on bringing men back to the Bible. A popular slogan of the day was: "we must speak where the Bible speaks, and remain silent where the Bible is silent." This statement, made by Thomas Campbell, was not new. In 1 Peter 4:11, Peter wrote: "If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God. If anyone ministers, let him do it as with the ability which God supplies, that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever." Human creeds brought religious division and took men far away from God. Does anyone truly believe this scene is not being played out again today? How can the unity for which our Lord prayed become reality in the world? Human creeds cannot bring men closer to true Bible unity, but determination to accept nothing but a "thus saith the Lord" will! Dear readers, you must choose between the two -- human creeds or God's word. I've made my choice -- Give me the Bible!"