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By Dean Kelly
Guest Columnist

Through the years I have heard someone say something like this, “God said it, I believe it, that settles it!” While I understand the sentiment, I believe that this is an incorrect statement. In it you have two statements that are of equal force in the argument: “God said it”, and “I believe it”. The way the statement is formed it makes both parts necessary to bring about the conclusion “that settles it.”

The more accurate statement would be, “God said it, that settles it, therefore I believe it.” What God says is settled and sure, whether I believe it or not.

The Psalmist said, “Forever, O Lord, Your word is settled in heaven” (Psalms 119:89). Paul the Apostle wrote, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). The Apostle Peter said, “If anyone speaks, let him speak as the oracles of God” (1 Peter 4:11).  James, the Lord’s physical brother, makes this inspired statement, “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves” (James 1:21-22)

The Lord Himself says, “Not everyone who says to Me, “Lord, Lord,” shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 7:21). God has always expressed His will to humanity. The writer of the book of Hebrews states, “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds” (Hebrews 1:1-2).  On the mount of transfiguration Moses and Elijah appeared with Jesus. They disappeared from sight and the voice of God said, “This is My beloved Son, Hear Him!” (Luke 9:25).

God said it, and He settled it at the cross. We must meet Him there.

Dean Kelly is minister at Highland Home Church of Christ.