The Bible Is Controversial

(Pro 4:4 KJV)  He taught me also, and said unto me, Let thine heart retain my words: keep my commandments, and live.

In this verse we are given three controversial directions.  There are three verbs that Solomon is firing at us and they fly in the face of much modern teaching.  That teaching is based on truth but rapidly descends to the level of “traditions of the elders”.  

What are the three verbs?  First, “hold fast” (8551).  Second, “keep” (8104).  Then you have the results of the first two, “live” (2421a).  

What is the “tradition of the elders”?  It is a talking point of closet Calvinists that anyone who believes that we are to live obedient and righteous lives are pushing a “works based salvation.”  There is a way of thinking that has you earning your way into heaven.  The Pharisees and their oral traditions were on that road.  The problem is that the Bible teaches that we are to be obedient and live righteous lives.  If you read past selected proof texts from Paul you can’t avoid it.

So?  Base your salvation on the Grace of God and faith in the saving blood of Jesus.  Then keep reading and realize that we are to hang in there and keep at it.  The result is life.