The Shepherds Way (TSW) ~ Eric W. King: The Philosophy of Man or Wisdom of God?

The Philosophy of Man or
Wisdom of God?

By Eric William King

What seems to be a major problem to the deeper intellectual thinkers of almost all times is the teaching that there is an absolute revelation to humanity from an absolute God. People want to have their own opinions. When I start to share the Bible with some they begin to inform me that their idea is much more enlightened than the Word of God.

In high-mindedness they try hard to show politeness by responding to me with sentences which start out like this;

“I can see how you might come to that conclusion but….”

“That is interesting but what I have found….” Etc. etc.

Perhaps they have a “Dr’s” degree in philosophy, science or even psychology (there is nothing wrong with having a great education). However, they have been drenched with concepts of fallen men and women yet, their way (so they think) is better than that of Divine Intelligence. Here in lies the problem with many younger thinkers today. But is this phenomenon new? No way! Fallen philosophers have always tried to come up with better answers than God since the Garden of Eden.

A lot of times we as Christians can just look at how some of these people (not all) are living, that says a lot. Many of these “enlightened” people are living together outside of wedlock, doing some kind of drug or drugs, cussing, gossiping, or even worshiping a pagan god. My point is; their argument against the Christian revelation is simply made by them because it points out their sin.

Many (most) humans do not like to feel that they are ultimately held accountable for their sins so escapism into the belief that extraterrestrials made us, and they are just a better us, might become their wall to hide behind. There is no God thus, live and do what you wish…you answer to nobody. This is the kind of thinking that God warns about. God says that it is this very kind of thinking which destroys civilization.

So is God correct? Yes indeed!

Divine Revelation to Humanity

The Christian Scriptures are sacred because God spoke through men and women through 1000’s of years of human history. God slowly, through our human experience of time, has revealed to us His plan through covenants (promises) that He gave and has continued to fulfill. The Christian God has confirmed the reality of His existence to us also through the fulfillment of hundreds of prophecies. The Bible was written by different people who have existed over thousands of years, and through multiple dispensations and cultures and yet the Bible is in complete harmony with itself. No other “religious” book has ever done these things.

Please understand, the Bible does not just contain “much that is true” it contains the Truth. It is not just a record of “highest concepts of righteousness” nor (again) just “much that is true”. It contains the Truth. The Christian Scriptures introduce us to the person and personality of Divine Intelligence with His creation.

Apostle Peter states, regarding the authority of Scripture;

“Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never had its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” – 2^nd Peter 1:20-21

Listen closely….

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to Your [God’s] Word.” – Psalm 119:9

The Bible informs us that it is truly God’s word containing His will. We call it “Sola Scriptura” which means “the Scriptures Alone”. We can be sure and confident that the Christian Bible is sufficient to thoroughly live by. We can also become assured of the Scriptures infallibility. Instead of following “fallen man” we are released from false knowledge and superstitious traditions of men.

We do not need to seek out any “new revelation” - the Word of God is complete. As a matter of fact, the last book of the Bible is called; “The Revelation (complete revealing) of Jesus Christ” and it ends with;

“I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book. And if anyone takes words away from this book of prophecy, God will take away from him his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.” – Revelation 22:18-19

Another very important thing to remember as true Christians is the fact that all spiritual experiences must be subject to the Bible, tested by the pure doctrine of the Word of God. No spiritual experience that a person may have is more authoritative than the Bible.

We are commanded…

“Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world.” – 1^st John 4:1

Philosophy & Christianity

As far as philosophy goes, it is true that the Apostle Paul used some of the phrases and figures of speech that the stoic philosophers used of his time but only to help find common ground in order to share the gospel. As far as indorsing human philosophy above Divine Revelation the apostle warned;

“See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world rather than on Christ.” – Colossians 2:8

To truly accept the Gospel of Jesus Christ will bring controversy into your life, for sure, but the author of the epistle of Hebrews says regarding the great patriarch Moses;

“He chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a short time.” – Hebrews 11:25

As true Christians we certainly do not wish to be mistreated nor do we purposely provoke others for the sake of being persecuted. No, the fact is that living a moral life and following Jesus Christ will automatically offend others, that’s just the way it is.

Apostle John tells us;

“They (non-Christians) are from the world and therefore speak from the viewpoint of the world, and the world listens to them. We (Christians) are from God, and whoever knows God listens to us; but whoever is not of God does not listen to us. This is how we recognize the Spirit of truth and the spirit of falsehood.” – 1^st John 4:6

Finally, all the content of the Christian Scriptures has been tested by secular records and to actual historical facts revealed by scientific research.

It is my prayer that you continue to study God’s word and visit us here at “The Shepherds Way” and the “Nugget of Truth”. Begin to find out just how awesome God’s word truly is.

Eric William King (February 15^th 2020)