Bible Readings — Bible Questions Answered

Sabbath Reform

Unacceptable Worship

What kind of worship does Christ say results from doctrines based on the commandments of men? BR-ASI9 316.5

“But in vain they do worship Me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.” Matthew 15:9. BR-ASI9 316.6

What commandment had the Pharisees made void? BR-ASI9 316.7

“God said, ‘Honour thy father and thy mother’; . . . but you say; ‘If a man says to his father or mother, “This thing is consecrated, otherwise you should have received it from me,” he shall be absolved from honouring his father’; and so you have rendered futile God’s word for the sake of your tradition.” Matthew 15:4-6, Weymouth. BR-ASI9 316.8

Note.—By a gift of property to the temple service, they taught that a man might be freed from the duties enjoined by the fifth commandment. BR-ASI9 316.9

What is true of the fifth commandment is true of every other commandment. If through tradition men set aside any other of God’s commandments, these words are equally applicable to them. They are guilty of making void the commandment of God, and of instituting vain worship. BR-ASI9 316.10