The Word of God Versus Traditions - Where is Our Loyalty?

 

Dr. Alexander Kurian   

 

What is a Tradition?
A tradition is a ritual, a practice or a belief passed down within a society, still maintained in the present, with origins in the past. The English word tradition is originally from the Latin word tradito, which means handing down, delivery of doctrine, or surrender. In a spiritual or religious sense, tradition refers to a body of unwritten religious precepts.

The Word "Tradition" in the New Testament
The Word tradition (paradosis) occurs thirteen times in the Greek New Testament (Matt.15:2, 3, 6; Mk. 7:3, 5, 8, 9, 13; 1 Cor.11:2; Gal.1:14; Col. 2:8; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6). Eight references are from Jesus Himself, all of which are derogatory of traditions – not useful or Scriptural. Jesus responds to the Pharisees by condemning them for their traditions (Matt.15:3, 6; Mk.7:5, 8, 9, 13) and thus negating the Word of God. These traditions are man-made ideas or practices that conflict with Scripture.

This leaves us with five other occurrences from Paul. In Gal.1:14, Paul mentions his ancestral traditions. This is a reference to the traditions of the Pharisees. Col. 2:8 is speaking of the traditions of men as contrasted against the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The other three verses use the word tradition in a positive sense (1 Cor.11:2-KJV: ordinances; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6), and it is from these verses that the Roman Catholic Church attempts to support its view that the Sacred Tradition of the Catholic Church is to be followed. But in these instances, Paul is using the word tradition as a synonym for God’s Word. Paul put in writing what he had taught them earlier. The things that were taught were the same as that were written down. The tradition spoken of is the inspired apostolic teaching (the Word of God). There is nothing in the text about continuing in or holding on to a tradition passed down from one person to another.

The Five Solas of the Reformation
The five solas (means “alone” or “only”) are five Latin phrases that articulated the five fundamental beliefs of the Protestant Reformation.

1. Sola Scriptura (by Scripture alone)
2. Sola fide (by faith alone)
3. Sola gratia (by grace alone)
4. Solus Christus or Solo Christo (through Christ alone)
5. Soli Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory)

Doctrines, Traditions, Convictions & Preferences
Many believers do not discern the differences between doctrine, tradition, conviction and personal preference/opinion. Doctrines are matters of first importance; the clear teachings of the Word of God. They are not influenced by culture or personal opinion. Doctrines are non-negotiable. And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine, and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers (Acts 2:42). All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete (mature), thoroughly equipped for every good work (2 Tim.3:16-17).

Traditions are not inherently evil or invalid. There are some good and valuable traditions. They may be influenced by culture, special situations or personal experience. Many Christians adhere to noble traditions. As long as the traditions do not conflict or contradict the Word of God, one may personally hold on to it. But these are not essentials or doctrines and should not be imposed upon others. One should not evaluate the spirituality or spiritual maturity of a Christian based on his or her adherence to traditions, however noble those traditions may be. A Christian should not be a slave to traditions and should not elevate it as doctrine. Christians are not to impose their traditions on others. Traditions are traditions of men because they did not come from God. The Pharisees wanted Jesus to validate and approve what they called the traditions of the elders (Matt.15; Mk.7). But Jesus condemned their traditions by showing that the Pharisees were guilty of cancelling out God’s Word through their tradition.

The only traditions we are required to follow as Christians were given to us by the apostles (2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6). These traditions are not the later additions or traditions that developed in the church, but the original teachings of the apostles. The apostolic traditions are the foundation of the Christian faith and life, while subsequent ecclesiastical traditions are human additions which are not binding on us. The primary tradition to which we should hold fast, are those which the apostles received through inspiration, which they taught by word or by letter. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle (2 Thess. 2:15). 

Many Christians do not discern the difference between Doctrine and Conviction, and much discord and disunity have arisen from differing convictions. Convictions are based upon Scripture, but all convictions may not be directly taught or crystal clear in the Word. Convictions include those teachings where there is Scripture that can support varying positions, or where there isn’t much clear, unequivocal Scripture, and godly men and women disagree. We must hold on to our convictions with graciousness to those who differ from it.

With preferences and personal opinions, we should have mature tolerance. There can be wide variation in this area, due to little or no Scripture to lean on. We have to make sure that the strong don’t offend the weak in faith.

Conclusion
And by this you invalidated the word of God for the sake of your tradition (Matt.15:6).

The belief that the Word of God alone is the final authority for the believer is crucial to Christian faith. One should be very careful in delving into the things of God where God has not revealed Himself. Many strange doctrines come from speculations, personal opinions, and traditions, and are pushed off on the weak-minded and biblically uneducated, much to the dishonor of the church and our impact on the world. Let us make a clear distinction between doctrine, convictions, personal opinions, preferences and speculations. Let us not separate ourselves from each other’s fellowship over doubtful disputations.

Don’t mix the Bible’s words with your words.

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