Are we following the traditions of man or digging deep to discover truth found only in scripture? Are we studying to show ourselves approved unto God, a workman that need not be ashamed, RIGHTLY dividing the Word of God or swallowing and following long held beliefs while clinging tightly to traditions within the church?

Case in point: After the fire in 70 AD which destroyed the temple, the gold that lined the walls of the temple melted into the crevices of the stones. All the remaining stone walls were pulled down to get this gold. This was to fulfill what Jesus told the disciples immediately before the Olivet discourse, “I say to you, not one stone shall be left here upon another that shall not be thrown down.” Jesus’ prophecy that not one stone would be left upon another is proof that the famous mosque, the Dome of the Rock, is not built on the site of the ancient temple. Nor is it built with part of its foundation being the Western Wall (or Wailing Wall.) If all the stones were torn down this wall cannot be part of the ancient temple.

Traditions of man?

Just as Jews in the first century misunderstood the prophecies of Christ’s first coming, is the church today misunderstanding prophecies that relate to His second coming? Is the eternal destiny of millions of churchgoers hanging in the balance?


“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps. The bridegroom was a long time in coming, and they all became drowsy and fell asleep. At midnight the cry rang out: “Here’s the bridegroom! Come out to meet him!” Then all the virgins woke up and trimmed their lamps. The foolish ones said to the wise, “Give us some of your oil; our lamps are going out.” “No,” they replied, “there may not be enough for both us and you. Instead, go to those who sell oil and buy some for yourselves.” But while they were on their way to buy the oil, the bridegroom arrived. The virgins who were ready went in with him to the wedding banquet. And the door was shut. Later the others also came. “Sir! Sir!” they said. “Open the door for us!” But he replied, “I tell you the truth, I don’t know you.” Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” (Matt. 25:1-13 NIV)

Established Christian tradition is not always scripturally correct. “Take heed that no one deceive you…”

Are we following the traditions of man, or rightly dividing the Word of God?

Thanks go to the Holy Spirit who leads us into all truth, and to Nelson Walters who graciously shares hours of research for making this post possible.