SILENCE

SILENCE is essential in communication, whether in our everyday speech or in Bible language. Imagine you received a wedding invitation: “Come June 24, 2011, at 7 pm at the home of John Smith.” The date, place and time are specified. You did not need a list of all other dates, places and times NOT to come, for you know all others not specified are NOT included. Silence excluded them all. If mom tells Johnny to go to the store and buy a loaf of bread, her specifying bread eliminated candy and ice cream. Many illustrations could be used. In the Bible, the same principle of silence must be recognized. King Saul disobeyed God by offering animal sacrifice (I Sam 13:13), because “sons of Aaron the priest” are to offer sacrifices (Lev 1:7) and Saul was not of that family. He sinned (Heb 7:13-14): the Bible said nothing about others offering sacrifices. He was punished severely. Hundreds of examples could be given, like Lev. 10:1 and I Chron 15:13 and 2 Kings 5. When God said eat bread and drink the cup in the Lord’s Supper (I Cor 11:23-29), we do not require a list of things NOT to eat. He said sing in worship (Eph 5:19) we dare not play an instrument or clap in rhythm or do holy dancing. Ask for free booklet.

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