Quote:
Originally Posted by Evang.Benincasa
Everyone has an opinion.
That's all they are, opinions.
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Yes, everyone has an opinion. But some opinions are valid and others are invalid.
For example, there is absolutely no BIBLICAL prohibition on beards. Therefore, the standard is extra-biblical and is a "commandment of men".
It comes down to what is TRUTH and what isn't. The TRUTH is, there is no BIBLICAL prohibition on beards. The notion is purely a man made construct.
Those with a love for truth must not allow themselves to be satisfied with the subjective logic of "everyone has an opinion" as though every opinion is equally valid. Rubbish. Some opinions are absolutely invalid. And, frankly, until one can clearly show that the Bible condemns facial hair on men, such opinions will remain invalid and evidence of man made religion and commandments of men.
The Jews were all wrapped up in this error, and though mighty highly of themselves and their traditions. However, Jesus says,
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
Even Paul speaks of legalistic commandments of men:
Colossians 2:20-23 King James Version (KJV)
20 Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
21 (Touch not; taste not; handle not;
22 Which all are to perish with the using; ) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
23 Which things have indeed a shew of wisdom in will worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body: not in any honour to the satisfying of the flesh.
Thus, the beard standard as taught in most holiness circles is as unbiblical as the veneration of saints or the Rosary. The prohibition is a human construct.
And those who truly hunger for truth, and know their Bible, can see this clearly. And as more and more people research the issue, the only one's fooled are those wanting to be fooled. And the only one's tolerant of such an unbiblical requirement for ministry or fellowship, are those who stand to gain from it in some manner.
What's true is true. And the truth is, the Bible doesn't condemn beards or facial hair. That's the truth. Either the standard is biblical, or it isn't. I was discussing this with a man years ago, just before leaving the UPCI. I asked him about it plainly, I asked, "Is the standard BIBLICAL?" He answered, "While there isn't anything in the Bible condemning beards, it is our church's position that God expects men to be clean shaven." I said, "So, are you admitting that it is the tradition of your church and that the standard isn't biblical?" He repeated himself a couple times, and ended the conversation. This is about truth. While the man clearly had an opinion and a position, it cannot be said that his opinion or his position was based on Scripture. Therefore, it is merely a tradition of man. And to teach that one's soul is in danger over a beard, or to say that one called and anointed by God shouldn't be allowed to minister is... error.
So, yes. One might have a different "opinion". But their opinion differs from the position of Scripture. Until they cough up chapter and verse illustrating the condemnation of beards, their opinion is INVALID, and is merely a tradition of man.
That being said, any accusation of a "bad attitude or spirit" on the issue cannot be leveled at the one truthfully proclaiming that the Bible holds no prohibition. For such a one is absolutely right. The only ones who can be said to have a bad attitude or spirit on the issue are those being divisive because they are clinging to an unbiblical tradition of man.
Truth shall always triumph.
Matthew 15:9
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men.
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