1. If God had said nothing what would we know?
There is enough data in Creation to know that God is.
Romans 1:20
“The eyes of both of them were opened”
Gen. 3:7
Morally accountable
Romans 1:24
We would be able to understand the social and civil outcome of sin.
Genesis 4:8

2. If God had said nothing we would not know what to do about our sins.
The details of salvation were kept secret until Christ and the Gospel.
The people knew only what God told them.
Matthew 13:17
The complete story was revealed by the apostles.
Ephesians 3:4-5
If God had said nothing we would not know what to do about our sins.

3. The sacrifices of Cain and Abel
Hebrews 11:4
“By Faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain”
Pis'-tis – “From pi- tho; persuasion, that is credence; moral conviction” (Strong)
Pi-tho – “A primary verb; to convince (by argument, true or false)” (Strong)

4. Misguided Faith comes from ignorance and believing error.
Acts 17:22
Romans 10:2-3
Saving faith – a conviction of and an obedience to truth.
Romans 16:25-26

5. AUTHORITY God alone has the right and power of rule.
I cannot know what pleases Him without Divine revelation.
2 Timothy 3: All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. (ESV)

6. Views and interpretations of the Bible
God’s complete, inerrant, and final message.
2 Peter 1:2-3
2 Peter 1:20-21
What God does not expressly condemn is allowed – The Silence Argument
Makes man the standard for authority.
If God had to say not to do everything forbidden?
Umbrella Prohibitions

7. God condemns vain or empty worship.
Matthew 15:8-9
Condemns adding to or taking away from what is written.
Revelation 22:18-19
Condemns going beyond what is written.
2 John 9
Condemns ignorant misunderstandings.
2 Peter 3:16

8. How do we establish authority?
Never by Silence
Never by Speculation
Never by Feelings
Never by our own wisdom and logic
Direct Statements or Commands
Necessary Implications
Approved Apostolic Examples

9. Direct Statements or Commands
Limited Binding Nature
Acts 13:2 the Holy Spirit said, "Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.“
Acts 8:29 The Spirit said to Philip, "Go near and overtake this chariot."
Direct Statements or Commands
The binding nature of statements and commandments
1 John 2:3-5
1 Thess. 4:1-2

10. Direct Statements or Commands
Evangelism
Matt. 28:18-20
Edification
Heb. 10:24-25
Benevolence
1 Cor. 16:1-2
Discipline
1 Cor. 5:9-11
Singing
Col. 3:16

11. Necessary Implications
A universally applied principle
Neither expressly stated nor specifically exemplified
The Resurrection
Matt. 22:29-32
Gentiles’ Baptism
Acts 10:44-48
Acts 11:15-18

12. Necessary Implications
A universally applied principle
Neither expressly stated nor specifically exemplified
Baptism of Crispus and his household
Acts 18:8
Baptism of the Philippian Jailer and his family
Acts 16:30-33