The "Opinion" of God

"The Bible is a very precious book.  It is the word of God.  In Hebrews 1:1,2, we have these words: 'God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son.'  It is very important to us that God has spoken by His Son, but just now I want to notice that 'God has spoken."He has spoken on many subjects, and when He speaks we ought to listen.  There are some men for whom I have very high regard, and when they speak I like to be there to hear.  What they have to say is worth hearing.  How much more so are the things that God has said.  Sometimes I think we act as though the things He has said are trivial and of little importance."[1]

In our society (39 years after this quoted text was written), we have a similar take on the “opinions” of God.  Since our society has “freedom of speech,” we have elevated our opinions to the status of “fact,” and we have downgraded truth to being a subjective interpretation.  Is God's word merely an "opinion" that may contain good advice, but no command(s)?

Often, when Scripture is quoted, it is responded to with some phrase such as “in my humble opinion,” which is generally followed by an argument far removed from Scripture.  Since when do our lowly opinions weigh as heavily as God’s truth? This is the point that Mr. Irven Lee was driving at; when God speaks, we should realize that it is more than worth listening to. 

“Our way is simply a more efficient method” and “it is similar to what we are already doing” are phrases continually utilized (or some variation of these phrases) to justify adding activities that are unauthorized to the repertoire of Christians, whether collectively or as “individuals.”  These are decisions based solely upon opinion and not upon the Scriptures.  To further accentuate the point made by Mr. Lee, consider how in 2 Samuel 7 David has decided to build a house for the Lord and Nathan, without inquiring of the Lord, tells him to do whatever is in his (David’s) heart.  Why does Nathan do so? Because he believes it to be a “good” deed, even noble.  However, God uses the phrase in the following verses: “…have I ever spoken a word…” In Hebrews 1-2, God says that He has spoken to us and has given us His word and will, but in 2 Samuel 7 He says that He has not spoken.  What principle are we to glean from this juxtaposition?

If we downgrade God’s word to the level of an opinion, add what we think is a good idea without having the proper Scriptural foundation, and proceed without inquiring of God, then we are seeking to direct our own steps (Jeremiah 10:23).  While we may think something to be a good idea in our own “humble opinion,” it will only lead us to death (Proverbs 16:25).  As illustrated numerous times throughout the Scriptures, our opinions do NOT hold as much weight as God’s truth.  Proper Biblical authority, or do not participate.

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[1] Lee, Irven.  Good Homes in a Wicked World.  Hartselle: 1976.