We in the church of Christ have said through the years and continue to say, "We speak where the Bible speaks and are silent where the Bible is silent." It seems to me that this expression is based on Scripture. For example, we read, "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them" (Isa. 8:20). Peter wrote, "But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear" (1 Pet. 3:15). Where is that reason to come from? Peter gives answer to that question, "If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God..." (1 Pet. 4:11). God has never allowed men to add to His Word nor to take from it. This was true in the Old Testament as well as the New Testament. Let us look at a few passages which plainly teach this principle. "Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I command you" (Deut. 4:2). "What thing soever I command you, observe to do it: thou shalt not add thereto, nor diminish from it" (Deut. 12:32). "...If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book" (Rev. 22:18-19). I cannot see how words could be any plainer, yet in view of such passages, there are those who think nothing of adding to or taking from God's Word as it suits them. John wrote, "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son" (2 Jno. 9). Jude tells us that we are to "...earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" (Jude 3). It is sad that many (even in the Lord's church) are contending against the faith rather than for it.

While "aids" and "expedients" are often implied in the teaching of God's Word, additions are condemned. We must be able to differentiate between what is allowed and what is condemned. Far too many do not know the difference.

The principle that we are discussing in this study can be illustrated by taking a look at the building of the ark (Genesis 6). God specified that the ark was to be built of "gopher wood." He gave precise dimensions for the ark as to its size-it was to have three stories, one door, and one window. These were specific instructions, and we learn that Noah obeyed "all" of them (Gen. 6:22). In the process of building the ark, we are not told what tools Noah used, nor what animals he might have used, etc. This was left to his own discretion. Aids are left to human judgment-human wisdom. There are really two realms involved in this story and in anything that involves our obedience to God. There is what can be called "common sense" (in this case the tools, etc.) and what we can call "revealed sense" (the size, wood, etc.). Revealed sense is what God specifies.

Let us look at some possible additions that Noah could have made. Suppose he had used pine wood, had put in two windows, or two doors, etc. Would he have been obeying God's instructions? Certainly not. These additions or substitutions would not be in the realm of aids, but in the realm of additions. Aids may be changed-may vary-but God's Word must be strictly obeyed! If what is being done is unauthorized, the way it is done, the aids, the method, etc. is not implied. Let us apply the principle that has been seen in looking at Noah and the ark to some things that are to be done today. For example we are told to assemble (Heb. 10:25; Acts 20:7). We are not told where to assemble, but the very fact that we are to assemble implies a place. We can rent a place to assemble, we can lease a place to assemble, or we can own a place to assemble. The place where we assemble is but an aid in carrying out the command to assemble. Lights, seats, songbooks, etc. are aids in carrying out the command to worship. A baptistry is an aid in carrying out the command to baptize. There must be enough water to immerse (bury) a person in, but the place is left up to man. It can be a pond, a river, a creek, etc. The place does not matter, but the action and the purpose does matter. We do not have a right to make a law governing the place where one is to be baptized.

We are told to sing (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16). The command to sing excludes the playing of musical instruments. Singing is one thing and playing instruments is another thing. Playing is excluded in the same way that "gopher wood" excluded any other kind of wood. Some contend that an instrument is but an aid. It cannot be an aid to singing, because it is another kind of music. Some try to argue that an instrument is just as much an aid as is a song book, lights, etc. However, their argument is not valid. When we use a song book and lights to see the song book, we are simply doing what God commands that we do-we are singing. A piano or an organ is an aid alright-they aid people in disobeying God. Let me illustrate in a way that all of us can surely understand. A walking stick or cane can aid a person in walking. However, a bicycle, or an automobile cannot be an aid to walking. Why? because they are means of transportation themselves. When one is walking he is not riding and when one is riding he is not walking.

The principle already stated can be applied to the Lord's Supper. We are to have the fruit of the vine and unleavened bread. In carrying out the command to observe the Lord's Supper we can use plates for the bread and trays for the fruit of the vine. These are but aids in carrying out the command. Some have tried to bind that only one cup is to be used. There is no Scriptural basis for this contention. We do not drink the cup, but the contents of the cup. However, we cannot add biscuits and jelly to the Lord's Supper and contend that these are aids. These things would be additions.

We are told to teach and what to teach, but not how to teach. We can use radio, television, tracts, charts, blackboards, etc. and all that we are doing is teaching. These are aids in carrying out the command to teach.

Concerning the collection, we are told when to give (the first day of the week) and how to give (as we purpose in our heart) but we are not told how the contribution is to be taken up. I knew a man one time who would not put money in the collection plate as it was passed. He felt that the collection plate should be left on the "communion table" and everyone was to pass by and drop their money in it. He would go up after service and drop his contribution in the plate. He never caused any trouble over the matter. However, God did not specify how the collection was to be taken. If He had, it would have to be done in that way and in no other. I hope that this study will help us to see the difference in aids and additions. Aids we can use-additions we cannot use.

...Virgil L. Hale