GOING BEYOND

By Charles N. Spence, Jr.

Jude 11 says, “Woe unto them! for thy have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for prophet, and perished in the gainsaying of Korah.” These three men had one thing in common; they all went beyond the revealed will of God.

In Genesis 4-.1-5, Cain went beyond the realm of faith by offering God something for which he did not ask. Abel’s offering however, was according to faith (Heb. 11.4). Faith comes by hearing God's word (Rom. 10.17). Cain went beyond the word of God, thus his worship was unacceptable.

Balaam was responsible for giving false counsel to some women so that they could seduce the men of Israel. This is mentioned in Numbers 31:15-18. Several times Balaam attempted to curse Israel at the request of Balak (Num. 22), but God had stopped Balaam from doing such. Balaam was motivated by his greed for wealth to issue such counsel. Eventually Balaam was destroyed.

Korah led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. In essence, Korah rebelled against the Lord's organization. God had determined how His people were to be governed and led. Korah, too, was consumed in his wickedness (Num. 16).

Today, God has told us in His word the manner in which we are to worship. He has revealed His will and has given to us His teaching. He has determined how He wants His church to be governed and organized. Woe! to anyone who goes beyond the will of God in regard to these matters. 2 John 9 says, “Whoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God . . ."