Two cars approach one another, going opposite directions on a well-lit, single lane street. There is a solid wall on the right and a solid wall on the left. There is no other direction to go. Who must yield the right of way? Would it help to know that it is a one-way street? Now, which one must yield?
This is not a hard scenario to solve. Obviously, the driver going in the wrong direction must back up, turn around and go in the right direction. Once he is shown the “One Way” sign, he would have no other argument or recourse than to comply.
Similarly, two individuals may approach one another, going in opposite directions on a well-lit, single Bible doctrine. Let’s assume that there is a solid wall on the right and on the left, meaning that there is no other direction or option. One of these people is going in the right direction and the other is not. Who must yield the right of way?
This scenario, for some, may not be as easy to solve. Obviously, the Bible student going in the wrong direction must back up, turn around and go in the right direction. But, how can it be shown who is going in the right direction and who is going in the wrong direction? Bible students must pay attention to the directional (i.e., One-Way) signs that God gives in the Bible. God puts down road signs that are very clear.
God has only one truth (John 8:32; Eph. 4:5). No person has a right to alter that one truth one iota (Deut. 4:2; Gal. 1:6-9; Rev. 22:18-19). God’s truth will never contradict itself (2 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 6:18). No person should try to set one verse against another (2 Tim. 2:15). God’s ways are always right (Hos. 14:9). Man’s ways are not (Prov. 14:12). God’s doctrines are truth (John 17:17). Man’s doctrines are not (Matt. 15:8-9).
How can I know if I’m going in the right direction? How can I know if I have God’s truth on a matter, or if I’m the one who is wrong? To know God’s truth on a Bible doctrine, gather all of the relevant Scriptural evidence on that Bible subject (the “sum” of it) (Psa. 119:160). Handle it aright (2 Tim. 2:15) by putting it (and keeping it) in its original context and studying what it meant to its original recipients. Put all things to the test (1 Thess. 5:21), using clear Bible teaching as the only standard (Acts 17:11). Respect the authority of the Scriptures as final (Matt. 28:18; Col. 3:17).
The Bible was not written to have multiple meanings but only one (Matt. 21:25; Jude 3). The Bible is not a two-way street, but a one-way (narrow) street that leads to life (Matt. 7:13-14; John 14:6; 1 Tim. 2:4). Man’s doctrine will lead you in the wrong direction! Read the Bible! Respect God’s “One Way” signs! Yield to His truth in all things! Don’t be ashamed!