A Call to Return to the Truth
Brethren, I do not write to flatter, but to urge. I plead with you as one who has been shown mercy, who once trusted in the law and the ordinances of men, but was apprehended by the grace of God. I now write with boldness: beware the traditions of men.
For many walk no longer according to the Spirit, but according to patterns handed down without power. They uphold forms without fire. Statues without life. Commands without the Cross. They say, “This is how it has always been,” but they do not ask, “Is this of the Lord?”
1. The Word of God Is Sufficient
Let every man be found a liar if he speaks contrary to the written Word of God. For Scripture was not given to be supplemented by inventions of the flesh, nor twisted by the wisdom of this age. The Holy Spirit bears witness to the truth. Paul wrote:
“All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man or woman of God may be fully capable, equipped for every good work.”
—2 Timothy 3:16–17 (NASB)
If the Scriptures make a man fully capable, why do we reach for substitutes? Why do some add practices, rituals, or mediators that neither Jesus taught nor the apostles endorsed?
2. When Tradition Becomes a Snare
Traditions are not evil in themselves. I, too, upheld customs, celebrated feasts, and walked with zeal. But when tradition becomes a stumbling block to the gospel—when it burdens consciences, exalts men, or draws attention away from the finished work of Yeshua—it must be cast down.
“See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.”
—Colossians 2:8 (NASB)
Do not be taken captive! What is handed down by men cannot save. What is proclaimed from heaven—Christ crucified, risen, and reigning—this is the power of God.
3. One Mediator, One Lord
Some have exalted figures, relics, and sacred objects. Others have crafted elaborate systems of prayer and penance. But I testify before God and His elect angels: there is only One who intercedes, only One who atoned for sin.
“For there is one God, and one Mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself as a ransom for all.”
—1 Timothy 2:5–6a (NASB)
Every substitute is a shadow. Every tradition that bypasses the cross is a deception. We must not exchange the glory of the incorruptible God for images or patterns made by human hands.
4. Test Every Tradition by the Gospel
Do not be deceived by mere age. A tradition practiced for a thousand years is still false if it does not align with the Gospel. Test everything. Prove it by the Word. We do not preach ourselves, nor our customs—we preach Christ, and Him crucified.
“But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed!”
—Galatians 1:8 (NASB)
Beloved, hear this: you are not saved by tradition, but by grace through faith. You are not sanctified by routines, but by the Spirit. The truth sets you free—not repetition, symbols, or rituals.
5. A Better Way: Return to the Simplicity of Christ
As the serpent deceived Eve, I fear some have drifted from the simplicity and purity of devotion to the Messiah. Return to Him. Cast aside every weight, every shadow, every teaching that exalts man or diminishes the sufficiency of the cross.
Let the fire of the Spirit cleanse your worship, the blood of the Lamb purify your conscience, and the truth of the Gospel restore what tradition has obscured.
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No idol carved, no crafted rite,
Shall match the cross or pierce the night.
Tradition bows, the truth stands tall—
The Word made flesh is Lord of all.
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Closing Prayer
Lord God, we renounce the empty ways passed down without Your Spirit. Expose every tradition that exalts itself above Your Word. Cleanse us from man-made religion and lead us back to the simplicity of Christ. Open our eyes to see, our hearts to repent, and our hands to cling to You alone. Let no ritual replace our reverence, no custom replace our communion, and no tradition replace Your truth. In the name of Yeshua our Messiah, Amen.
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