That's NOT in the Bible?
-truth about popular statements-
The Bible has affected mankind in countless ways. It is the best selling book of all time. Harvard, Yale, and Princeton once based their curriculum upon the Scriptures. For many years Webster's Dictionary predominately defined words from their usage in the King James Version. The message of the Bible has sparked wars like the Crusades, changed lives of horrible sinners like Jeffrey Dahmer, and become part of everyday speech. Phrases like "cleanliness is next to godliness" are repeated over and over as coming from the good book. But, do many of the popular sayings we attribute to the Bible actually originate from the Scriptures?
"God helps those who help themselves" is just one example of a quote that doesn't have Biblical origin. This statement was actually first made by Ben Franklin in the Poor Richard's Almanac of 1757. This isn't a bad idea, but it isn't Scriptural. How could the man on the cross next to the Savior actually help himself?
When problems plague a person the popular Christian catch phrase "this too shall pass" is often repeated. This statement can't be found in the Bible. Yes, pain is only temporary compared to the eternal glory of Heaven but you won't find this "verse" in your Bible. To read this quote, try opening the Jewish Talmud.
"Once saved, always saved" is a popular Baptist citation that isn't from the Bible either. The theology of eternal security can easily be argued as Revelation 3:5 speaks of blotting someone's name OUT of the book of eternal life. Don't be mistaken about this declaration.
Is money the root of all evil? Not according to the Scriptures. The Apostle Paul said in 1 Timothy 6:10 that the "love of money is the root of all evil." Money is a tool that can be used for good or bad. The love of money is greed. This desire to receive for self alone is indeed the force that drives all wickedness.
"A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush" is a phrase from a newspaper in 1833. And "beggars can't be choosers" was first used in a 1546 book of proverbs.
Perhaps the most used unbiblical phrase derives from a hymn written by William Cowper. He wrote that "God moves in a mysterious ways." Today, this statement is repeated over and over by believers and unbelievers alike. The truth is that the Almighty is not mysterious whatsoever. The Creator can be known and understood through His word. We are the ones with a problem of understanding the infinite. For a Bible believer, nothing about the Creator should be mysterious as EVERYTHING can be for the good. Everything that occurs is not good but can work for our benefit. Romans8:28, "And we know that all thing work together for the good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose."
Error brings more error. We delude ourselves when we erroneously attribute man's ideas for Biblical wisdom. The only way to know if what we think is in the Scriptures is to study and know the Bible. The truth of the Bible will set us free from error and misunderstandings. To learn more truth from the bible visit www.emetministries.com .
 By Daniel Rendelman
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