We are going to review how the word NULLIFY is such a powerful word when examined through scripture. To examine the power characteristic of NULLIFY, please consider some of its synonyms: abolish; delete; obliterate; expunge; revoke; rescind; and perhaps the strongest, invalidate. These are obviously the opposite of confirmation and perpetuating.
The source usage is Jesus Himself: “This means that for the sake of your tradition, you have nullified God’s word” (Matthew 15:6 as used in the NIV and NAB Bibles). The NKJV declares the same truth with, “Thus, you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition.”
Far from being used in the ancient scriptures, there is another aspect to Nullify, and that is the traditions that were added to church teachings after the church was formed on Pentecost. This is a real trap; but, fortunately, the Holy Spirit has revealed the problem and warned us in at least two occasions. “You shall not add to the word which I command you, nor take from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God which I commanded you” (Deuteronomy 4:2). And, “If anyone adds to these things, God will add to him the plagues that are written in this book; and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city and from the things which are written in this book” ( Revelation 22:18-19).
Can it be any clearer? Do not mess with the inspired Word of God! Summary: revealed scriptures are just that; don’t add nor subtract.
Why is God so adamant about not enhancing His word with modern thoughts? The reason is that the scriptures are complete in themselves. The scriptures provide a personal as well as a uniform history of mankind that, when followed, clearly establish a peaceful, sinless life. The widespread modern cry is, “What is going on; everything seems to be changing.” Anyone saying this has missed the many forecasts about the End times. Let’s begin to examine some examples that have nullified the Word of God.
GOD’S CONSTANCY
The first example has been noteworthy for centuries as it erroneously proclaims that all the promises to Abraham and the Israeli are no longer valid. They cite that since the Jews refused Jesus, all the promises belong to the church. This is called Replacement Theology which gives it a different aura as though it is replacing a former problem area. The opposite is the truth. In fact, the title could be the poster for nullifying the Word of God. The bottom line of the proposition is that all the prophecies and promises given to Israel now refer to the church. What is forgotten is that the promise to Abraham was unilateral – read that as one-sided. It was God Himself who gave the promises to Abraham. Remember that blessings will be given to those who bless Israel and curses to those who curse Israel (Genesis 12:1-3).
Earlier in this work, we saw the admonition to not tamper with the Word of God. Replacement Theology actually faults God’s exact, personal words to Abraham.
We are now going to examine more nullifications of God’s word. Let’s start with Paul standing among statues in Athens. He commented, “I even discovered an altar inscribed, ‘To a God Unknown’” (Acts 17:23). He then revealed the one true God. In 2020, the Vatican organized a day of prayer for all religious denominations to pray to their own god for the pestilence to cease. While both New and Old Testament scriptures demonstrate there is only one God, this prayer from Rome seemingly relates approval to many gods like the Greek/Roman empires.
What is there to not understand? “I am the first and I am the last; there is no God but me” (Isaiah 44:6-7). Later, Jesus was quite specific to stress that there is only one God by stating, “I am the way, the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me” (John 14:6). Curiously, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) states, “The plan of salvation also includes those who acknowledge the Creator, in the first place amongst whom are the Muslims; these profess to hold the faith of Abraham, and together with us they adore the one, merciful God, mankind’s judge on the last day” (paragraph 841). Does this equate Jesus with Allah?
Addressing the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus commented, “Why do you for your part act contrary to the commandment of God for your tradition? … This means that for the sake of your tradition, you have nullified God’s word” (Matthew 15:3-6). The Vatican equates Tradition as also being divinely inspired like the Word of God.
RAMPANT SEXUALITY
That modern sexuality is excessive and menacing is constantly evident in all the media. The assertion that love is gender-free doesn’t jive with Genesis that God created them male and female. Furthermore, any gender doubt can be settled with a mirror.
If LBGTQ is the question, the answer is found throughout scripture: Romans 1:26-28; Leviticus 18:22; Leviticus 20:13; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
THE ACTIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT
Next is a mystery. In Corinthians 12:1 Paul says, “Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I do not want you to be ignorant.” He then lists the nine spiritual gifts. While Christian churches celebrate Pentecost, most people do not know the gifts that were given by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, as they are not spoken of by modern clergy. The CCC enhances this ignorance by merely stating, “There are special graces, also called charisms. Whatever their character, sometimes it is extraordinary such as the gift of miracles or of tongues” (par. 2003).
Under the paragraph heading: The Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, the CCC informs us “The seven gifts of the Holy Spirit are wisdom; understanding; counsel; fortitude, knowledge; piety; and fear of the Lord” (par. 1831 & 1845).
The CCC then lists the twelve Fruits of the Spirit: Charity; joy; peace; patience; kindness; goodness; generosity; gentleness; faithfulness; modesty; self-control; chastity” (par. 1832). Contrast these with Paul’s listing of the nine fruit of the Spirit as love, joy, peace, patient endurance, kindness, generosity, faith, mildness, and chastity (Galatians 5:22-23).
The text above is verbatim from the CCC, listing twelve fruits and The New American Bible (Catholic) listing nine fruit of the Spirit. The NKJV lists the same nine fruit of the Spirit. Notice the difference: Fruits and Fruit of the Spirit. If you are confused, consider that the catechism is the word of man while the Bible is the Word of God.
Now let’s return to other words being nullified. This seems an impossible task, for a look-see of the culture today is an encyclopedia of sin. We will start with beautiful little children.
The Abuse of Children
Jesus reprimanded the apostles when He welcomed the children against the adult wishes. In 2020 we read about the Epstein usage of children for sexual gratification. Two thousand years ago, Jesus proclaimed the future for those we now call pedophiles regardless of them being ordinary folks, modern clergy, or so-called elites. He said, “It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea than he should offend one of these little ones” (Luke 17:2) and, “See that you never despise one of these little ones” (Matthew 18:10).
Another aspect of child degradation is the advent of Drag Queens representing confusion in school for the little ones. This is the gender question. It was God Himself who created man and woman. The modern thought that the little ones could be gender confused is abominable. How can an adolescent child, whose brain is not mature until years later, wonder if they were really supposed to be the other gender? Even worse are the brainless parents who approve a sex change because of the child’s pestering them.
THE SUMMARY
Perhaps some Christians have unknowingly nullified God’s Word by questioning their salvation or heavenly reward. A loving Savior knew this and inspired John to write the following: “I have written this to you to make you realize that you possess eternal life, you who believe in the name of the Son of God” (1 John 5:13).