It seems incredible that some who profess Bible belief object to the concept of establishing and following authoritative Bible patterns, especially since the apostle wrote, “Hold fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard from me, in faith and love which are in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 1:13). They prefer a free-wheeling adaptation of the biblical text to one’s current circumstances and conditions, instead of amending one’s circumstances and conditions to harmonize with the inspired text. They certainly are not “originalists” and “textualists” when it comes to the law of Christ (Rom. 3:27; 1 Cor. 9:21; Gal. 6:2). Like the political left’s treatment of the U.S. Constitution, these religious anti-textualists are comfortable reading into the biblical text things that are not there. They are content to let human imagination direct their faith instead of the objective standard of truth, God’s word (Rom. 10:17; 2 Cor. 5:7; Jno. 8:31-32; 17:17).

A pattern for salvation. God’s power has given us “all things” that concern life and godliness “through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:3). The gospel is how God calls sinners to salvation (Mk. 16:15-16). Do you see the pattern of salvation in Mark 16:16? It must be followed by the lost to be saved. The lost soul who believes the gospel and is baptized will be saved (believes + baptized = saved). Those who do not believe are condemned in unbelief (unbelief = condemned). This is Christ’s pattern (plan) of salvation. It is God’s text, not ours. One is lost in unbelief unless he accepts and follows this gospel pattern. If you will not hold fast the gospel pattern of salvation, then we humbly conclude you do not have faith in what the Bible says. We urge you to repent now, while you can.

A pattern of good works. The inspired Scriptures completely equip the person of God to accomplish “every good work” given us by God (2 Tim. 3:16-17). The New Testament Scriptures contain God’s commands, the apostles’ examples, and the necessary implications we need to do so. If you do not believe this is so, then we humbly conclude you do not have faith in what the Bible says or in what it can do. We urge you to repent now, while you can.

Paul wrote, “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you,” and that his actions were a “pattern” to follow (Phil. 4:9; 3:17). If you reject apostolic examples as binding today, then you are failing to accept the apostles’ teaching on the matter. To reject the worthy examples of the apostles as binding today is not a faithful response to the Scriptures. Their actions guide our lives even as their teachings inform our faith (1 Thess. 4:1-2; 2 Thess. 2:15; 3:4; 1 Cor. 14:37).

A pattern of worship. Just as the law of Moses contained necessary inferences that informed Israel’s worship, the gospel of Christ does so today. While Jesus explicitly said worship must be “in spirit and truth,” some aspects of worship are necessarily implied in Scripture (Jno. 4:24). Israel necessarily inferred God meant “every” Sabbath was to be kept holy when He said, “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exo. 20:8). Further explanation made that inference clear and binding on Israel (Exo. 20:9-11). Likewise, the frequency of eating the Lord’s Supper is firmly established by a necessary inference drawn from the information given us (Acts 20:7). If the binding nature of necessarily inferences is rejected, then we humbly conclude you do not have faith in what the Bible says. We urge you to repent now, while you can.

Rejecting Bible patterns (“pattern of sound words”) ultimately leads one to remove the Bible as binding today. Many have already reached that faithless place. Are you on the path that leads there? If so, repent now, while you can.