Expert: Clifford H. Readout, Jr. - 12/12/2004

Question
Hi Bro Clifford Readout,
Greetings in the name of Jesus. Still remember me? I am in the Singapore church Tabernacle of Joy for 4 years already. I still remember fondly the e-mails I had with you. Once again, I thank you for leading me to the truth that makes me free.
I have a NKJV bible that has a cultic logo of the Trinity. It is a triquertra which depicts the trinity. Does it mean I need to discard the bible and buy a new one?

Thanks and God bless you.

Wesley Chong
singapore

Answer
Blessings to you, Wesley!

It is nice to hear from you again. I saw Pastor Willoughby at our general conference, and he told me you were doing well. I was very pleased to hear it.

Now, to answer your question: It depends on how you think about it.

1. That geometric design doesn't have any particular spiritual power or significance. To us, it is simply a drawing of lines, and we can give them whatever meaning we want. Neither the devil or any imaginary God owns the shapes, so don't let them have them! Art and design belong to the Lord, and are for us to enjoy. We know that the doctrine of the Trinity is erroneous, but we also know none of the power of deception can rule those who know the truth. I would not think you need to discard a perfectly good Bible just because it has a particular geometric design on it. Even the image of a cross has been misused by the ignorant in times past. Their misuse does not change the image into something evil.
2. Nevertheless, you have other people to consider. What does your pastor say about it? Are others in the church bothered by the design? Are they afraid that it has some evil power? Paul made a firm defense of the Christian's righteous privilege to eat meat regardless of the fact that it had been sacrificed to idols, because we know that idols are nothing in the world. Nevertheless, he also committed himself to never eat any meat if his eating it caused another Christian to violate their conscience by following his example. If you believe it would be displeasing to the Lord for you to have that design on your Bible, then remove the design somehow. If your pastor believes it to be a problem, then remove the design somehow. If the other members of the church are fearful of it, remove it. But, Wesley, don't believe for a minute that the enemy has any power other than fear, and people give him that power over them. It isn't in the geometry, or in the geometric design. Those belong to the God who created geometry, our Lord Jesus Christ! I see no reason you should have to discard a bible just to eliminate a geometric design that is unpleasing.

Let me know if you don't fully understand this answer, Wesley.

I am proud of you, and thankful to see the blessing of the Lord in your life. Thanks for writing!

Yours for Truth,

CR