Paul instructs us not to let myths and the traditions and rituals of others distract our attention from the central truth of the Gospel. It’s the Gospel of Jesus Christ that makes all the difference in our lives. It’s believing in Christ that sets us free and it’s “abiding” in that truth that keeps us free. After telling Titus to rebuke those who might add to, or take away from, the Gospel, he tells them not to be distracted either from this central purpose of God’s revelation. Don’t turn our attention from God’s Word to the myths, stories, and practices of others at the expense of focus on God’s Word. Our living a life of true freedom is dependent on abiding in God’s word. Our focus must be pure, undiluted by laws, undistracted by myths, and blurred by tradition. He then talks about those who’s attention is singular on Christ. He says “to the pure, all things are pure; but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”

Whenever something is added to the Gospel of Jesus Christ there is confusion and corruption. But to those who take the step of complete trust and faith in Christ, un-adulterated by any kind of works, has a certainty and a peace about their status and destiny. John intends for all believers to have this certainty when he says “I have written these things to you who believe in the Son of God, so that you will know you have eternal life.” It’s only when the complete requirements of salvation have been met can there be “purity” of faith. Jesus is the one, and the only one, who can meet that standard. When we insist on adding some ritual or practice to the saving grace of the Gospel, we open the door to confusion and corruption.

Things that keep us from acceptability with God are the things deemed as unclean. To the believer in Jesus, Paul said, “I … am persuaded by the Lord Jesus, that there is nothing unclean of itself” (Romans 14:14). Abstaining from this, or performing that, or practicing the other will neither cleanse a lost sinner nor make them acceptable to God. All external practices avail nothing for salvation. Those who live the most ascetic lives or those who live the friendliest lives are still defiled and will remain so until Jesus Christ becomes their savior. God did not send his Son to die and pay the penalty for our sins to become one of many ways to heaven. The way into Heaven is through Jesus, the door. “no one comes unto the Father, but by me.” Anyone who claims he can know God apart from Jesus is, according to this statement, a false teacher making a false profession.

Chuck
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving.” 1 Timothy 4:4