Elevating Tradition Equal to Scripture
— A Biblical Examination Mark 7:13 (KJV)
“Making the word of God of none effect through your tradition, which ye have delivered: and many such like things do ye.”
Jesus rebuked the religious leaders for placing human tradition on the same level—or even above—the Word of God. By doing so, they nullified the authority and effect of Scripture. The passage makes clear that any tradition which contradicts or overrides God’s Word is to be rejected.
Context of Mark 7
Mark 7:6–9 (KJV)
“He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men… And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”
Jesus condemned the practice of elevating man-made traditions over divine commands. This results in vain worship and the rejection of God's authority.
Scripture Is the Final Authority
2 Timothy 3:16–17 (KJV)
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Scripture is the God-breathed standard for doctrine and spiritual life. Nothing else is given the same authority.
Proverbs 30:5–6 (KJV)
“Every word of God is pure… Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”
Human additions to God’s Word are warned against. Scripture stands complete and sufficient.
Tradition That Contradicts Scripture Must Be Rejected
Colossians 2:8 (KJV)
“Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.”
Believers are warned not to be led astray by human tradition or worldly philosophy that is not founded upon Christ and His Word.
Summary of Key Passages
| Topic | Scripture Reference | Biblical Teaching |
|---|---|---|
| Tradition nullifying Scripture | Mark 7:13 | Human tradition can render God’s Word ineffective |
| Reproof of man-made doctrines | Mark 7:6–9 | Doctrines of men are vain and lead to false worship |
| Scripture as sole authority | 2 Timothy 3:16–17 | All doctrine must be based on Scripture |
| Warning against adding to God's Word | Proverbs 30:5–6 | God's Word must not be altered or added to |
| Human tradition is dangerous | Colossians 2:8 | Tradition not based on Christ leads to spiritual deception |
Conclusion
The Bible warns against placing human tradition on the same level as God’s Word. Jesus condemned such practices as making the Word of God of none effect. Scripture alone is the inspired and sufficient authority for doctrine and life. Any tradition that contradicts or overrides Scripture is to be rejected.