See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to the tradition of men, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ. Colossians 2:8
Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 6:9-10
But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving. For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a person is an idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. Therefore do not be partners with them. Ephesians 5:3-7
In these days of “progressive Christianity”, there is more division and confusion than ever regarding what it means to be a “Christian”. With over 44,000 denominations worldwide calling themselves “Christian” with ever-varying views on what it takes to be “saved” or be a “Christian”, the world looks at the religion as weak and confusing. It is no wonder that up to 50% of American churches are dead or dying with the threat of outright closing down. The Christian Church has lost its “salt and light” by replacing the simple Gospel of Christ with modern, new ideas and programs that have little to do with the fundamental mission of the Church of Jesus Christ. When various theologies, new “revelations”, and progressive permissiveness that contradicts the scriptures become mainstream and accepted, the Spirit of God will be absent from those churches and their false teachers, preachers, or prophets.
I shock myself regarding how “fundamentalist” I have become in my return to faith in Christ. For me, “fundamentalism” is not about being legalistic about God’s law which was fulfilled by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, but it IS about not taking lightly God’s Word, the Bible, or trying to reason away God’s instructions to His followers to live holy and different lives than the world. The new liberalism in the church is killing the life-changing effects of the Gospel.
I have the unique perspective of having been deep in the trenches of this world…in its philosophies, economics, and alternative lifestyles. God allowed me to know and see a lot of worldly crud in my decades of apostasy, and while I am not proud of it I do now see that He had a purpose in all He allowed me to see and do in my straying from His ways.
It is now clearer to me than ever the difference between darkness and light, right and wrong, and false versus true spirituality. As the Holy Spirit inhabits our lives through faith, I believe He is instructing today’s remnant of true and faithful believers to be more active and confrontational in abiding by his ways and how we carry out the great commission. Jesus “calls on his followers to make disciples of and baptize all nations in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”. This call of Christ is not about cheap grace or a “sinner’s prayer”. Making disciples of others is about relationship and following strong leadership towards righteousness…not “permissiveness”.
As I currently peruse various online videos and blogs regarding the Christian faith, I see more division than unity among professed believers. On one hand, I see Christians attacking and confronting other Christians regarding theologies and lifestyles in front of the whole secular world which is not the Biblical way to confront fellow believers, while on the other hand, I see the true gospel being watered down or completely denied by other “religious leaders” and book writers. All of these views cannot be correct, and I believe the true Gospel is being marginalized by many mainstream “Christian” voices and the difference is very obvious if we are in the Bible ourselves.
We can agree with many of these “progressive” voices that the love of God and His grace covers a multitude of sins. We also must agree that “sin is sin”, whether it is lifestyles contrary to the Bible or pride of any kind…even spiritual pride. We can be happy and joyous in our faith and freedom in Christ without being boastful or proud.
The true Christian life is about our sacrifice of unconditional love for God first, then others…not prosperity or love of self. That self-love and centeredness seem to be no problem for most of us. These new-age ideas of self-love at all costs and that God’s forgiveness and salvation extend to “all good people” or “any faith of any kind” is straight from the pits of hell and seeks to destroy the full gospel of change, sacrifice, and obedience. “By their fruits you shall know them”, and these messages are really quite easy to sort out if you are in line with the Holy Spirit in reading the word of God.
More than ever, true Christians need to guard their minds and hearts against the ways and interpretations of the world, including what they call “progressive Christianity”. God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His Word will not change or pass away, nor return to Him void (empty). I truly believe a spirit-filled Christian will immediately know (divine) when someone is twisting or falsely using scripture to back up falsehoods. Our spirits can bear witness to false prophets and teachings. Today false gospels are more prolific than ever and you can find them everywhere you look…in books, blogs, songs, TV & Radio, or online sermons. For these reasons, it is more important than ever to be in the Bible constantly, “rightly dividing the word of truth”.
To that end, it is more important than ever when it comes to spiritual things to:
- Be careful whose teachings you follow or which church you attend. Not all bear the fruits or show consistent support for the NEVER changing Gospel of Christ
- Be careful what songs we sing. Many songs commonly heard in churches, the radio, or online are not based on sound Biblical theology
- Don’t be in a rush to follow or support some new teaching or interpretations of scripture. “Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). We must use a combination of rational judgment and spiritual eyes to make sure we do not follow false teachings or hopes. Anyone who comes along presenting a “new revelation” or interpretation needs to be analyzed and watched closely. Most times these people or churches need to be avoided.
Quoting a pastor friend of mine, I think one of the best litmus tests for the truth of the Gospel or theology is: “If it is new, it’s not true…and if it is true, it’s not new”. May we remain in the right fellowship with the body of believers that don’t get confused or turned aside by “new winds of doctrine”.