UNITY at the Cost of TRUTH

[BOC560]

In a recent commentary article by Richard Land:

http://www.christianpost.com/article/20071012/29677_Pluralism%3A_A_Future_and_a_Hope_for_Religious_Diversity_in_the_U.S..htm

Richard Land said, “What we need today is not a return to the past, but a turning to a future that has never been: a healthy pluralism in which all views are allowed, encouraged, and respected, and in which a healthy respect for the value of religion in America’s past, present, and future permeates society.”

Perhaps you believe that is what “WE” need as a nation; to accept all religions under the big umbrella called Christianity and work together in unity.  It is not what you need or what I need as individuals however.  You might agree that turning from sin and asking Jesus into your heart saves you.

Your friend across the street might secure his salvation by a divine blessing through the apostolic lineage of Joseph Smith.  God might have predestined another neighbor for salvation before he was born.  Still another may decide that a loving God wouldn’t send anyone to a place like Hell so salvation is not even an issue.

In a pluralistic society such as you describe, we might get along famously in spite of our differences.  The problem occurs when we die.  Who was right?  Which one “made it?”  Did any of you “make it” or does it even matter whether we did or didn’t?  Certainly not to the politicians nor apparently to the Christian church leaders who refuse to take a stand for true biblical doctrine.

It makes all the difference of LIFE and DEATH to us as individuals.  While YOU may not care if I am damned for faith in false doctrine, it matters a great deal to ME!  I want to know what God expects of me and to accomplish it that I might be with Him in the hereafter and for my loved ones as well.  I even have compassion to hope that YOU would see the doctrine of our salvation and be saved from eternal torment. 

In a pluralistic society a person could express his faith in divine salvation by the following religious requirements:

A. Be a nice person.
B. Turn from sin and make Jesus the Lord of his life.
C. Seek atonement by the divine lineage of Joseph Smith.
D. God has already predestined who will (and won’t) be saved.
E. God loves everybody so nothing is required of him.
F. Attain atonement by a blessing from the priest.
G. Rely entirely upon Jesus’ sacrifice and righteousness.
H. Assure his “good” deeds outnumber his “bad” deeds.
F. There is no trinity so he must appease “Jesus only.”
G. Keep the law of Moses.
H. Keep only some of the law of Moses. (water baptism, tithe and repent often)
I. Keep the law of Moses omitting all but the 10 Commandments.
J. Ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit (he will begin speaking in an “unknown” language).
K. Pray to the saints to intercede for him to be accepted by God.
L. Ask for forgiveness, be water baptized and sealed by the Holy Spirit.
M. Ask for forgiveness, be water baptized and strive earnestly to live the “Christian Life” that he doesn’t fall from grace.
N. Ask for forgiveness, be water baptized and strive earnestly to live the “Christian Life” seeking that he might receive the “2nd Work of Grace to become perfect.
O. Pray the “Prayer of Faith” that whatsoever he asks in the name of Jesus be granted.
P. Follow his conscience and attend church regularly.
Q. Follow his conscience and express remorse for any transgressions.
R. Find a professional “holy man” to guide him into righteousness with God.
S. Come forward at a Billy Graham (or similar) crusade and receive prayer.
T. Express remorse and ask Jesus to come into his heart.
U. Work out his salvation with God by making a “deal” that is mutually acceptable.
V. Follow his conscience, do good deeds and hope that it was enough in the end.
W. Attend church on Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas and don’t kill anybody.
X. Attend “church” by placing hands on his TV and asking to be blessed.
Y. Ask at least 3 “Christians” to lay hands on him and ask God to receive him.
Z. (He can place his own salvation requirements here _______________)

Instructions:  Pick one (or any combination) of the requirements listed above.
Now, just enjoy peace, knowing God is satisfied with your selection and will honor it.  What could be simpler?  Everybody accepts each other’s religious preferences and we all get along in unity.

The BIG issue that was overlooked is “What does God have to say about all of this?”  Does anybody CARE what He says about it?  God has proclaimed that salvation comes by GRACE alone, through FAITH alone in CHRIST alone.

   13  Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
   14  Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
   15  Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.

“To employ soft words and honeyed phrases in discussing questions of everlasting importance; to deal with errors that strike at the foundations of all human hope as if they were harmless and venial mistakes; to bless where God disapproves, and to make apologies where He calls us to stand up like men and assert, though it may be the most apt method of securing popular applause in a sophistical age, is cruelty to man and treachery to heaven. Those who on such subjects attach more importance to the rules of courtesy than they do the measure of truth do not defend the citadel but betray it into the hands of its' enemies. Love for Christ, and for the souls for whom he died, will be the exact measure of our zeal in exposing the dangers by which men's souls are ensnared."  (quoted in a sermon by George Sayles Bishop, author of The Doctrines of Grace and Kindred Themes, 1910).

[Christine]

"To employ soft words and honeyed phrases in discussing questions of everlasting importance; to deal with errors that strike at the foundations of all human hope as if they were harmless and venial mistakes; to bless where God disapproves, and to make apologies where He calls us to stand up like men and assert, though it may be the most apt method of securing popular applause in a sophistical age, is cruelty to man and treachery to heaven. Those who on such subjects attach more importance to the rules of courtesy than they do the measure of truth do not defend the citadel but betray it into the hands of its' enemies. Love for Christ, and for the souls for whom he died, will be the exact measure of our zeal in exposing the dangers by which men's souls are ensnared."

Unfortunately, "soft words and honeyed phrases" having NO basis whatsoever in the scriptures "rightly divided" has become the mantra of the "PROFESSING Church" today. No wonder people scratch their heads and look so confused....

[MaricoG]

I just wanted to add...thank God that you are seeing this.  It is heartbreaking to see how many people are being taken in by this and becoming part of the "emerging" Church...the Purpose Driven etc.  To watch so many churches going down this path of ecumenicalism is incredibly sad.

[Christine]

Mari,

We have one of those disgusting "Purpose Driven" Churches right here in Crossville, and several dear friends even attend there!


It breaks my heart that folks will walk clear to the other side of the street to avoid talking about doctrine that will change their LIFE. Instead, they pour their energies into "singing" and "mission trips" and all the latest fads that come down the pike that will get those people coming in droves to THEIR church.

For what "purpose" I ask??  Is the purpose to give them the gospel that saves today? Or simply to add numbers to their tally for the week? Sometimes I wonder, I really do.

It causes me much concern when I look at the direction this Nation is headed in with regard to REAL spiritual matters. So many "playing church" instead of "studying to show themselves approved unto God, workmen that need NOT to be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of TRUTH."

Sigh....

[MaricoG]

I so agree, and it is distressing to me, that when it is posted on other sites, people get upset with those who are giving the warnings, as being negative.  sigh is right.  These people are wolves in sheeps clothing....

[Christine]

You might want to correct this website address, Mari...it isn't working, for me anyway...I agree with your post though, wholeheartedly.

Try this one....

[MaricoG]

I removed it, as I could not make it work either!  I don't know what my computer is doing lately....sheesh.

[MaricoG]

OH...I like that one!!  The one I had was a Sheep standing up...unzipping himself and then you see the huge wolf inside....

BUT...I just found out today that we are not sheep...but SAINTS.  Very interesting reading I am telling you!!

[Christine]

That's correct. If you want to call we gentiles what they called us in times PAST, we were "dogs." Woof, woof...LOL

Sheep always relate to Israel...but the big bad wolf can relate to Satan trying to fool people any time...LOL

Deception is his game, and in reality, the Bible says he appears as an angel of light, and a minister of righteousness...now THAT is scary. That means he could be standing behind a pulpit, and teaching "churchy stuff" to an unstudied person, and they wouldn't know the difference. That is, unless they study the Bible the way God told us to, and "rightly divide."

See how important it is to simply follow Gods directives? We can get in a boatload of trouble following what "sounds good" and "looks spiritual."  God tells us how to KNOW the real thing, but the unstudied are going to MISS it. It gives the saying "All that glitters is NOT gold" an entirely new perspective, doesn't it?   Wink

[MaricoG]

Well, I have been thinking about this, and talking to another Grace friend, and was reminded of what Paul told the elders in the church at Ephesus:

Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

My friend added this:  "Assuming Paul is not calling us a flock of seagulls, I can't help but think that we cannot be totally divorced from the sheep imagery because of this verse.  But you might want to ask whoever suggested that we are not sheep about this verse.  Just because I've never heard a good explanation of this verse doesn't mean one doesn't exist.  I'm open to changing my mind.  Especially since I know that overwhelmingly in the Bible the sheep are Israel."

With just a tiny extra study on my own, I also found this:

Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

So I am wondering if there is room here...or not?

[Christine]

Well, I have been thinking about this, and talking to another Grace friend, and was reminded of what Paul told the elders in the church at Ephesus:

Act 20:28  Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood.

My friend added this:  "Assuming Paul is not calling us a flock of seagulls, I can't help but think that we cannot be totally divorced from the sheep imagery because of this verse.  But you might want to ask whoever suggested that we are not sheep about this verse.  Just because I've never heard a good explanation of this verse doesn't mean one doesn't exist.  I'm open to changing my mind.  Especially since I know that overwhelmingly in the Bible the sheep are Israel."

With just a tiny extra study on my own, I also found this:

Act 20:29  For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

So I am wondering if there is room here...or not?

Keep in mind that in the book of Acts there are TWO belief systems being presented at ONE time. It is a transitional book showing Peter and the Kingdom church phasing OUT and Paul and the Body church phasing IN.

We don't get our doctrine from Acts but from the books which Paul wrote. In those books we, the church the Body of Christ are never referred to as sheep. We are a NEW CREATION which didn't exist before Paul.

That should answer your question. Paul addresses both groups in Acts, and when using the word sheep he IS referring to Israel. The little FLOCK was always in reference to "Believing Israel", and not to we who are His BODY.

This will become readily apparent and no longer an issue as you continue studying.

Good to see you studying things out...that is always commendable, sweetie. Huuuugs

[MaricoG]

Keep in mind that in the book of Acts there are TWO belief systems being presented at ONE time. It is a transitional book showing Peter and the Kingdom church phasing OUT and Paul and the Body church phasing IN.

We don't get our doctrine from Acts but from the books which Paul wrote. In those books we, the church the Body of Christ are never referred to as sheep. We are a NEW CREATION which didn't exist before Paul.

That should answer your question. Paul addresses both groups in Acts, and when using the word sheep he IS referring to Israel. The little FLOCK was always in reference to "Believing Israel", and not to we who are His BODY.

This will become readily apparent and no longer an issue as you continue studying.

Good to see you studying things out...that is always commendable, sweetie. Huuuugs

I understand and see this, but my friend also mentioned that Israel is also called saints...as in:

Deu 33:3  Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.

1Sa 2:9  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

2Ch 6:41  Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

Psa 106:16  They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.

Deu 33:2  And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.

Pro 2:8  He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

Hos 11:12  Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

There are quite a few more...but these show that God calls His people His flock as well as His saints...

I was just pondering how much of an issue this is, particularily when witnessing to a eliever about the Grace message...it seems to me there is room for both views.  Correct me if I am wrong.   

Hugs to you too!

[Christine]

I understand and see this, but my friend also mentioned that Israel is also called saints...as in:

Deu 33:3  Yea, he loved the people; all his saints are in thy hand: and they sat down at thy feet; every one shall receive of thy words.

1Sa 2:9  He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

2Ch 6:41  Now therefore arise, O LORD God, into thy resting place, thou, and the ark of thy strength: let thy priests, O LORD God, be clothed with salvation, and let thy saints rejoice in goodness.

Psa 106:16  They envied Moses also in the camp, and Aaron the saint of the LORD.

Deu 33:2  And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.

Pro 2:8  He keepeth the paths of judgment, and preserveth the way of his saints.

Hos 11:12  Ephraim compasseth me about with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit: but Judah yet ruleth with God, and is faithful with the saints.

There are quite a few more...but these show that God calls His people His flock as well as His saints...

I was just pondering how much of an issue this is, particularily when witnessing to a eliever about the Grace message...it seems to me there is room for both views.  Correct me if I am wrong.   

Hugs to you too!

No problem there.You are correct. God has KINGDOM saints, as well as BODY saints. He will one day bring all of us together as ONE in Christ Jesus. Different destinations however. Kingdom saints will inherit the earth, and BODY saints will inherit heaven.

Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

We are His BODY, a unique entity comprised of those who are indwelt by Christ. They are His Kingdom saints, who were not indwelt by God , but that God came UPON. Two programs, two different audiences with two different sets of instructions. ONE Lord.

[MaricoG]

Christine...do you think the church at Ephesus was made up of Body saints or kingdom saints?

[Christine]

Christine...do you think the church at Ephesus was made up of Body saints or kingdom saints?

The church at Ephesus in Acts had to do with the transition between Kingdom and Body. Both groups were present. If you go to to the book of Ephesians, Paul refers to us as a BODY...and never sheep.

The point in Acts is the wolves and not the sheep... wink wink 

What we need to be aware of is that when we see a word in Acts, we are NOT to be finding our DOCTRINE there, but to go where our apostle explains our doctrine which is in Romans thru Philemon.

 Look at Matthew , Mark, Luke and John to see sheep assigned to ISRAEL very clearly.

This isn't an issue to wrestle on the floor over, but we DO need to keep from fuzzing the lines that God has made clear.