Is this Christian?
“I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some. “
(1st Corinthians 9:22b KJV)
The Apostle Paul discarded even his own identity and employed every means in order to “save some”. This seems a far cry from the attitude of most today who identify themselves as believers. They would ridicule those who are unwilling to subject themselves to the constraints of a given creed or confession. The knowledge of God in Christ Jesus is not sufficient to adequately identify another as a brother or sister. No, they must be a Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Calvinist, Free Grace or Arminian and they cannot be a Roman Catholic, Evangelical, Calvinist, Free Grace or Arminian. Their conversion must conform to the requirements of a given soteriology within a specified system of theology or they are not fit for service. Their baptism, their dress where they go and what they do there and even those they associate with are all critical issues. They must be only one thing to all men. This insures that by no means can they save some.
“And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. “
(Jude 1:22-23 KJV)
Compassion is a thing of the past. Reason and logic are the tools of the trade. Fear is only an emotion and we all know that an emotional response simply won’t suffice. You must fully understand and accept all the specifics, as we teach them, or you’re out. What’s that? You say you have come to the Savior because you are tired of the way you are living? You say you are hungry and thirsty for the truth? Some respond, “you can’t possibly be elect, there’s no fruit of repentance”. Others might say, “but what about eternal life? Don’t you know you need eternal life?” We all fully understand the grace of God that brings salvation and so we know that these can have no hope in Christ. We won’t waste our time with them.
“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the Scriptures daily, whether those things were so. “
(Acts 17:11 KJV)
We’ll have none of that here. What is to be known is fully contained in our creeds and our catechisms and we’ll apply ourselves to these. The scripture is only used to support them.
“But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: And whosoever of you will be the chiefest shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. “
(Mark 10:42-45 KJV)
Was it feed my sheep or rule my sheep? Hmmm…..
offered by Kc | 2/16/2008 05:21:00 AM
14 Comments:
Yes, and amen (times infinity, plus one)!
I love it when you get your panties in a bunch.
heh heh.
Wait a minute. I meant "Yes, and amen" to the content of your post, not the question in the title of your post. The answer to that one is "No, and hell no!"
: )
Scary scary stuff KC. You would have us depend solely on the word and Spirit of the Lord. You would have us find identity in Christ alone. What are you doing man?!
Reminds me of a scene from the Simpsons. As Homer, the astronaut, smashes the ant-farm in space, they fly around the cabin saying 'Freedom... horrible freedom!'
Great post.
Should I be glad to know I do not suffer alone in my frustrations??
Dorse, despite your observation on the disposition of my undergarments your enthusiasm is much appreciated! (hehe)
Glen, I too find great wisdom in many a Simpson’s episode (grin). In light of some of your wonderful teaching I think I would say we should also identify with the full community of believers.
Missy, given my knowledge and opinion of those of you that commented above I am very encouraged. ;-)
There are many today who claim the name Christian who deny salvation through penal substitution, deny the deity of Christ, affirm salvation by other religions, and deny justification by faith alone. Are you suggesting that such teachings should be tolerated and not refuted?
Wayne it’s great to have your thoughts here again!
Before I reply I want to assure you that my current post above had nothing to do with your question. I consider your question both fair and reasonable and no accusation at all! ;-)
To answer; I would never propose we accept any heresy in the Church for the sake of fellowship. Ironically I am proposing that this is exactly what has been done.
My admonition here is that we should give Christ the preeminence and recognize only His authority as the head His Church and only the authority of the scripture as the rule for faith and practice. I propose that we should only be united in the Gospel of Jesus Christ and no longer be divided because of our understanding, or misunderstanding of the scripture. In order to do this we must make a clear distinction between what is theology and what is scripture and allow for interpretive differences. I believe we should encourage theological debate within our assemblies rather than discourage it by silencing others whose present system of theology would differ from our own.
Outstanding post, Brother. This is great preaching here.
I am in agreement with you.
Preacher thanks so much. It's great to see you and Amy posting again! It's a selfish wish I know but I hope you will both have the time to continue. ;-)
Wayne thanks so much for your question. I've really enjoyed your photos, devotions and the great hymns you've been posting at your place.
Great post and comments!!!You know where I stand: It is the BODY of Christ!!!!
Susan
Ms. Susan, knowing your position on this is a great encouragment.
An encouraged yea to all of that brother.
Todd even though I responded in an Email I wanted to publicly state my appreciation for all you offer to the brethren here in the blogsphere. ;-)
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