No patriotic American alive would probably forget September 11, 2001. On that fateful day, nefarious and religiously zealous criminals deliberately flew hijacked airplanes into the world trade center resulting in the death of thousands of Americans. Many mourned as debris was removed and their loved ones were found beneath the ashes. When all the dust had settled, body bags were counted and diplomacy had ended over three thousands innocent people lost their lives. In the days that followed, many pondered the reality of the situation. How could humans be so cold and calculating? What was the cause of this tragedy? Fortunately, Brad Scott answers these questions by stating, “Losing the conviction that they are made in the image of God, people will tend to treat each other as animals or machines. People are what they believe.”[1]
As insane and inhumane as this tragedy was, equally horrendous are persons who claims that tolerance and compromise must be practiced in order for there to be peace. Therefore this post will present a biblical case for absolutism. In other words, there are some things that are not left to the dictates of man because they have already been mandated by God.
In this postmodern society where one has to be politically correct, the banner reads; “everything is relative.” It is deemed incorrect and judgmental to tell someone that their view is wrong. The culture vehemently opposes the “either/or" thinking while they accept “both/and.” Inclusiveness is the name of the game because everyone needs to tolerate and if needs be to compromise their convictions so that people will feel accepted. This view is called relativity and it stands in stark contrast to what the Bible teaches. However, the majority who practices this philosophy have no regard for God or His word. Therefore, what should be the Christian’s response? Should Christians meet them at the crossroads and forget the differences that may exist in order for there to be peace? What would Jesus do, some even ask?
Undoubtedly, the real question should read, what did Jesus say? Jesus said; “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the father, but by me” (Jn. 14:6). Jesus said, "except a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (Jn. 3:3). The apostle Paul writing under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit firmly affirms, “have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Eph. 5:11). Christianity is an exclusive religion and Jesus attest to that fact. Believers should not put down their Bibles and take up their pens when discussing truth with unbelievers. Diplomacy would not convert this world. Commenting on this issue, John MacArthur in his book, Why One Way wrote, “Biblical truth is to be proclaimed with authority, not put on the table for discussion as just one possible alternative to other points of view.”[2] There would always exist irreconcilable differences between biblical Christianity and the world. MacArthur further continues, “This should be seen as combat, not a conversation.”[3]
Dexter Kirby
[1] Scott, Brad. Streams of Confusion. P268
[2] MacArthur, John. Why One Way. P54
[3] Ibid. p54
Biblical Absolutism (1)
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4 comments:
It's funny. I was just reading Isaiah 43:10-12: "...Before Me there was no God formed, and there will be none after Me. I, even I, am the LORD, and there is no savior besides Me. It is I who have declared and saved and proclaimed." It seems that the idea of exclusivism was around even 2,700 years ago.
This post is a challenge for all Christians to stand for truth and not concede to people's feelings. God's Word was meant to step on toes. It was Peter that refers to Christ as "a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense" (1 Peter 2:8).
I love your line, "Believers should not put down their Bibles and take up their pens when discussing truth with unbelievers. Diplomacy would not convert this world." That is exactly right, yet we often resort to diplomacy. This has gone on for so long that when a Christian speaks out, the label that is pinned on him/her is a "radical." Keep it up, Dex.
Interesting blog. In view of the passages found in 2 Peter and Jude that say that in the end times people are going to be making fun of the gospel and sound doctrine, do you believe that there is a chance to change this generation around or do you believe that the church just has to tread water, so to speak?
Thanks for your comment. I believe the Bible teaches a pessimistic theology. By this I mean that things will not get better. In fact, Paul warned Timothy to do as much as he can in a short time because perilous times are coming (2 Tim 3). Therefore unbelievers would not start gravitating towards God in masses as in the days of Moody and Spurgeon.
As for the Church, we must continue to preach the gospel. Sadly the great commission has now been called the great omission. Nonetheless, it is incumbent on every believer to walk circumspectly and preach about the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.
Dexter, I would take issue somewhat with a pessimistic theology. I might tend to think of a pessimistic eschatology, but not a pessimistic soteriology. I believe there is still power enough in the gospel to bring the world under a revival.
A question for you that is somewhat related - is the great apostasy and decline of the Gospel a cause or effect of the end times? In other words, does the end times come about b/c the world is getting bad, or is the world getting bad b/c the end times are here? What do you think?
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