Basic Controversies

Every Wednesday we’ll post a message having to do with doctrine and purity. Hope it helps.

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Basic Controversies

We shouldn’t be surprised when truth is muddied in this decaying fallen world. It’s under dark influences (Ephesians 2:2) and is, according to John, by its nature contrary to the Father’s nature and purposes. (I John 2:16) But when truth is unknown, avoided, or revised within the Church, (which is appointed as light; its leaders appointed as stewards of truth per I Corinthians 4:1) then we should fear.

To this layman, it seems four basic truths are in fact either not known among many believers, or avoided because of the offense they may cause, or are under construction in the interest of “new and improved truth.” Now, let me be the first to admit some parts of scripture are difficult, allowing room for interpretations and gracious “that’s your opinion; here’s mine” attitudes. But the doctrines I’m concerned about are basic, though controversial these days. We ignore, avoid or revise them at our peril, and “peril” isn’t not too strong a term for a church unable or unwilling to steward truth. The Sinful Nature of Humanity (this post), The Exclusivity of Christ, The Existence of Hell, and The Definition of the Family are, to my thinking, essentials of the faith. Over the next few weeks, on Wednesday postings, I’d like to re-visit each of these four.

The Sinful Nature of Humanity

No names here, OK? I’ve no interest in singling out any particular author or speaker, but please give this some thought: When you go to a bookstore and scan titles by Christian authors, is it not true that lately, many of the materials offered seem to say You’re Terrific Just As You Are?

I remember a time when Just As I Am was accompanied with the somewhat helpless qualifier Without One Plea Except Thy Blood Was Shed for Me. To teach someone less is to deny them access to the gospel because, if we are not essentially sinful, we’ve no need for a savior. No good news is available to those who are just fine, because, as Jesus said, the well have no need of a physician. (Mark 2:17) I do rejoice whenever hearing anyone remind anyone else that God both created and loves them. But too often it seems the message ends there, implying God also, by default, thoroughly approves of them.

Contrast that message to Paul’s declaration that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23) thus prepping his listeners to receive the grace of God which is, of course, unnecessary to those not needing unmerited favor. It’s no insult to say we’re sinners. It’s Divinity’s observation, and it’s not negotiable.

To truly encounter God is to walk in humility, as David said, because while God has respect to the lowly, the proud are only known at a distance by Him. (Psalms 138:6) Jeremiah modeled this when he viewed himself in contrast to Jehovah (Isaiah 6:5) and Peter echoed the same attitude.( Luke 5:8) Plainly put, no flesh can glory in His presence (I Corinthians 1:29); Man has been essentially sinful since his transgression in the garden (I Corinthians 15:22) and no degree of self-improvement makes him any more acceptable in God’s sight.(Isaiah 64:6) Therein lies a basic controversy; a foundation of the faith that either stumbles or invites, depending on the willingness and readiness of the hearer.

In these seeker-friendly times, we can error hugely by trying so hard to win people that we forget what exactly we’re trying to win them to. And while I’ve no taste for the hellfire and brimstone approach, I do think we could do with a little of Paul’s attitude and motivating concepts when he reminded his readers:

“Therefore knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men.” (II Corinthians 5:11)

God forbid we should obscure a truth so vital.