The Authority of Scripture

I'm tired today. I am not speaking of physical exhaustion, but I am feeling emotionally tired. For the past few days, I have been bombarded with instances of "Christians" voicing opinions that are contrary to scripture and God. They do all in the voice of love and tolerance. Many do it in ignorance of the truths of scripture. However, they all are wrong and are missing the mark.

This isn't new in our modern society, however. The elections and mainstream media are just highlighting the prevalency of this erroneous thought lately. These viewpoints punctuate much of society, and it is making me sad. The authority of God's Word, the Bible, has taken a back seat to opinions, cultural beliefs and political correctness. The Bible is deemed too negative, too judgemental, and too out of touch with today's society and its evolved sensibilities. "God is all about love!" they chant. "God wants us to be tolerant and not judge!" they respond. Wrong. To hear some wonderful sermons about these very points, visit our church website at http://www.compasschurch.org/ and listen to the sermons for October 26th and October 19th. We mistake God's patience for His approval. We are clearly told, however, that we will all be accountable to our Maker--regardless of whether we agree with Him or not.

Today, in the Orange County Register, Robert A. Schuller, is celebrating the great work that the Crystal Cathetral has done in theology. "He said the biggest accomplishment of the 'Hour of Power' is that it is transforming the theology of the church across America from 'a negative theology to a positive theology. Historically, there has been a tremendous emphasis on sin,' he said. 'Crystal Cathedral was larely responsible for developing self-esteem among the faithful. This church has taken the gospel in a positive light and spread that positive message around the world.'"

Upon first read, this doesn't sound awful to most Christian Americans. We are so used to now hearing about the need for positive outreach and helping people in love. Look closely, however. He is saying that the emphasis on sin in the gospel message--what leads us to repentance and true salvation, mind you--has been replaced with the message of self-esteem. Since when do people need more focus on themselves? The gospel message is first about SIN!!!!! We won't understand our need for God and Jesus' death on the cross if we don't understand our sin and lack of holiness.

A friend of mine posted a quick note on Proposition 8 on Facebook. For you out of state friends, Proposition 8 is trying to keep same sex marriage from being legal in California. This seems like a no brainer. However, there were 28 comments to his quick note, most of the comments dissenting against his stand against homosexuality. Sadly, these comments were made by professing Christians. They had no understanding of scripture--things were taken out of context or were seen as culturally irrelevant in modern day. The Bible isn't a work of literature with which we can agree or disagree if we are followers of Christ. It is the inerrant Word of God! This isn't like picking your toppings on your frozen yogurt. You have to accept the whole package and obey God's commands. If we don't see the Bible as the definitive view of right and wrong, we are joining in the sliding morals and rules of our relativistic society. 2 Timothy 4:3 tells us, "For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear."

God has never been about our opinions or feelings on what is holy and what is sin. He doesn't need to be. HE IS OUR CREATOR! Isaiah 29:16 says, "You turn things upside down, as if the potter were thought to be like the clay! Shall what is formed say to him who formed it, 'He did not make me'? Can the pot say of the potter, 'He knows nothing'?

These discussions among "Christians" about truths spelled out in scripture are tedious. If a person claims to be a follower of Christ's and yet rejects scripture's truths, they are probably not His, or they are ignorant and need to be taught. The Bible tells us in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent , equipped for every good work." We need to make sure we use the "Manual" God has left us to make our decisions and decide what is right and wrong. God tells us in Psalm 19:7 that "The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple."

On the other hand, the great debates and philosophies of this age are really nothing new. Throughout history, people have claimed to know a better way and to be wise in their own eyes. God responds to this. I Corinthians 1:20 scoffs, "Where is the wise man? Where is the scholar? Where is the philospher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?" I Corinthians 1: 27 adds, "But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong." God's truth might seem archaic and silly to our "evolved" society, but, in truth, society is in bondage to its sin and stuck in its foolishness.

So, should we throw up our hands and walk away? Not necessarily. We have been commanded by God to admonish and encourage other believers and to share the gospel with those who are not saved. Though it is an uphill battle, we know we are using God's power, and not our own. Paul didn't despair. He said, in Romans 1:14, "I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish." There will be many who do not repent and do not see the truth, but there will be some that see the truth and are snatched from the fire.

We should never discuss cultural ideas in the light of relativism when there are Biblical truths that address the issue. Use the authority of scripture. Though it will be rejected by many, we know the power of the Word to save and bring to righteousness! Hebrews 4:12 attests to the power of Scripture. "For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thought sand attitudes of the heart."

Though I lose heart when I feel overwhelmed by the lies of society and this world, I know God is still victor. I feel better after writing this post. I needed the reminder that we should "fear not, for [He] has overcome the world." (John 16:33)

" . . . for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God." I John 5: 4-5