2-9-26<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Bible is theology: words from God, and a means of understanding Him. It is also history: researchers and archaeologists increasingly discover artifacts and even buried cities that confirm Biblical accounts once considered mere legends or fictional tales. The Bible is also doctrine: it tells us how to live; what is Truth; and the ways to experience joy and salvation\u2026 and the ways to be saved from misery and punishment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Despite these factors, there are people who reject the Bible, starting their critique with the Book\u2019s foundational reliability. I am not referring to non-Christians. It is humanity\u2019s most populous faith, yet only about one-third of the world identifies as Christian. Christians are severely persecuted in some lands, and given a measure of credence in others; even Islam regards Jesus as a major prophet, while Jews still reject Him outright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But Christianity\u2019s major challenges are not with skeptics nor rival faiths nor persecutors so much, today, as with many who actually call themselves Christians.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Christianity \u2013 \u201cMere Christianity\u201d as C S Lewis termed its basic tenets; and its simple Biblical elements, so clear in Gospel accounts of Jesus\u2019s ministry, and exegesis of His teachings \u2013 finds its bitterest enemies in those who corrupt the faith, not only those who ignore it. A false church, after all, cannot hope to be an effective advocate\u2026 or even a plausible welcomer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The very last words of the Bible\u2019s very last book (Revelation 22:18-19, specifically cited by John as a literal transcription of words he received from Jesus) has a frightening warning \u2013 If any man shall add unto these things <\/em>[words of Jesus] God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n In other words, God\u2019s Word is sufficient (a Truth stated many times in many ways through Scripture) and must be the basis of our faith. Nothing more, nothing less. Sects and new denominations and cults \u2013 I will say, for instance, Mormons with \u201cnew\u201d Bibles and even Catholics with inventions of way-stations between earth and Heaven like Purgatory and Limbo \u2013 are daring the Lord to fulfill this threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Such warnings, and controversies, are not new in the Church. But I believe no less a threat to the Church today are movements that subtract<\/em>, not only add, to God\u2019s Word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Indeed, there is a tendency in the post-Christian West to change the Gospel not so much by adding to God\u2019s Word, but subtracting \u2013 modifying, reinterpreting, pick-and-choosing, corrupting. Adding and subtracting from Scripture are both heresies, but (not to excuse) adding to God\u2019s Word at least might represent efforts to be more holy or helpful or relevant. The opposite, however \u2013 subtracting from Scripture \u2013 weakens the Message, compromises with lazier theologies, aims to be more \u201ccomfortable\u201d with the world\u2019s standards instead of God\u2019s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What am I talking about? What \u201csubtractions\u201d? Avoiding preaching against sin. Compromising with “uncomfortable” Biblical teachings. Accepting Politically Correct standards. Not believing the Virgin Birth and other signs of Christ\u2019s Divinity. Calling Good evil and Evil good. Vitiating the Gifts of the Holy Spirit for today. Excusing personal behaviors that the Bible condemns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are these elements of modern Christianity? Yes\u2026 in many places, many churches, many sermons. Subscribing to these beliefs \u2013 we can say, rather, this collection of non-beliefs \u2013 might be sending more people to hell than aggressive, rebellious sinning. Being half-Christian is like being half-pregnant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This life-threatening evil was warned against elsewhere in God\u2019s Holy Word:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands of the LORD your God that I give you<\/em> (Deuteronomy 4:2).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it<\/em> (Deuteronomy 12:32).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do not add to His words Or He will rebuke you, and you will be proved a liar<\/em> (Proverbs 30:6).<\/p>\n\n\n\n