Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Feb. 10 Reflections on Theological Liberalism

Theological liberalism is usually understood as those who do not believe that the Bible is inspired, inerrant and authoritative and the thoughts and ideas that proceed from that belief. I think there is a expanded sense of theological liberalism from those who in theory claim that the Bible is the Word of God, but, who in practice do not submit to God's teachings and commandments through the Scriptures. These people identify as Christians, and typically go to churches where the Bible is taught, at least to some degree. Yet their actions, values, decisions and lives reflect something other than adherence to Biblical truth. Generally they follow the culture, often never considering the cultural influence, simply defined as the beliefs and behaviors of a given group of people, on their lives. They are normally unaware that there is any discrepancy between their lives and what the Bible teaches. This in turn reflects a marked ignorance of what the Bible really says no matter how many years or decades of sermons that they have listened to. Any Biblical support that they can claim for their ideas or actions often consists of a phrase or two, possibly a whole verse or a theme. Why? Some are discouraged from believing that they can truly understand the teachings of the Bible because they think that they need specialized training and ancient languages. More simply will not devote the time and trouble to even read the Bible let alone attempt to master its contents. In some circles they are taught to rely on their feelings and claim that this is the ministry of the Holy Spirit, not accepting the spiritual reality that the Holy Spirit is the divine author of the Word of God ( 2 Peter 1:20-21)and that He does not contradict Himself by inspiring one thing in the Bible and something completely different to you or me. What are some examples of theological liberalism? That the goal is a comfortable upper middle class life instead of the simple life espoused by Jesus and the apostles. ( Luke 8:14, 12:15, Hebrews 13:5, 1 Timothy 6:6) That there is no difference in role as opposed to worth and value between men and women. ( 1 Timothy 2:12, Ephesians 5:22-33, 1 Peter 3:1-7, 1 Corinthians 11:8-9) That there is no place for physical correction of children. ( Proverbs 13:24,19:18, 29:15,17) That the goal is our pleasure and enjoyment of life. ( Luke 9:23, Galatians 5:24, Acts 14:22, 2 Timothy 3:12) What is the solution? To repent of our rebellion, surrender to the Lordship of Jesus Christ, and devour His Word so we know what will please Him.
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1 comment:

  1. ChrisFebruary 11, 2015 at 8:21 AM

    Well said, Rick.

    There may be a growing shortage of teachers/preachers in Evangelical circles now still proclaim that it is not enough to just believe what the Bible says, or just agree with what it says- Christians must be obedient to the teachings and commands of the Bible (NT)- obedient in what we do and in what we don’t do).

    (Thankfully, there some bold men who do emphasize the need for obedience- see below.)

    If I understand James 3:1 - those who teach the Bible will be held accountable for inaccurate and incomplete teaching.

    I have included below some references pertaining to the necessity for obedience from Jesus, John, Paul, James, and Peter.

    And thankfully, God has given us the ability to grow in obedience- it may be only our unwillingness or ignorance that hinders: “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).

    Current teachers who come to mind who do proclaim the need for biblical obedience are John MacArthur (see The Gospel According to Jesus), and Paul Washer, and also a favorite of mine who is from India- Zac Poonen (www.cfcindia.com). I’m sure there are more, as well.

    I apologize for the length of this comment, but it is a topic that is near and dear.

    Blessings in Jesus, Chris.

    References:
    1. “And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.” Matthew 7:26-27
    2. “If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love.” John 15:10
    3. And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. 1 John 2:3
    4. For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. Romans 2:13
    5. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
    6. As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance: But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:14-16
    7. Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord Hebrews 12:14

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