HISTORY

It has been wisely said that if we do not learn from history we are doomed to re-live it! Students of biblical theology and church history are aware of, (and concerned about) old theological debates that are raising their heads once again. The liberalism of the late 1800’s and 1900’s, that challenged and changed important Scriptural understanding and emphasis, is once again becoming the topic of the day. Once again we have “believers” and “unbelievers”, debating and accusing one another. The questions are about the veracity of the Old Testament, the conflict between creation and science, the incredulity of harsh acts of divine judgment contradicting divine love. This time there is the issue of biblical morality, bizarre sexual diversity and the validity of the Ten Commandments, etc., etc.

Evangelical fundamentalism, though now in decline, has for the most part adopted the “seeker sensitive” mind-set. The ambition to be a relative church in modern times is driving methodology, style, music, dress, biblical authority and emphasis or the lack of it. The point seems to be God, pastors and preaching must be made more appealing and “with it” to be considered successful. Negativity, generally, is considered to be a turn-off, while positivity is considered to be attractive and invitational. Biblical authority, obedience, morality, purity, holiness, separation and judgment must be toned down, made more acceptable and palatable. Frankly, these things are choking life, meaning, purpose and power out of the church! The observation is correct, “The church has become so relative, it is irrelative.”

The Apostle Peter has given us valuable instruction for a time like this. Read carefully: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus from the dead, to obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, who are protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. In this you greatly rejoice, even though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been distressed by various trials, that the proof of your faith being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ; and though you have not seen Him, you love Him, and though you do not see Him now, but believe in Him, you greatly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining as the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls. As to this salvation, the prophets who prophesied (Old Testament!) of the grace that would come to you made careful search and inquiry seeking to know what person or time the Spirit of Christ within them was indicating as He predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories to follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, in these things which now have been announced to you through those who preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven — things into which angels long to look. Therefore, gird your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance, but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior, because it is written, ‘You shall be holy for I am holy’.”

“And if you address as Father the One who impartially judges according to each man’s work, conduct yourselves in fear during the time of your stay upon earth; knowing that you were not redeemed with perishable things like silver or gold from your futile way of life inherited from your forefathers, but with precious blood as of a lamb unblemished and spotless, the blood of Christ. For He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory so that your faith and hope are in God. Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart, for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable, but imperishable, that is, through the living and abiding word of God . . . But the word of the Lord abides forever, and this is the word which was preached to you.” (I Peter 3 -25)

The “word” Peter refers to is the Old Testament without which much of the New Testament would be difficult to understand. The Old Testament stories declare to us the mighty acts of God, His authority over heaven and earth, and His essential role in all of history. We learn how He longs for a people who seek for Him and who willingly obey Him. He wants a people who demonstrate His goodness, loving kindness, faithfulness, wisdom and truth. He painstakingly anoints and builds leaders who follow and fear Him and who become His voice to all who will hear. He honors and blesses obedience and judges disobedience – sometimes drastically. In many miraculous ways He shows His Sovereignty over creation and mankind. In the most fascinating stories, including tragic and horrific ways, we learn about the presence and awfulness of sin. Without God mankind sinks into depravity, violence, rebellion and evil of every kind. Over and over again He raises a servant, a voice speaking truth, calling to repentance, wisdom, guidance, blessing and hope. Todays news media report similar stories of corrupt, wayward people who still think they can live without God, go their own way, create their own reality and escape the consequences. The false gods of science, hedonism, philosophy and human ingenuity are worshiped and claimed as possible solutions in the pursuit of happiness. Their consistent failure drives new efforts, spawning greater and even worse depravity.

An historic voice from God gives a critical answer to our desperate need, “Seek the Lord while He may be found; call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake His way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; and let him return to the Lord , and He will have compassion on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon. ‘For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,’ declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth and making it bear and sprout and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth. It shall not return to Me empty, without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it. For you will go out with joy, and be led forth with peace; the mountains and the hills will break forth into shouts of joy before you, and all the trees of the field will calp their hands. Instead of the thorn bush the cypress will come up; and instead of the nettle the myrtle will come up. And it will be a memorial to the Lord, for an everlasting sign which will not be cut off.'” (Isaiah 55:6-13)

In a floundering world such as ours, never has it been more important that we read with faith and understanding God’s Word, both Old and New Testaments! And that we allow Christ Jesus, by His Spirit, to “work in us to will and to do of His good pleasure.”

A fellow pilgrim, Arnold Reimer