11/02/2019
We live in a changing world, and the temptation is to think that the Word of God can be changed to accommodate our social changes, but that is a fallacy. We might change the means by which we exhibit our Christian faith, but the faith itself is founded on the Word of God, and that is unchanging. as an example we might change the order of worship, but what we worship must remain unyielding; we can change the dress code that is acceptable for worship services, but the content of that worship is nonnegotiable. Do we understand the difference between the truths of our faith. and those things that are just customs? I might use a silver chalice for communion at one church, and a wooden one at another, but communion remains the same. God tells us that He does not change.
“"For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”
Malachi 3:6 ESV
It is fall, and this means that it is football season in America, but this game didn't come into existence until somewhere between the years of 1876 and 1882 when Walter Camp changed the basic rules of Rugby Football at Yale University by adding the line of scrimmage, and down and distance to the game. This changed the fundamentals of Rugby, and as a result the game was no longer considered to be Rugby. When changes ceased to be cosmetic, and were considered to be fundamental, then a new game was formed. It is the same in faith, and a good example can be seen when a split occurred between Judaism, and Christianity. Jews saw Jesus as a prophet, while Christians saw Him as the Son of God... the Messiah.
“and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a great many people. And in Antioch the disciples were first called Christians.”
Acts 11:26 ESV
My parents drilled into me a certain fundamental tenet of manhood, and it was based on a saying that was repeated over and over again as I grew up... "A man is only as good as his word." Unless your word could be taken as trurh, then nothing else about you could be trusted. Later I attended the Virginia Military Institute, and the honor code there was based on the same principle. The school's adherence to the fact that a cadet could not Lie, cheat, steal or quibble, was so deeply rooted that a single infraction meant you would be expelled permanently from the Institute, and that your name would not be mentioned there again. There are those who would like to change the fundamentals of the Christian faiith today by either reinterpreting the Word of God, or by outright changing it. Neither of these is acceptable if the Word is to be considered truth, and if God's word is not true, then the entirety of His Word falls into question.
“Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
John 17:17 ESV
So at what point do we take it upon ourselves to change the truth, and accept the practice? When do we begin moving the boundaries of our faith?
“"You shall not move your neighbor's landmark, which the men of old have set, in the inheritance that you will hold in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.”
Deuteronomy 19:14 ESV
“Do not move an ancient landmark or enter the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong; he will plead their cause against you.”
Proverbs 23:10-11 ESV
This is more than just serious business... changing thw Word of God can end in the eternal damnation of all involved.
“for those who guide this people have been leading them astray, and those who are guided by them are swallowed up. Therefore the Lord does not rejoice over their young men, and has no compassion on their fatherless and widows; for everyone is godless and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks folly. For all this his anger has not turned away, and his hand is stretched out still.”
Isaiah 9:16-17 ESV
So as the world's morality, and social structures change, the faithful should resist the temptation to alter God's Word to accommodate those who believe otherwise. Changing a truth in your mind does not change that truth in reality. Oh, you might feel better about yourself now, but there will be a judgement, and God will render judgement based on His true and unyielding Word. In consideration of this, remember the unchanging nature of God when the temptation to move the boundaries of faith faces you.
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”
James 1:17 ESV
Prayer:
Father, thank you for your unchanging nature, and the truth of your Word. Thank you Lord for your steady nature, and for our being able to follow our faith in you in unwavering fashion. I lean on you Father, knowing you will be the same yesterday, today, and forevermore. You are steadfast Father, and the boundary stones you have set for us are never changing, and dependable. Holy, Holy, Holy, are you our God of unchanging truth. Praised be your name, and the steadfastness of your Word. Great are you, and forever your promises. All glory is yours through your Son Jesus Christ who is the spigot of your grace.
Rich Forbes