The Religion of Babel

For those who know The Bible, the unmistakable hallmark is Redemption. The cornerstone of Redemption is Grace, while man's religion is all about works.

An argument is made that the Old Testament is also about works: The Mosaic Law, while the New Testament, alone, is about Grace, freely given.

But this is an argument from biblical ignorance! The Mosaic Law covered less than 1200 years of the 4000 years recorded in the Old Testament. And it existed to govern behavior, not redeem anyone. Those redeemed in the Old Testament were saved by grace, through faith, not of works, lest any man should boast. That's the point Paul makes in Galatians 3:6.

When unregenerate men set out to create a religious system, they draw on what they know. And the Bible specifically states that the "natural man" (the unsaved man) does not comprehend the things of the Spirit. In fact, they are foolishness to him (I Cor. 2:14)

Look at all the Christian and non-Christian cults. Every one of them are based on what their members do or don't do. Not one is based on Grace, through faith.

And most of them revolve around our earthly condition, with either annihilation or some sort of reincarnation, while the Christian cults offer a "heaven" of their own imagination.

All this is very human. So, to provide members with a spiritual experience, many have resorted to some form of mysticism. Consider the use of stained glass, for example. Or vaulted ceilings, incense, pipe organs, vestments, candles, statues, altars and, in the case of the Roman Catholic Church, a holy language (Latin).

Then look at the cross-polination. High liturgical groups dipping down into the spiritual vulgarities of the charismatic movement or the contemporary movement. The Emergent Churches reaching out to the sights, sounds and smells of the liturgical tradtions.

For what? To have a more meaningful feeling of worship!

Well, that was Nimrod's purpose, too, at the Tower of Babel. It was artificial then. It's artificial now.

Worship of God is a heart and spirit thing. It isn't found in the trappings, no matter what they are or how they make you feel.

The visible Church has a lot to answer for!!!

The Final Authority?

When it comes to Christian belief, what constitutes The Final Authority? If you answer: The Bible, you would be out of step with mainstream Christian philosophy.

Mainstream Protestant Churches are characterized, today, as "Liberal." This is not a form of biblical belief. It is a competing belief system. This belief is rooted in feelings and social justice, not biblical principle.

For example: Liberal churches support women in pastoral roles, abortion as a woman's right to choose, homosexuality as the way God made them, socialist public policy and pacifism. Each of these are dealt with in Scripture which concludes the exact opposite of what Liberal religious philosophy teaches.

Evangelical Churches have begun sacrificing biblical authority in search of more people to fill their pews and bank accounts. The Seeker-Sensitive Movement, The Contemporary Church Movement, The Emergent Church Movement are all efforts to make people feel more comfortable and/or close to God.

The only real problem is that none of these ideas are supported by a Bible that clearly sees "Church" as made up The Redeemed of the Lord, not seekers. Corporate worship [which is spiritual not physical], prayer, instruction, training and mutual accountability are the Bible-ideas for what is called "church."

The Charismatic Church began with the desire for assurance of God's presence and power in their lives. The Arminian is never quite sure, since his salvation is the product of his "decision." A decision he could just as casually forsake, since he has Free Will.

Speaking in tongues fit their Bill. The only problem is that the gibberish they spout is not supported by a Bible which defines tongues as known languages, for evangelistic purposes. Not to mention that it occurs when and if the Holy Spirit chooses to express Himself through you, that way. It's not really a "Gift."

But it makes people feel close to God, at best, and superior to others, at it's worst. The subtext is "I'm speaking in tongues, which demonstrates God's power on my life, so you need to pay attention to what I'm saying and doing!"

The Word-Faith Movement is an extension of the Charismatic Idea. It is made up of charismatics who are not satisfied to wait on the Lord for a divine expression. They have further maligned the Bible by teaching that Christians are "gods." Their words, therefore, have creative power. Of course with every creative word spoken, the Bible is further maligned and minimized.

In their effort to get wealth they teach what's being called the Health-Wealth Gospel. This is nothing more than a Side Show gimmick or a Medicine Show. The world sees right through it. They see these folks as shysters and charlatans, or worse. The Church? The Church isn't so sure, not wanting to judge people. It makes one wonder which group has the greater spiritual understanding.

Now we're seeing new heresies and new expressions of so-called Christianity. Open Theology, Occultism, Mysticism and Eastern Religious techniques. A Church in the Raleigh area actually has a "Prayer Maze" on their property with a Shinto Gate. We are calling Eastern Meditation, biblical. And listening for God's "individual word" by which our life will be specifically guided, without reference to Scripture.

Generally, Christians seem confused about what's going on. On the one hand we want to maintain our biblical stance. But, on the other hand, these churches are growing while our's is shrinking and aging.

I would submit to you that this expression of Church has a lot to answer for!

The Church Has A Lot To Answer For

There's a lot of talk about what this person or that political party has to answer for. We're talking "Judgment" here. And the judgment in view is that of God.

But what about the organized Church. The one that claims to be the "Ordained of God?" Is she going to escape retribution? Not on your life!

I'm not talking about those cult-like sub-groups. I'm talking about Mainstream "Church." The one that everyone can see and many people enjoy.

Let me spell it out for you. This is the Church that has:
Abandoned The Bible as the final authority in all things pertaining to faith and practice.

Opened the doors to a variety of biblically offensive patterns and policies

Normalized the sin of Cain, by creating all sorts of alternative "worship" forms.

Embraced Satan's Lie by teaching as fact that believers become "little gods."

Accepted The False Relgion of Babel, with it's mysticism and required religious behaviors.

Incorporated occultic practices such as exorcism or 'Deliverance' techniques, speaking in gibberish and calling it an angelic language: the language of God, channeling spirits of demons who communicate messages supposedly from God and clairvoyance in knowing the physical or financial condition of people they've never met.

Turned a deaf ear and blind eye to the Canaanite practice of offering their infant children to be sacrificed on the altar of a false god for wealth or pleasure. Abortion on demand, as a woman's "Right"

Making merchandise of mens' souls with a Health-Wealth Medicine Show, complete with hucksters and shills, peddling useless products at outrageous prices and calling it The Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Exalting biblical ignorance by calling it spirituality or the Spirit-filled life.

All the while marginalizing the clear truth of God's Word. A truth we do not want to hear because of its unyielding exaltation of God....over self.

Do you recognize YOUR church? In subsequent blogs I will attempt to flesh out what is meant by these statements, one statement at a time.