Biblical Salvation Beliefs On The Decline

Over the last several decades core religious beliefs in America have changed dramatically. And what many now believe may well shock you.  It is no secret to anyone paying even minor attention that the spiritual and religious tone of the nation has been in flux for a good while now. And it is not trending in a positive direction. Several decades ago there were at least some Biblical standards and norms.  But that has changed, and in some areas, quite significantly over time.

Today there seems to be an almost 'anything goes’ mentality as long as  one critical qualification is met. In other words, if we are at least really ‘sincere’ about what we say we believe, then all is well and God will ultimately accept us. Many feel that all will be just fine in the end and all will be forgiven when push comes to shove. And anyone who rejects that notion is now seen as being narrow-minded and judgmental.

I recently saw two articles that spoke to this and pointed out significant aspects of a growing spiritual problem in America. First, there was an article that appeared at www.christianpost.com. The study sited there was from Lifeway Research and part of their 2018 State of Theology. The survey interviewed some 3,000 Americans about various Biblical beliefs. But on one supremely critical subject it revealed this. "God accepts the worship of all religions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. " It was shown that 51 percent of respondents agreed with that premise.  That is without question shocking, at least to me.  I can’t imagine numbers like that had this same question been asked even 3-4 decades ago.

But as troubling as this all is, it does not represent an isolated trend.  Consider these findings from the same research.  "A majority, as in about 78%, of so-called evangelicals now believe that most people are basically good by nature and that Jesus was the first and greatest being 'created' by God the Father. So now it appears that a majority feel that man is by basically good and Jesus was not fully God from eternity past but rather a created being? And keep in mind that it was Evangelicals here who provided this data and those who should be at least familiar with basic Biblical truth.

And if this has not made you wonder what this has happened, and how it has happened so quickly, there was another article found along side of the one just mentioned.  The title this time used these alarming words. 'Why Jesus Is No Longer the Only Way for Many American Christians'.  And then add this. Just 10 years ago, a Pew Research Center Study found that more than half of all American Christians believe that at least some non-Christian faiths can lead to salvation. Again, that is simply stunning!

What we are basically seeing today is an overall erosion of the very foundation of the traditional Christian faith. And the question arises as to why and there are numerous reasons. But one prominent cause is something that has become sacred and almost a religion of its own in America today – namely tolerance. Tolerance is demanded in just about every area of culture today with one notable exception. And that exception is the acceptance of any consistent and unwavering conviction concerning sound Biblical doctrine and viewpoints.  Anything and everything else pretty much gets a pass.   But the reality is that the principles of God’s Word are indeed quite specific and exclusive when dealing with redemption and how one can be made fully justified with God.

When people come to the conclusion that there are many ways to heaven, and that Jesus is just one of them, that simply means that they do not hold to the ultimate source of God’s truth as revealed in Scripture.  That has always puzzled me, especially when I hear of surveys where people state that they believe the Bible to be God’s word, but then they pick and choose those things they want to accept or reject within its pages. Once we come to the conclusion and feel we have the right to exclude those things we’d rather not deal with, then where does that kind of thinking end?  How can we then believe anything fully that Scripture teaches without any doubts?

But for those who believe God’s word is His full and perfect revelation to humanity, what does it actually say along these same lines?  First,  we need to look at how it describes itself.  In 2 Tim 3:16 we read, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God."  That mean that the Bible is ‘God breathed’ and that it is fully His exact mind in print.  2 Peter 1:20-21 adds this. “Knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation,  for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.’" And Hebrews 4:12 speaks to the  power and ability of Scripture alone, “For the word of God is living and powerful , and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit.”

The Bible is not some human book filled with truths, half-truths, errors or  only a collection of polite and helpful suggestions. It is God’s full and flawless revelation to mankind - all of it!!

But once we believe that all Scripture is inspired and fully accurate, then it is not hard to see the serious problems with many current views of God accepting worship from other religions or Jesus not being the only way to be saved. Actually, the Bible is perhaps more clear on these issue than on anything else – and for good reason!  I don’t know where you stand on this subject today. But if you are confused or unaware, consider these verses just for starters.

In 1 John 5:11-12 we read,  “And this is the testimony: that God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.  He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” Then add to that these very exclusive words in Acts 4:11-12.  “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved."  And that name there is Jesus – period.. Or this one. John 14:6 Jesus said to him, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”

Yes, the Word of God leaves little doubt that the Creator does not accept other ways to be reconciled to Him. He devised, in eternity past, that His Son would be the lone sacrifice for human sin and the only way for man to be justified. His plan is perfect and it is exclusive. Our part is to simply accept what He has offered and not be searching for some alternative path that is easier or seems to better meet our personal preferences. And we pray today that you have trusted Christ as the only way, truth and life and that you have been born into God’s family through His specified mean – by faith alone in His Son!

"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."  John 3:16

Bill Breckenridge

Pastor Brunson Finally Freed

His name is Andrew Craig Brunson,  an  America pastor  and whose name came to prominence back in October of 2016. It was then that he was arrested in Turkey after a coup attempt there. Brunson was pastoring a small protestant church of about 25 congregants when he was accused of taking part in a coup attempt and being involved with American espionage among other things. It was claimed that he was interested in overthrowing the Turkish government and that he also supposedly helped plan the coup.

Andrew Brunson is from Black Mountain, North Carolina and attended a church there that Franklin Graham once did  He is married and has three children and had lived in Turkey for 23 years until being arrested. His wife was also arrested alongside him, but was released 13 days days later.  He reportedly had lost over 50 pounds while in the prison but was later moved to house arrest on July 25, 2018. The trial caused a major diplomatic rift between the United States and Turkey and resulted in U.S. economic sanctions being placed on that nation.

But his ordeal is now finally over with after great pressure was exerted against Turkey by the Trump administration. It was described as a combined bipartisan effort, but it appears that the President had a major role in securing the wronged American pastor’s freedom.

If you had opportunity to witness  the scene in the White House after Brunson’s return to the U.S.,  you know that it was a  touching  scene and one that will not be easily forgotten. He was sitting next to The President. His wife and family was on his right and the other guests, made up of political and religious leaders, sat on the other side to the President’s left. And at one point he was asked if he had any additional comments. It was then when the pastor somewhat shocked just about everyone in the room and maybe across the country. He looked at  Mr Trump and said this and I quote: “We would like to pray for you. We pray for you often as a family. My wife and I pray for you.  The President responded  ‘We thank you. I probably need it more than anyone you know. So that would be very nice. Thank you’

With that the pastor got up from his seat, knelt down on the carpet and placed his left hand of the left shoulder of the President and began with these exact  words. “Lord God, I ask you that You pour our your Holy Spirit on President Trump, that you give him supernatural wisdom,  that you accomplish all the plans you have for this county with him.  I ask that you give him wisdom on how to lead this country into righteousness.  I ask that you give him perseverance and endurance and courage to stand for truth  I ask that you protect him from enemies and those would undermine.  I ask that your would make him a great blessing to this nation. Fill him with your wisdom and  perseverance.  and we bless him. May he be a great blessing to our country.  In Jesus name, amen”

I’m sure you were stunned and inspired at these words going out from the White House if this is the first time that you heard them.  But to actually visually witness this pastor on his knees before the whole world, and praying for the President after what this man had gone through for two full years, was just beyond description. But there were a few things that came to mind  that I’d like to briefly express on the event.

First, I was reminded yet again of the words in 2 Timothy chapter 3, with the context being the perilous last days before the return of Jesus Christ.  After describing the brutal conditions of that time, the  author wrote in verse 12, “Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution “ And pastor Brunson certainly knows those words and personally experienced them.  Living a good honest life is of course commendable. But as soon as the name Christ comes into the equation for doing so, then persecution is not far behind. And this raises a sobering question for all who claim to be followers of Christ.  If we never suffer ever suffer even minor grief for our faith, then do we have any real testimony at all before the world? Again that should be a wake up call for us all.

Secondly, I was reminded that sometimes we are allowed to suffer in order to glorify God’s name and work. Had this pastor never experienced what he did, he would never have become someone who is now known around the world and someone who was given the opportunity to do and say what he did in the White House in front of the entire nation and world. Millions who may not know His Savior have now seen what a committed victorious Christian believer is capable of, and can endure, with the help of His Lord.

And lastly, we can see in this event was something that relates closely to whole matter outlined  in 1 Timothy2:2.  There we read, “Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,  for kings and all who are in authority,  that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence.  For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth."
 
When you look at this passage, we see no mention of praying for any specific political party, side  or philosophy. It speaks of praying for ‘all’ who are in positions of high leadership. There are no other specifications mentioned. And just think for a moment of who received this original letter and the oppression they were living under at the time. This admonition must have surprised most  in that day and I’m sure it is not an easy thing even today for some in our own nation.

But the reasons are clearly provided as to why we are commanded to do this. It enables us to live what is called quiet and peaceable lives. And even more importantly, it is good and acceptable to God and even seems in the context to relate to some perhaps coming to the knowledge of salvation as well through our testimony.

There has been a lot of very rough and discouraging news in the last month or so. The country suffered the stress of a brutal supreme court nomination that further divided the nation. And now we face the critical mid-term elections as well. And then there came  the two quick and brutal Hurricanes, first Florence and then Michael, that absolutely devastated large areas in the south from Florida to the Carolina's.

But with all of that aside,  it was refreshing to witness the story of this dedicated Christian servant, who was persecuted while serving his Lord oversees. His response and actions, in the midst of insane struggles, revealed the reality of His faith and the reality of the God who sustained him through it all. And this should encourage us all as believers - when we are reminded in such a mighty way that our God will never leave nor forsake us and that He is always safe to trust  no matter what may come.

Bill Breckenridge

Kavanaugh: Guilty Until Proven Innocent?

It was one of the most unbelievable spectacles on the American political scene in recent memory.   This time it was not about electing someone to some high office. But it was about a vote. And of course we speak about the recent confirmation hearing of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. He was the second judge offered up by President Trump. But this time around his pick was not for a replacement as was his first. This time, the next  potential judge would be the likely swing vote for many crucial cultural decisions in the years and even decades ahead.

But as has almost become standard operating procedure, a woman suddenly appeared not long before the vote was scheduled and made allegations that Judge Kavanaugh had tried to sexually assault her some 37 years earlier. And of course this tactic has been seen before and the name Clarence Thomas is all most need to hear.

But when Kavanaugh’s accuser did get her chance to tell her story it became quickly obvious, except to Democrats, that her claim did not seem to have much real evidence or proof. She could not recall crucial details and nobody really could confirm what she said. Plus, the judge had been exposed to some 6 previous FBI checks in the past and nothing at all surfaced that would indicate this kind of behavior on his part. If his accuser did suffer what she claimed, that is indeed terrible. But it seemed quite clear that the potential high court judge was the one who was guilty in whatever did occur. Legal experts said that, based on such skimpy evidence, that most courts would not even agree to hear this case in the first place with the evidence offered up.

But as we all now know, Kavanaugh was eventually confirmed by a vote of 50 to 48. But what we also know is that the vote came down almost exclusively along party lines. How shocking! This would have been the case anyway most likely just based on what each party had at stake.. But what was so troubling this time was that those on the left wanted the nominee to step down because they 'assumed' he was guilty of the flimsy charge against him from three plus decades earlier.

That is not how the American system of justice has been through history. It is based on the assumption of innocence until proven guilty. The key word there being proven!  So this new concept, as seen with the Kavanaugh situation,  was downright scary to say the least. Can anyone’s life now be destroyed by a simple unproven allegation? I have jury duty coming in about a month. And if I am put on a case, my philosophy will be 'innocent until proven guilty' -  beyond the shadow of a doubt. And that is what I would expect from my peers if I were on trial.

But recently I was reminded of something quite profound when thinking about this whole national ordeal that we all just experienced. While innocent until proven guilty should always be the norm in our justice system, it came to me that in the spiritual realm it is the exact opposite. In order to experience forgiveness and salvation, we must first admit our sin and full guilt before God. He requires that before He can extend His saving grace that is found through faith is His son’s sacrifice for us all on the cross. And when anyone cries out for God’s mercy in that manner, then He can render that man or woman as fully justified and seen as innocent in Christ. In other words, we admit to being fully guilty and  only then we can be rendered no longer guilty.

Without question,  it goes against our human grain to admit that we are sinners and have come short of God’ glory (Romans 3:23). That is why so many just can’t seem to come to God on His stated terms. But when we do, and when we accept that we are guilty and  helpless to save ourselves, then we can be made righteous through faith in Christ. That is the required order of things in God’s perfect justice system.  And that Biblical process is never up for debate, vote or discussion. That is what it is and there is no other way to be made  fully just and right before a holy God..

"Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved ."  Acts 4:12

Bill Breckenridge