Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2Co 5:17 ESV)
What sets a Christian Apart?
I had a discussion with a Christian who attends a popular protestant denomination.
Their Statement of Beliefs teach that Christ is the Savior and that through Him is salvation. They teach that marriage is only between man and a woman. Yet, they hold the world’s worldview of society. However, in order to accommodate the world, their Statement of Beliefs teaches that homosexuals can have a committed relationship and be accepted by God. They teach that abortion should not be allowed when it entails a late term abortion but teaches that earlier abortions should be allowed. They accommodate the world’s view instead of stepping up to the plate and declaring what God has declared to be the final word and authority. In other words, they deviate from the Word of God to and adopt and adapt their teachings to accommodate the world. These are a small sampling from their Statement of Beliefs which is the authority or statement of beliefs that is from that Church.
In my conversations the teachings that are part of this denomination as well as many other Christian denominations are based on a person’s work or good deeds. They are very involved in doing good-works that is beneficial to society. This is not necessarily a deficiency but it is NOT the basis for salvation. The focus MUST be on spreading the Good News and good deeds works in conjunction.
If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? (James 2:15-16 ESV)
Anyone can perform good works. It does not take a Christian to perform good works. Many non Christians involve themselves in good works such as working in a soup kitchen to provide for the homeless. Buddhists are known for their good works that is beneficial to society. Yet, God has declared that all of our good works are as filthy rags in His sight. Many Christians will do good works but not share their faith. What good is that? Is the purpose to live a nice life, in peace and harmony, only to go to eternal damnation?
What makes a Christian different than a non Christian? Our good works? No, there are plenty of non Christians that are outdoing some Christians in their performance of good works. A Christian has been given a new nature that sets us apart from a non Christian.
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. (2Co 5:17 ESV)
The denomination’s Statement of Beliefs had no dilemma in teaching that abortion was an acceptable practice as long as it was not a late term abortion. There was no war in their spirit as they wrote this for their congregants. A Christian would have a war in their spirit for the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh. They oppose each other. A Christian’s spirit should be troubled when they sin whereas a non Christian won’t have that war troubling them.
A Christian’s fruit is a result of our new nature whereas a non-Christians fruit can outwardly mimic ours but their fruit of their soul cannot mimic the nature of the Spirit.
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Repent Harlequin
November 16, 2010 at 5:35 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
Was this friend in the ELCA? It sure sounds like it.
It’s important to note that while these denominations tend to have statements of faith that sound very orthodox their practice is anything but.
Tishrei
November 16, 2010 at 11:39 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
RH,
It was a friend who attends the UMC. I’m not saying that people are not saved if they go to the UMC, I’m just saying that we have to be careful how far we step away from the Word to accommodate the world. Just pointing that out in case someone reads my response and draws the conclusion that I believe salvation is not possible if you attend UMC.
BLT
Repent Harlequin
November 17, 2010 at 5:19 am (UTC -7) Link to this comment
BLT,
There are many Christians in liberal denominations just as there are many in more historically faithful churches who we will probably not run into in Heaven. They stay in liberal churches for various reasons, often the right reason, that is to be salt and light.
We left the ELCA years ago because we thought it was a losing battle and we could see that God wasn’t blessing the ministry, but I never regretted being there and the service my wife and I gave there. We were unmistakably called out of that church.
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