Truth

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition. (2 Thessalonians 2:3)





Do we care about the Truth?

We urge every professing Christian to stand for the truth of God's Holy Word, and to separate from all error.

Introduction:

Neo-Evangelicalism is characterized by the following:

1) The Repudiation of separation.

2) Exaltation of Ecumenical relationships over Doctrines.

3) Promotion of Positivism; spiritual pacifism.

4) Doctrinal re-examination, leading to error.

5) Emphasizing Socio-Political issues over gospel evangelism.

The following article briefly examines the pervasive philosophy of Neo-Evangelicals and Ecumenists, and challenges all to stand for the Truth.

Article title: Do we care about the Truth?

The Bible teaching of end-time apostasy is indeed crystallizing before our very eyes. A myriad of professing Christians are deliberately insensitive, ignorant, uninformed or unwilling to know the Truth. To this conglomeration of Christians, doctrine is a taboo. They administer “love” in generous doses of doctrinal broadmindedness, accommodation and ecumenism. The Bereans (Acts 17:10-11) of the 1^st century Church are now a rarity. In place of diligent believers who “search the scriptures”, are a multitude of Christians who would not care about the Truth. Unfortunately, these Christians lack moral integrity when it comes to the Truth. They would cleave unto aberrant teachings without prior study, willingly or unwittingly. They are contented as long as there is “peace”. They would most willingly compromise the truth for “love” and “peace”. They would point the finger of indictment at the “narrow-minded, judgmental, fundamentalist” as criminals guilty of “rending asunder the body of Christ”. They allege that the fundamentalist mentality is “rigid, intolerant, and doctrinaire”. Furthermore, the New Evangelical Edward Carnell caustically remarked that fundamentalism is “orthodoxy gone cultic” (Edward John Carnell, “The Case for Orthodox Theology”, pages 113, 114).

As the scriptures put it, “His watchmen are blind: they are all ignorant, they are all dumb dogs, they cannot bark; sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber” (Isaiah 56:10). “For this they willingly are ignorant” (2 Peter 3:5)” of the Word of God and of the Truth.

With doctrinal perversions of every conceivable kind abounding everywhere, we as the elect of God must know the Truth! After escaping the scripture starvation of the Dark Ages, and separating from the yoke of the Papacy through the Protestant Reformation, how can we blind ourselves once again with IGNORANCE? With the Word of God washed with the blood of millions of martyrs, are we to be excused for slumber and ignorance? With the Bible available as the Final Authority, will we contend for the truth of God’s Holy Word? Or do we care at all? Will we defend our faith from “science falsely so called”, philosophy, false gospels, and man’s wisdom? O brethrens, “keep that which is committed to thy trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of science falsely so called”! (1 Timothy 6:20 ).

We must be militant for God’s truth. We must “earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints (Jude 1:3)”. This is not an option; this is God’s command. We must be willing to forsake personal reputation, carnal wisdom, honour, and even flesh and blood for the Word of God! Even when it means sacrificing our church memberships, offerings, gifts, mammon, man’s approval, comfort, or life itself, “We ought to obey God rather than men (Acts 5:29)”. Obedience is definitely better than sacrifice! “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams” (1 Samuel 15:22). Alas, the price is too high for some of us to pay.

What is Truth?

The Word of God answers this question. Truth is only God’s Holy Word and Law. This is our final authority for all polemics and doctrinal studies.

John 17:17 Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.

Psalms 119:142 Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth.

Many churches today ostensibly profess “Sola Scriptura!” with vehemence, but under careful scriptural scrutiny, practices “Sola Vomitus Caninus”. The Word of God is the only truth we have. No man’s opinions, preferences, doctrines, dogmas, constitutions, confessions or convictions should ever escape the scrutiny of scriptures. No minister, pastor, teacher, preacher, evangelist, bishop or deacon should ever escape the test of scriptures. No man can ever be given authority above the Word of God. The Word of God is our Final Authority. If man’s opinions prevail over God’s Word, man becomes the final authority.   “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart (Hebrews 4:12)”. If our heart is indeed “deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9)”, how can man ever be trusted to be judge over God’s Holy Word? Contrariwise, the Bible is the discerner of the thoughts and intents of our hearts!

Ignorance is not an excuse for any Christian who claims to love God. If we love God, we should also obey His Word. “But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him (1 John 2:5)”. Those who proclaim “love, love, love” with ecumenical sentiments, let them first obey God’s word to separate from error and apostasy! Only then is their love perfected.

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7). If we do not sow in truth, we shall reap only wood, hay and stubble. If we do not adhere to the truth, we may be worshiping a false god, an idol, or a god of our imaginations! “For they being ignorant of God’s righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.” (Romans 10:3). It is therefore of paramount importance to know the Truth. We must not establish our own righteousness or beliefs, but be conscientious and diligent to worship the Lord of our salvation “in spirit and in truth (John 4:24)”.

End Time Apostasy is a Bible Doctrine

Apostasy is a reality for many denominations and churches. Unless our generation is willing to be vigilant and militant for the truth, no congregation could be exempted from this subtle, elusive epidemic. John Calvin appropriately commented, “We have now explained the etymology; but all physicians pronounce the nature of the disease to be such, that, if it be not very speedily counteracted, it spreads to the adjoining parts, and penetrates even to the bones, and does not cease to consume, till it has killed the man. Since, therefore, “gangrene” is immediately followed by … mortification, which rapidly infects the rest of the members till it ends in the universal destruction of the body; to the moral contagion Paul elegantly compares false doctrines; for, if you once give entrance to them, they spread till they have completed the destruction of the Church. The contagion being so destructive, we must meet it early, and not wait until it has gathered strength by progress; for there will then be no time for rendering assistance.” (John Calvin, Commentaries on the Epistles to Timothy, Titus and Philemon, page 224)

Apostasy is not a figment of our imagination. It is a well-known doctrine of the 1^st century apostolic church. The leaven of false teachings, spawned in the first century church, would soon reach its climactic finale in these last days. Apostasy will come to full fruition during the time of the tribulation in the mother of harlots, Babylon the great (Revelation 17).

Do consider the following scriptures, and what it teaches about apostasy:

Matthew 24:4,11,24:

4    And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you.

11 And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

24 For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect.

Acts 20:29-30

29 For I know this, that after my departing shall grievous wolves enter in among you, not sparing the flock.

30 Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them.

1 Timothy 4:1-3

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

2 Thessalonians 2:3

Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

2 Timothy 3:13

But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.

2 Timothy 4:3-4

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

2 Peter 2:1-3

1 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.

2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.

3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.

1 John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

Jude 3-4

3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

4 For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Apostates are particularly elusive and shrewd, infiltrating the gullible churches and fellowship groups. The bible teaches the characteristics of these apostates and false teachers. In “Biblical Separation” (pages 158-159), Ernest Pickering summarized these as follows:

They repudiate the organized system of revealed truth – the faith (2 Timothy 3:5).

They are motivated by demons (1 Timothy 4:1).

They are not truthful (1 Timothy 4:2)

They are deceptive (2 Peter 2:13)

They opposed divine authority (Jude 8).

They are spiritually dead (Jude 12).

They have a form of religion without power (2 Timothy 3:5).

He further commented, “Satan’s doctrines are spread by Satan’s “ministers” (2 Corinthians 11:13-15). Unsaved people who have no spiritual discernment hail these men as great religious leaders, while the preachers of the truth, God’s ministers, are despised as uncooperative, divisive and unloving. The Devil’s preachers accommodate themselves to the tastes of their unregenerate hearers and are thus much more popular.”

In these days of lies, heresies, deceptions and apostasy, ministers of God and born-again believers have to know the truth about God’s Word. Modern religious liberalism, which has gripped the churches for so many years, exhibited a distinct array of false teachings. The “leaven of the Pharisees” produced religious externalism (Matthew 16:6; 23:14, 16, 28). Legalism, Sacramentalism, and Catholicism represent a definite segment. The “leaven of the Sadduccees” formulated skepticism towards the supernatural (Matthew 22:23, 29). This is cleverly disguised in higher criticism, neo-evangelicalism and modernism. The “leaven of the Herodians” created the spirit of worldly compromise (Matthew 22:16-21). With man’s philosophy, humanism, socialism and pragmatism permeating the churches, some have already succumbed to worldly conciliation.

Our Captain’s Command

2 Timothy Chapter 4:

1 I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;

2 Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine.

3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears;

4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.

5 But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry.

6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.

In Paul’s last epistle, before his fateful execution, it is interesting and imperative to know what he commanded us to follow. His voice of authority still reverberates throughout the churches of the world, “Preach the Word!” The reason for this is not difficult to see. No amount of positive preaching, counseling, and eloquent speeches can prevent apostasy. “For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect” (1 Co 1:17); “And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Co 2:4). As ministers, we must not preach what the congregation wants to hear, but what they need to hear! “Reprove, rebuke and exhort” with “sound doctrine”, my brethren! We may be persecuted, rejected, or ostracized, but “we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth (2 Co 13:8)”. We must ground the congregation in the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.

Acts 20:27 For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.

It is indeed a nefarious motive for a minister of God to hide or obscure the truth from the sheep. We must proclaim with the psalmist, “I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation” (Psalms 40:10).

Those under-shepherds who cloak the sheep in “blissful” ignorance, when they know the truth, would have much to account for before the judgment seat of Christ. Ministers of God are charged to preach the Word, and the whole “counsel of God”, for we “have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. (2 Co 4:2)”

Ignorance is not an excuse! As for ministers who conceal the truth from the congregation, believe me, God will keep His word, “for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord (Romans 12:19)”. Thus saith the Lord, “A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he that speaketh lies shall not escape” (Proverbs 19:5).

I urge you, dearly beloved in Christ Jesus, “Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart” (Proverbs 3:3).

Solomon says that “the preacher sought to find out acceptable words: and that which was written was upright, even words of truth (Ecclesiastes 12:10)”. Ministers of God ought to know the truth, and to preach the truth. The Lord Jesus Christ would honour those who remain steadfast to His Truth! Do not be afraid to rub salt into wounds of unbelief and ignorance; do not be fearful to shine the light of truth into eyes of darkness and sin! They’ll blink, they’ll scream, but they’ll benefit and grow. I will say, “Amen to that, brother!”

If the world loves our preaching, we should be wary. “They are of the world: therefore speak they of the world, and the world heareth them. We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error” (1 John 4:5-6). In fact, “marvel not, my brethren, if the world hate you” (1 John 3:13). When we tell the truth, the world may not receive it willingly. We may be hated, persecuted, and rejected. “Why do I yet suffer persecution? then is the offence of the cross ceased” (Galatians 5:11)!

Be very worried if the world receives us with open arms, or love our “swelling words” and eloquent speeches. “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error” (2 Peter 2:18). It leads us to wonder, “Are we preaching the whole truth?”

A “New” Species of Christian

The end-time Christian is a new species of Christianity. They would not only despise, reject and abhor sound doctrine. They will not ENDURE it! “Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts (2 Peter 3:3)”. After their own lusts shall they heap to themselves false teachers, false prophets, wolves in sheep’s clothing, and wolves in “scholar”-sheep’s (scholarship) clothing. “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (2 Thessalonians 2:3)”. Falling away was translated from the Greek word “apostasia” which means apostasy. These days are indeed days of apostasy. Unwittingly, bible prophecy is fulfilled before us.

With their “itching ears”, these Christians turn away from the truth, giving heed to fables. They would rather listen to lies, stories, philosophy, false doctrines and heresies, than to obey the truth. They would listen to preachers of their likings, enjoy sermons of their preferences, cleave unto doctrines that satisfy their lusts, and join churches that suit their flesh. They want a gospel that would not offend. They want a “Jesus” that prospers them. They want a god that does not demand repentance or submission. They want a Christianity that applauds their carnality and concupiscence. They want an Almighty pageboy to run their errands, and mete out their orders! Such worldliness would only infuriate those who love the Lord. We would proclaim with David:

Psalms 139:21-22

Do not I hate them, O LORD, that hate thee? and am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee?

I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine enemies.

We must never repeat the error of the Corinthians. The Apostle Paul wrote, “For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him” (2 Corinthians 11:4). Doctrinal errors must not be allowed to propagate. It must be nipped in the bud.

At times, within the church, there will be unregenerate Christians. These will lack the necessary discernment to distinguish truth from error. A person living in darkness will not favour light. “Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth , because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it” (John 8:44). The Holy Spirit is crucial in guiding us into all truth (John 16:13).

Do we believe in the Jesus of the Bible?

Which Jesus do you believe in? The Jesus of the Roman Catholic Church whose work on Calvary was insufficient and unfinished? The Mormon’s Jesus who was a polygamist? The Jehovah Witness’ Jesus who was a begotten god? The Charismatic Jesus who blesses, prospers, gyrate to the rock beat, and wreak havoc and confusion during worship? The laughing Jesus who causes believers to laugh uncontrollably and spasmodically, to jerk about, and who “slays” them to the ground? The Jesus of the Ecumenical Movement who ignores the truth, and preaches unity in “love” and deceit? The self-esteem, positively preaching Jesus who never preaches on sin, repentance or hell, but came to build up your self-esteem and ego. The Universalist’s Jesus who never sends anyone to hell. The social gospel Jesus who avoids preaching the gospel of salvation, and emphasizes social work only. Or do you worship a Jesus of your own imagination?

Are you attending a church that teaches, preaches and obeys the truth? Or are you attending a church that appeals to your style of music, preaching, doctrine or architecture? Are you worshipping God on His terms, or are you worshipping according to YOUR standards? Are you attending a social club, or do you desire godly fellowship? “But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire” (2 Peter 2:22).

We must ask ourselves, “If indeed Jesus is Lord of our lives, why are we not obeying the truth?” “Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth” (Galatians 5:7)? Will we stand for the TRUTH? Or will we rather live a lie, and disregard the truth? Many Christians choose to ignore doctrines in the name of “peace” and “love”. But is this a scriptural view?

Our Lord Jesus Christ warned in The Book of Revelations:

Revelations 3:15-19

15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

17 Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see.

19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

Alfred Plummer made an interesting observation, "In our own day there is danger of mistaking lazy or weak indifferentism for Christian charity. It is convenient doctrine that the beliefs of our fellow Christians are no concern of ours, even when they try to propagate what contradicts the creed.... To plead for tenderness, where severity is needed, is not charity, but Laodicean lukewarmness; and mistaken tenderness may easily end up in making us "partakers in evil works". (Alfred Plummer, “The Pastoral Epistles”, The Expositor’s Bible, ed. W. Robertson Nicoll (New York: A.C.Armstrong, 1905), XXIII, 305)."

A hearty "Amen" to that! We are not to be lukewarm Laodiceans. This is an abomination before God. Know ye not, that “The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth” (Psalms 145:18). Repent therefore, and seek the light of truth.

The Philosophy behind the Ecumenical Movement

This is the definition of ecumenism according to the “Encyclopedia of the Bible and Christianity” (by David Cloud):

ECUMENICAL MOVEMENT. “The prevailing philosophy of the last days which desires that all professing Christians join together in unity regardless of doctrinal integrity. "Ecumenical" is from the Greek word oikoumene, which means the inhabited world. The ultimate goal of the ecumenical movement will be to bring all religious groups together into one worldwide entity, in sympathy, if not in organizational unity.

The ecumenical movement takes many forms. (1) There is THE MODERNISTIC ASPECT of the ecumenical movement, represented by the World Council of Churches at the global level, national councils on the national level, and clergy associations on the local level. (2) There is THE EVANGELICAL ASPECT, represented by interdenominational parachurch organizations, fellowships, and mission organizations. Examples of Evangelical ecumenism are Campus Crusade for Christ, Youth With A Mission, Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, and the World Evangelical Fellowship. (3) There is also THE CHARISMATIC ASPECT of the ecumenical movement. While there are exceptions among some old-line Pentecostals, the Charismatic world, for the most part, focuses on experience above doctrine and seeks to unite every sort of denomination. An example of this was the North American Congress on the Holy Spirit & World Evangelization, held in New Orleans, July 1987. More than 40 different denominations and groups were represented at this congress. Of the 40,000 in attendance, one-half were Roman Catholic, and a Catholic mass was held each morning. None of the more than 200 Charismatic speakers lifted a voice against doctrinal heresy. Many of the most popular Charismatic leaders were there.”

Ecumenists ignore the truth, break down doctrinal barrier, soft-pedal doctrinal differences, downplay doctrinal purity, and encourage people of all denominations, cults and sects to get together “in love”. They claim “others will know we are Christians by our love”. The charges of the ecumenists against the separatists are fast becoming familiar clichés. These are: (1) separatism splits churches; (2) good and learned man repudiate separatism; (3) disorder and confusion among the churches results from separatism; (4) separatists have an uncharitable, un-Christian spirit. These accusations had been clearly refuted by writers such as Ebenezer Frothingham (1719-1798) in his major work entitled “The articles of Faith and Practice”. Careful scriptural study reveals the flaws in an ecumenist’s arguments.

One of the root problems in an ecumenist’s reasoning is the infiltration of man’s philosophy into hermeneutics. Scriptures are quoted out of context, in favour of one’s philosophy of life. Truth is no longer objective, and therefore, not to be strictly adhered to. Peace, love, and brotherhood had taken precedence over objective truth and clear biblical teachings.

One significant aspect is the spread of the philosophy of Inclusivism. It is a concept teaching persons of contrary theological viewpoints can and should cooperate in the Lord’s work. This philosophy prevailed within the old Northern Baptist Convention (now American Baptist Churches). Many disagreed with the teaching as unscriptural, resulting in church defection in the order of hundreds. W. B. Riley, Billy Graham’s mentor, finally repudiated this philosophy. He resigned by letter from the Northern Baptist Convention, stating the fact that he was ashamed to remain any longer within a mixed body of believers and heathens.

With the advent of German philosopher Hegel (1770-1831), truth began a trip down the path of subjectivism and relativism. In “The God who is there”, Francis A Schaeffer rightly noted that Hegel opened the doorway to the line of despair. Now known as “Hegel’s dialectical thinking”, Hegel proposed a system of thought where “Truth” is no longer in the sense of antithesis. Previously, there was either the thesis, or the antithesis. Truth is definitely defined, and absolutely objective. Truth was related to the idea of cause and effect. Cause and effect produces a chain reaction which goes straight on in a horizontal line. With the philosopher Hegel, this method of thought was derailed. Instead of thinking in terms of cause and effect, thesis and antithesis, Hegel proposed a synthesis. If one were to apply this principle doctrinally, one might understand that this philosophy essentially brings an union between truth and error. This is, unfortunately, the modern system of thought. This is the antithesis to God’s command of, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you (2 Corinthians 6:17)”.

As Francis Schaeffer wrote in chapter 2 of his work, “The God who is there”, “If one understands the development of philosophy, or morals, or political thought from that day to this, one knows that Hegel and synthesis have won. In other words, Hegel has removed the straight line of previous thought, and in its place he has substituted a triangle. Instead of antithesis we have, as modern man’s approach to truth, synthesis. Hegel did not put it this simply. His thinking and writing are complicated, but the conclusion is that all possible positions are relativized, and leads to the concept that truth is to be sought in synthesis rather than antithesis.”

Soren Kierkegaard, the Danish philosopher, brought further development to this system of thought. Kierkegaard’s philosophy led to the conclusion that we could not arrive at synthesis by reason. Instead, we must achieve this by a “leap of faith”. He indirectly believed that Christianity was an act of faith with nothing rational to base it upon or to which to relate it. Out of his teachings came the modern concept of a “leap of faith” and the total separation of the rational and faith. Implicated by Kierkegaard and later developed by other philosophers, faith becomes associated with optimism, and rationalism with pessimism. He inadvertently became the father of modern existentialism, and the existentialism of philosophers like Karl Jaspers, Albert Camus, Jean-Paul Sartre and Martin Heidegger. Existentialism essentially advocates the concept that the highest truth is subjective rather than objective.

John F MacArthur, in “Reckless Faith” (page 22), commented, “Existentialism elevates individual experience and personal choice, minimizing or ruling out absolute standards of truth, goodness, morality, and such things. We might accurately characterize existentialism as the abandonment of objectivity. Existentialism is inherently anti-intellectual, against reason, irrational.”

So according to Hegel and Kierkegaard, truth is relative. There is no longer objective biblical truth. Truth is to be interpreted and judged according to one’s whims and fancies, be it called “higher criticism” or “modern scholarship”. Since truth is not absolute, but relative, it is no longer worth defending. The ecumenist reasons, “Why compromise peace and unity for doctrines?” They erroneously teach a “love” that neglects doctrinal purity and objective truth.

But biblical truth is objective. The only Truth is the Word of God (John 17:17) for Christians. Biblical love is LOVE IN THE TRUTH!

Let us now consider what God says, not what man thinks:

“But whoso KEEPETH HIS WORD, in him verily is the LOVE OF GOD PERFECTED: hereby know we that we are in him” (1 John 2:5)

"And this I pray, that your LOVE MAY ABOUND YET MORE AND MORE IN KNOWLEDGE AND IN ALL JUDGMENT; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ" (Philippians 1:9-10).

"For THIS IS THE LOVE OF GOD, THAT WE KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS: and his commandments are not grievous" (1 John 5:3).

"And we have confidence in the Lord touching you, that ye both do and will do the things which we command you. And the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God, and into the patient waiting for Christ. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us" (2 Thess. 3:4-6).

"Jesus answered and said unto him, IF A MAN LOVE ME, HE WILL KEEP MY WORDS: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him" (John 14:23).

True Love, Biblical Separation and Truth

Dear brothers and sisters, love is not romanticism, emotionalism or “gushy-wushy” sentimentalism. Love is not blind ignorance, broadmindedness, indifference or non-judgementalism. Love in the Bible is obeying God’s Word and His commandments. “True love” in the Bible is loving God first and foremost. This is the first and greatest commandment taught by Jesus Christ (Matthew 22:37; Mark 12:30; Luke 10:27).

The Apostle John teaches that “perfected” love is demonstrated in him who keeps the Lord’s commandments (1 John 2:5). This Apostle of Love clearly taught that fellowship is based upon “light” (1 John 1:5,6) and “truth” (1 John 1:6 and 2 John 1-4). John wrote:

If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: For he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds. (2 John 10,11)

This scripture forbids fellowship with those who are in doctrinal error. By association and membership with such organizations and churches, we directly disobey this commandment. True love and fellowship is always according to “light” and “truth”!

Martyn Lloyd-Jones wrote, “My contention is that the teaching of the New Testament is quite clear about this, that there is an absolute foundation, an irreducible minimum, without which the term “Christian” is meaningless, and without subscribing to which a man is not a Christian. That is “the foundation of the apostles and prophets” – the doctrine concerning “Jesus Christ and him crucified,” and “justification by faith only.” … Apart from that there is no such thing as fellowship, no basis of unity at all.” (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Basis of Christian Unity, page 45)

We are commanded by our Lord, “Beware of false prophets! ” (Matthew 7:15). We would never know these wolves in sheep’s clothing unless we judge their doctrines and their fruits! The Lord commanded that we “Judge righteous judgement” (John 7:24). “Why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?” (Luke 12:57), also “Thou hast rightly judged” (Luke 7:43). The Apostle Paul commanded, “Prove all things; hold fast that which is good” (1 Thessalonians 5:21). Also, “I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say” (1 Corinthians 10:15); “He that is spiritual judgeth all things” (1 Corinthians 2:15). Be like the Bereans, who search the scriptures daily, comparing the apostle’s teachings with the Bible.

“These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so (Acts 17:11)”.

Again, I would like to quote Martyn Lloyd-Jones, who rightly criticized, “I find it amusing to notice in the reviews of books that a point which is almost always emphasized is whether the writer has been entirely positive or not. We must never be negative; we must never be critical of other views. That is regarded as “sub-Christian”. It is the spirit that matters. So we must never criticize, still less must we denounce anything. Views which are totally divergent are to be regarded as valuable “insights” which point in the direction of truth.” (D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, The Basis of Christian Unity, page 53)

This is clearly Hegel’s dictum in action. All views, to Hegel, are valuable “insights”. The highest “Truth” is found in the synthesis of truth and error. Astoundingly, this is the philosophy of Christians today.

It is THE apostolic teaching for us to scrutinize teachers, judge doctrines, and to separate ourselves from all lies, heresies and false teachings. “Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them” (Romans 16:17). We must judge all evangelists, preachers and teachers doctrinally with scriptures. We must not neglect “marking” and “avoiding” those that teach contrary to the TRUTH. These include popular, well-known preachers like Benny Hinn and Billy Graham. “From such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:5) and “Withdraw yourselves” (2 Thessalonians 3:6).

Paul proclaimed, “Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you” (2 Corinthians 6:14-17). This passage of scripture clearly teaches that we should “come out” from (1) fellowship with unrighteousness; (2) communion with darkness; (3) concord with Belial; (4) part with an infidel; (5) agreement with the temple of idols.

Ernest Pickering succinctly summarized the scriptural violations of ecumenical philosophy in his work, “Biblical Separation” (page 154):

1.       We are to separate from those who are not sound in faith (2 Timothy 3:5).

2.       We are not to assist the cause of the ungodly (2 Chronicles 19:2).

3.       We are not to give honour to one who denies the faith (Galatians 1:6-9).

4.       We are to examine a person’s theological position and find it acceptable before cooperating with him in spiritual efforts (1 John 4:1).

5.       We are commanded not to join forces with unbelievers in the Lord’s work (2 Corinthians 6:14).

6.       We are not to emphasize unity at the expense of doctrinal purity (Jude 3).

7.       We are not to encourage or cooperate with persons of unsound doctrine (2 John 10,11).

Ecumenism and Reversal of the Protestant Reformation

We know that the scripture is clear on the issue of separation from unbelievers, heretics and apostates:

“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them” (Ephesians 5:11).

“Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good” (Romans 12:9).

“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject” (Titus 3:10).

The ecumenist teaches just the opposite. In the name of love, they would point the finger of judgment against fundamentalists and separatists. They declare the false gospel of “unity in diversity”, and yoke themselves with Roman Catholics, Mormons, Seventh-Day Adventists and other soul-damning heretics. An example would be “The Statement of Evangelicals and Catholics Together (ECT)”, which marks a new era of apostasy and whoredom for the church of Christ with heathens and unbelievers. Supported by neo-evangelicals such as Bill Bright and J. I. Packer, these “Christian leaders” bind themselves with the Church of Satan which had preached millions to hell with the FALSE gospel of works and sacraments! Sadly, for these ecumenists, truth is no longer important. Unity is their priority, even when it means forsaking the true “gospel of Christ” (Romans1:16) which they are obviously ashamed of.

The Roman Catholic Church alone is responsible for the damnation of millions with their gospel of 7 Sacraments, Indulgences, Purgatory and Baptismal regeneration. David Cloud wrote, “Bill Bright was one of the signers of the unscriptural "Evangelicals and Catholics Together: The Christian Mission in the Third Millennium" (ECT) statement in March 1994. Some asked Bright to recant his position on ECT but he refused, saying, "There are tens of millions of true believers among the Catholics...." Calvary Contender editor Jerry Huffman wisely noted that "true believers will separate from the false Roman Catholic religion."

In the statement distributed by Campus Crusade for Christ in defense of Bright’s signing of ECT he said: "In my world travels of many years, I have discovered that there are both believers and nonbelievers in Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox communities. I have sought to build bridges of love with all true believers in all communions." The Bible requires that God’s people mark and avoid those who teach contrary to the doctrine taught by the Apostles (Romans 16:17), but today’s popular Evangelical leaders ignore this command and fellowship with practically anyone who names the name of Christ, regardless of what doctrine or gospel they hold”.

Heretics and false teachers should be named (1 Timothy 1:20; 2 Timothy 2:17), marked out (Romans 16:17), admonished (Titus 3:10; 2 Thessalonians 3:15), reproved (Ephesians 5:11-12), rebuked (2 Timothy 4:2; Titus 1:13-14) and avoided (Romans 16:17). Again, brother Cloud writes, “Packer was a signer of the 1994 "Evangelicals and Catholics Together" statement. In a December 12, 1995, Christianity Today interview about this, Packer said differences about salvation and the church should not hinder Evangelicals and Roman Catholics from joint action to "re-Christianize the North American milieu." Of his participation with Evangelicals and Catholics Together he concluded, "I remain glad to endorse it." At a meeting in Dublin, Ireland, on July 31, 1998, Packer referred to Pope John Paul II as "a fine Christian man" (Take Heed Ministries, Belfast, Northern Ireland, March 1999). How can the pope be a fine Christian man when he is committed to a false gospel that is cursed of God, when he refers to himself as "the sweet Christ on earth," and when he prays to Mary as the Queen of Heaven and co-redemptress with Christ?”

We will cry out with Paul, “Your blood be upon your own heads; I am clean” (Acts 18:6). “Wherefore I take you to record this day, that I am pure from the blood of all men. For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:26).

The apostasy of the end-time is here. Previously, we had the evangelicals separated from Rome in the Protestant Reformation. Presently, we have the reformation effectively reversed! Evangelicals and Catholics are now happily united together in “love” and “peace”. Luther and Calvin must be turning in their graves! One wonders how we can reconcile Sola Fide with works, Sola Scriptura with man’s traditions, Sola Gratia with Sacraments and Indulgences, Solus Christus with Mary as Mediatrix, and Soli Deo Gloria with a false gospel accursed of God (Galatians 1:8).

Furthermore, the ECT expressly forbids proselytizing active Roman Catholics in the document’s Unitatis Reditegratio, 21 and Lumen Gentium, 60. This would be deemed as sheep-stealing. Again, one inexorably wonders, should we obey God’s command to “save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh (Jude 23)”? Or should we submit ourselves to the ECT’s restrictions? This would mean forsaking those lost sheep with a false gospel, and under the jurisdiction of apostates.

Inevitably, we protest with Lenski, “The state locks up murderers, thieves, criminals, as a matter of protection. Is the church to aid and abet spiritual murderers and thieves? Not for one moment, all maudlin sentiment in the state and in the church to the contrary notwithstanding.” (R. C. H. Lenski, The Interpretation of the Epistles of St. Peter, St. John, and St. Jude, page 571).

What will we do?

The challenge for us is to stand up courageously for the truth. Apart from this, Christianity will eventually decay into a false gospel that does not save. Without absolute truth, there is no absolute authority. Without absolute authority, there is no final authority. Without final authority, man rises above God and becomes god himself. Man becomes the final authority. Man decides what is right and wrong. Obedience and submission to God’s Word will no longer be necessary.

Do we have the integrity to do what is right? Will we separate ourselves from heretics and false teachings? Will we purify ourselves from the unbelieving churches? Do we care about the truth at all? “And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not”? (John 8:45). Will we harden our hearts, and reject the truth because of spiritual pride? Will we give blind allegiance to false teachers, or do we have the courage to refute them? Will we succumb to the ecumenical movement, and war against the truth of biblical separation? Will we find ourselves on man’s side, or on God’s side? “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve (Joshua 24:15).”

“And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved” (2 Thessalonians 2:10).

“That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness” (2 Thessalonians 2:12).

“Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matthew 7:14).

THE BROAD WAY IS THE WRONG WAY, my dear friends. Let us take heed and follow the truth! And may the Truth of God’s Word set us free from apostasy!

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32).

By VC, Banner of Truth Singapore Ministry

(PS: This article is not copyrighted. The author only desires that proper credits be given.)