Perhaps most are not aware, but the thought of church adjustment has been set in relation to our current culture. With so many historical revisions, re-edits of books and literature, people are more inclined to accept changes in order to make the church more inclusive. These conversations are not only taking place, but actions are being taken. Customs, doctrines, musical selections, and verbiage is being reviewed in
many places. Some proposals hinge around anecdotal arguments, i.e., people giving their personal experiences to propel change. The general thought is that the church needs to adapt to the culture. Parents fear that their children will reject the church if holiness standards remain inflexible. Others have opined that sermons are invasive; that they should remain inviting. In short, “the church needs to be more seeker friendly.”
While these matters are being accepted in diverse places, I have no such interest. This is my declaration. My reasoning is not personal, but scriptural. God said: Deu 4:2 Do not add to what I command you and do not subtract from it, but keep the commands… A lie will not help us. It might make people feel good, but only sound doctrine will save. Furthermore, we are not allowed to deviate from God’s inspired Word.
Rev 22:18-19 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.
Just so you know, God is not a revisionist. He does not change and His Word is settled. Our doctrine was given by the Lord. Holiness is a scriptural command. Baptism in Jesus’ name is a Biblical directive and the Oneness of God is the only form of the Godhead found in the Bible (Eph. 4:5, Jn 14:9). The trinity is a man-made doctrine and is not even mentioned in the Scripture. So regardless of what the current trend might be, we will not change the Bible, its teachings, or our lifestyle in order to accommodate the culture. While we are often accused of being “old fashion”, this is about walking in Truth and being original.
Finally, Paul showed us how emphatic we must be… Gal 1:6-8 I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel: Which is not another; but there be some that trouble you, and would pervert the gospel of Christ. But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole