There is no question that Biblical Truth and life are on two different paths. Today, more than ever we find ourselves colliding with what the Bible says we should be doing and who we must be to please God.
And like many things in todays’s volatile culture, just cancel it, re-write it, change it and promote the changes as “newly found freedom” that comes from an enlightened reinterpretation of God’s Word. If it’s too much of a living challenge... change what the Bible says. After all, it was written a very long time ago and it must ben time for an overhaul?
Updating its meaning seems logical. Make what the Bible says fit today’s contemporary culture. Adapt God’s Word to our lifestyles. This sort of thinking, is more prevalent in today’s culture than you might think, and amounts to intentional and willful rejection of God’s Word.
Over time, we have become petrified in our religious biases. This is not a new 21st century thing... it’s happened before. Jesus soundly rebuked the scribes and Pharisees for willfully invalidating the Word of God for the sake of their traditions, stating that their worship was in vain because they were elevating the doctrines of men rather than esteeming those of God (Matthew 15:6, 9). They willfully chose not to comprehend God’s Word.
One of the reasons for so much division within the Body of Christ, the greater universal Church, is that far too many persons seek to impose their own theology upon the Scriptures, instead of extracting the unvarnished truth from the the inspired writings. This is theology ex nihilo. If the only basis for our religious preferences and practices is an appeal to what God didn't say, or the creative manipulation of what He did, we have formulated a theological system "out of nothing." God doesn’t recognize it and won’t respond to the efforts of believers trapped in such heresies.
Be honest with yourself... part of the problem is we just don’t like everything God says to us. When we willfully fail to correctly comprehend the Truths in God’s inspired Word, we often feel compelled to formulate our own "truths" out of what He has not revealed -- theology ex nihilo. We elevate to the status of divine LAW our own notions about things God has not revealed or declared. We then seek to impose these doctrines, dogmas, and decrees upon others. We will restrict our fellowship to those who meekly accept our self-made theologies. In doing this, we embrace the shadows and reject the substance.
We have elevated ourselves and our institutions above Jesus our Savior. Once here... we have a well crafted religion but we don’t have an authentic relationship with Christ. Again, we are left out in the cold because Jesus doesn’t recognize or acknowledge us in such heretical thinking and practices. The life we think we are living “in Christ” is in vain.
The apostle Paul warned the young evangelist Timothy that a time was fast approaching when men would no longer desire the substantive Truths clearly revealed by God. Instead, "they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths" (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Demonic doctrines and deceitful spirits would be the companions of their newfound theology, and blessings which "God has created to be gratefully shared in by those who believe and know the truth" would be forbidden (1 Timothy 4:1-3). Not much has changed today... and Paul’s warning rest squarely at our doorstep.
When our preferences, practices, and perceptions become our "ways and means" ... when our earthly worldly traditions are self-elevated to eternal Truth ... we truly have nothing! We have severed ourselves from our Savior in our futile quest to become self-justified, and have only succeeded in becoming self-righteous! When we reject God's wisdom from above... the vast empty void of earthly wisdom is all that remains. (James 3:15)
My first thought in writing this article was to include a list of beliefs and practices in today’s churches that man has conjured up... “theology ex nihilo”. I wanted you to know what these things might look and feel like in the context of the Church today. I decided not to list any… you already know what they are. They are easy to detect and easy to see in practice. Some are shrouded in heavy handed legalism. Some are legitimized as excuses for divisions among believers. Why do you think there are so many denominations among Christianity? That was certainly not a “Godly idea”. Heretical practices and beliefs almost always focus on man’s wants and desires, interpreting Scripture in such ways as to turn God into a master servant whom we control and waits to grant our every wish and desire. The most telling characteristic of Biblical misinterpretation... every single misinterpretation of Scripture is characterized by a lack of “love”, for “one another” and for God. Finally, the true genuine unadulterated Word of God is not burdensome. Trust in Him to help you carry your load. (Matthew 11:28-30; 1 John 5:3)
In view of the grave consequences of creating, promoting and practicing misinterpretations of Scripture, it is essential that each of us do as Paul counseled Timothy… Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. (2 Timothy 4:2).
You might not like what God is saying to you. You might feel restrained or restricted in your expectations or desires by His Word. That’s okay, if you sincerely seek Him... God will work with you... through those challenges in your life. He’ll change you so that embracing His Truth is easier and a cause for joy in your life.
God’s Word is Truth. The only Truth in our world. The only pathway to salvation. (John 17:17). If what you believe or think you believe... is not in His inspired Word, then it is theology ex nihilo. It is worthless. It is dangerous to your soul!
Such theology will lead those who embrace it into that great eternal void away from the presence of God, rather than into His promise of life everlasting in His presence
