90 likes | 385 Views
“Come as you are”. Some sociologists are now speaking in terms of the present being the “post-Christian age.” Hence, we are being told that there is now the necessity for something different in religion to reach those who have moved beyond New Testament Christianity. . “Come as you are”.
E N D
“Come as you are” Some sociologists are now speaking in terms of the present being the “post-Christian age.” Hence, we are being told that there is now the necessity for something different in religion to reach those who have moved beyond New Testament Christianity.
“Come as you are” Why would we need a “new gospel?” Man still needs the Savior (Matt. 1: 21). Man needs forgiveness (Heb. 8: 8-13). Man still needs the Mediator (I Tim. 2: 5). The church is no less needed (Eph. 1: 3, 7). Just as much need for the gospel (Rom. 1: 16).
“Come as you are” Change or substitution forbidden: To add to or take away from has serious attendant consequences (Rev. 22: 18, 19). To replace gospel with another gospel results in the curse of God (Gal. 1: 6-9).
“Come as you are” The need of the “post-Christian age” is a new appeal, we are told, and this new appeal is the, “Come as you are” religion.
“Come as you are” There is a sense in which we come to God as we are (cp. Matt. 11: 28-30).“Come as you are” initially pertained to dress, but has now started taking on a more extensive meaning and application.
“Come as you are” The age of selfishness: We are absolutely in the age of selfishness and “Do not expect me to change!” Hence, “come as you are” is opportune and culturally harmonious. (Cp. Luke 9: 23, Phili. 3: 9, Acts 24: 23-26).
“Come as you are” The age of convenience has arrived in the ultimate extreme: Just as Felix, we do not want to be bothered with the inconvenient (Acts 24: 25). “Many people are daily wearing shorts and flip flops, so, this is what they naturally wear to worship now.”
“Come as you are” The full “come as you are” philosophy is now being seen: Come without belief, repentance, confession, and baptism (John 8: 24; Acts 17: 30, 31; Rom. 10: 9, 10; Acts 2: 38). Come as you are with homosexual practices (I Cor. 6: 9-11). Come with foul language (Eph. 4: 29). Come with addictions (I Cor. 9: 24-27). Come with own beliefs (2 Thes. 2: 10-12).
“Come as you are” Come with adulterous marriages (Matt. 19: 9). Come with ill-gotten gains (Luke 19: 8). Come with own gods (cp. Phili. 3: 18, 19). The scriptures teach: “But when he saw many…come to his baptism, he said unto them…Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance” (Matt. 3: 7, 8).