Make Your Stand

Within contemporary Christianity, the emergent church movement has taken hold and is spreading across the world. Some would consider me part of the movement and in one sense, so would I. Recently, I heard one leader describe two characteristics of this movement. One is referred to as reconstructionist and the second is referred to as revisionist. The reconstructionists are those who feel that the traditional gospel message should be presented in a revised framework. It is “doing church” differently than has been traditionally done. The authority of Scripture, the gospel message, and historic Christian doctrines remain unchanged. I can accept this.

The revisionists are those who believe the traditional gospel message should be revised or reinterpreted to make it more inclusive. It is abandoning the biblical gospel message and the biblical doctrines taught in the Scripture. This view means the Bible is no longer the authoritative standard that the church has recognized. Church doctrine now becomes a consensus believed and accepted by religious leaders from all faiths. The Bible becomes less relevant and must evolve to suit the needs of contemporary humanity. Each faith has its own truth, which is to be respected by all other faiths. The idiom “your truth for you and my truth for me” becomes the acceptable standard that can unite the faiths. This makes Christianity more inclusive and palatable to all people. Thus, each faith has its own pathway to God or their understanding of God. This I cannot accept.

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6). And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12). Scripture is clear that salvation for all men of all faiths must come through the biblical Jesus Christ alone. If the Bible is recognized as the authority, there can be no other conclusion. If it is not, you are without hope.

R Swenson