A Commitment to the Word as God’s Rule for Faith and Life

I am a strong advocate for proper biblical doctrine and the correct interpretation of the Bible. Lately, I have been feeling that people like me who believe this way are becoming somewhat in the minority. An article in a recent USA Today titled, “Who Gets Saved? Opinions Broadened,” got my immediate attention.

The opening paragraph says it all that most American religious believers, including Christians, say eternal life is not exclusively for those who accept Christ as their Savior. This is the result of a Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life survey of 35,000 U.S. adults. The survey went on to say that 80% of the people who held this “open view” of heaven named at least one non-Christian group—Muslims, Hindus, even atheists—who may also be saved.

[By the way…this so-called “open view” is also attached to God, Himself. It is suggested that God has had to “change His mind or tactics” concerning present day humankind. This is a contradiction to Mal. 3:6 which states, “For I the Lord do not change…” This simply means God does not change in character and His eternal purpose just because culture and society change. The “immutability” of God (the fact God does not change or develop into something else) is the firm foundation of our faith.]

I had a brief conversation with a man this past week who told me of the condition of their church and the beliefs of his pastor. He stated the pastor has declared the Bible is not necessarily God’s word; that Jesus is not necessarily the only way to heaven; and that everybody is essentially on a journey that will take them to heaven; and naturally, there is no such thing as hell (that pastor should read Luke 16:22-31; Rev. 20:1-3, 11-15).

I hope this man and his family make an immediate decision to leave that church and find a church that is faithful to God’s word AND preaches and teaches this Word as the rule of faith and life.

Is this something new that has occurred in the past few years…NO. It certainly has been accelerating, but it is something the church has had to confront since the beginning days of the church. Of the 13 letters Paul wrote which are in the New Testament, at least six of those letters are a response to false teachers and doctrines. 1 and 2 Peter and Jude all contain strong warnings against the false teachers of their day.

The writer Jude states in v.3, “I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to you.” The “faith” he is speaking about is the apostolic teachings of the church, but these were under attack and in need of defense.

Here is an example of what this means: the teachings of groups like Mormons and Islam hold that New Testament teachings today are subject to corruption and more authoritative teachings are supplied by the Book of Mormon and the Qur’an—both of which conflict with the New Testament on many points.

Paul states in 2 Timothy 1:12, “I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that Day which has been entrusted to me.” Paul needed to come along side Pastor Timothy because of the proliferation of false teachers/teaching that was trying to infiltrate the church.

Let’s face it, there are a lot of voices attempting, and succeeding, in attracting people’s attention of their “brand of Christianity and teaching.” I recently listened briefly to one well-known TV preacher whose message was titled, “How To Have ‘Good Luck” in 2009.” What?  As I traveled, I heard a radio speaker suggest the local church had now become so corrupt that people should leave it and listen to him. What? And many are not the least hesitant to suggest sending your tithes to them, regardless of what Mal. 3:8-12 says. As sad side note is some of these people’s lives are in such disarray they should be disqualified from public ministry.

I am sure as some people read this they will simply declare that I am too “straight-laced” and need to loosen up. Well, that will not be happening. I am committed to “contend for the faith,” and help people have a healthy spiritual life that is filled with the Word and the Spirit.

Several years ago when I began pursuit of post-graduate degree work, I was warned that too much education would ruin me as a Spirit-filled minister. They thought I would surely replace spirituality with intellectualism. They do have a point, but that did not happen with me. With every course completed and book read and graduate paper written, I have become more sensitive to the Spirit and more committed to the Word of God and the proper teaching/preaching of it.

One of the things that attracted us to Faith Lutheran Church was its commitment to the Word as God’s rule for faith and life. I will pledge to you the faithful commitment to that Word!

In His Service,
Pastor Dennis Niles

PS: We love being your pastor here at Faith Lutheran Church. I am looking forward to seeing you in church!