Saturday, November 3, 2018

2 Peter 3:3-10; 2 Tim. 4:3-5; Signs: Religion (2)

Continuing thoughts from New Years Sunday, Dec. 31, 2000.

2.     Theological questions:

a.     Is Jesus the only way?

                                                        i.      The postmodern world has settled on “tolerance” that demands that men not only allow others to hold divergent views but that men also affirm that divergent view as right for that person.

When a growing number of Christians find themselves unable to affirm that Christ is the only way to God, the implications for world evangelization are ominous, especially since some already on the mission field are wondering why they are there. (Debre Fieguth, Faith Today, Jan/Feb 2000, p18-21)

                                                         ii.      She quotes Geoff Tunnicliff, missions strategist: the Great Commission ‘isn’t a gospel of tolerance; it’s a gospel of love.’

b.     Is hell real?

                                                         i.      There are various views:

a.     Hell is a literal place (traditional protestant, Catholic).

b.     Hell is separation from God (current Catholic).

c.     Hell is total destruction (annihilation; 7th Day Adventists, many cults and now a few Evangelicals.)

d.     Hell is the here and now.

                                                         ii.      Although images of hell still capture the imagination, some people are concerned that hell without fury is not only unscriptural but also gives us ‘no persuasive reason to be moral.’

c.     Is reconciliation with the Roman Catholic Church possible?

                                                              i.      In recent years we have bemoaned the willingness of many evangelicals to throw away the reformation in favor of friendship with the RCC.

                                                             ii.      The RCC set everyone straight this year with the document Dominus lesus, making clear that there is no salvation outside the Church – the holy Roman Church.



(There is more to consider from the year 2000 as well as today so we will continue to think of conditions in the apostate church in tomorrow’s post.)

No comments: