See HERE for more essays.
CONTENTS:
1: Confusion
2: Controversy
3: Atheism Online
4: The End Times
Introduction
If you allow Scripture to define your faith in Christ you may agree that Internet Christianity is badly messed up. Often the Gospel is garbled, clear Bible teaching is dismissed as interpretation or opinion, and sceptics are endlessly grinding their axes against Bible authority. It seems that on every digital page there are self-styled teachers who believe they have truth to share. But how many share with God-appointed authority? Do we?
Below we will examine the likely reasons for confusion and explore how we might deal with controversy, atheism and questionable End Times speculations.
1: Confusion
After being online for just a few hours recently I was reminded again that Christian social networking is a big mixed bag of flavours, some of them unpleasant, some of them revolting.
I came on a post that assured me a rarely mentioned person in the New Testament—who, it's alleged, became "sinless" in every sense—was specifically chosen to be lifted up bodily from earth. This person was placed at God's throne to continually "intercede" for me, and protect me from Christ's judgement by ensuring my ongoing sins are pardoned. After that I read that I should ignore the original Hebrew and Greek texts of Scripture where they disagree with words found in the King James Version of the Bible. In fact, I should pass them by "like a beer can on the highway". Earlier I was haughtily told I "despise" God's truth if I don't call Him Jehovah. Despise? Really?
In a comment to what I thought was a doctrinally sound post, I read that repentance is a "work" of man and therefore has no place in God's way of salvation. Maybe I misunderstood? Someone else forcefully told me I should rigidly keep Old Testament commandments. To say the least, this is misleading. We should always view Old Testament truths through a New Testament lens. Consider Galatians 5:1-10 and James 2:10.
Incomprehensibly, the same person was quite taken with Isaac Newton's eccentric 1733 theories on the End Times. Newton thought 2060 looked ominous. Or maybe 2034? Maybe he's right, but it’s impossible to know and speculation is unwise. Being remarkably erudite doesn't automatically make someone an indispensable paragon.
We may read these views online, and many more besides, and shake our heads. But in truth there's nothing here we can lightly dismiss. It's sobering. How can these things be? Is there a clear cause? Can we as humble followers of Christ learn from these things and insulate ourselves from them? Is it always wise to wrestle mind-to-mind with those who stubbornly hold to opinions and beliefs that cause division, confusion and even widespread spiritual blindness? Is it arrogance on our part to presume we always know better?
Assuming those who passionately promote such views are of a mature age, I would suggest to you a couple of reasons why this has been happening since the days of the early Church. One would be the forceful and cunning work of our spiritual enemy. When the spiritual forces of wickedness have their way, the deceived become the deceivers. Another reason for false beliefs or conflict and division would be the obsessive driving force in the human will that clings to a personal bias—a rampant one-sidedness that can be immune to reason, facts, the balance of Scripture and even the very mind of Christ.
Scripture can make us wise in every context. By the Holy Spirit through the Word of Christ we can come to understand how anyone can be led into error and half-truths. We would do well to examine ourselves daily and make sure we can assess others without being judgemental.
There is an evil spiritual force that's determined to distort God's truth with alluring demonic teachings that will fragment local churches and give birth to individualistic ministries that answer to no one. More than that, some corruptions of the truth will lead many to believe false gospels and complex spiritual theories, trapping them in religious systems that offer deceptive assurances that are nothing more than insidious lies leading to death.
Not only will Scripture reveal to us the mind of Christ—the understanding of God's will for us, our society and those we fellowship with—it will also cause a clear division within us so we can identify what comes from self rather than from Him. Self serves the human mind and natural gifts, not the revealed will of God.
Self, or "soul" (consider Hebrews 4:12) can be a powerful force, keenly driven by the intellect, using every ounce of someone's personality and natural talents to cling to what is false and harmful. Energised wholly by self a personal bias can get passionately out of control. This in turn will attract others to a misleading message that eventually brings falsehood and half-truths to a much wider audience. Confusion abounds when the unsafe "thoughts and intentions of the heart" are not exposed.
There are genuine believers who suffer from deception on two fronts: they are unable to wrestle against the powers of darkness and are bewitched by magnetic personalities who are slaves to their own will and prejudices. Truly, in Christ, there is a pressing need for familiarity with the fullness of Bible truth. Without a humble submission to loving authority in the local church, believers will be free to develop individualistic emphases that lead to imbalance and confusion.
We need to get out of the way. If we do God will give us a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in knowing Him. The eyes of our hearts will be enlightened.
2: Controversy
Discovering the Guiding Principles of God in Scripture
Alcohol, smoking, gambling, eternal punishment, infant baptism, dispensationalism and the Last Days, Bible translations, church tradition, women’s role in the local church, evolution versus creation, intimacy before marriage, homosexuality and gay Christians, and so on. There’s plenty to discuss, or hotly debate. But where do our priorities lie? What stirs us up the most? And how does the Church—God’s called-out people—go about having the same mind in Christ?
Rationalised or intellectualised faith makes for a poor spiritual diet. The life and mind of Christ are imparted to us in better ways. So, what gets genuine believers through all of this controversy in our fellowship? After all, we must take note that in Scripture believers in Christ are called to be in agreement, without divisions, united in the same mind and judgment in the outworking of their faith. To achieve this we need true spiritual maturity. Where humble maturity is lacking disagreements prosper.
Let’s roll all our so-called controversies and debates into a messy bundle and step back. Does it bother us when we see a general trend that shies away from the final authority and balanced teaching of Scripture? Reject that and we can go just about anywhere, redefining whatever we choose to suit our general outlook and personal preferences. But God’s Word tells us a lot about the eternal character of God the Father. It abundantly reveals Christ’s mind and wisdom.
The core issue here isn’t the specifics of our personal views or what we believe we should and should not do. Let’s not get hung up on pushing our individual interpretations and favourite topics or obsessions. Everything pivots on understanding the holy, fixed principles by which God expresses His life to us. His Word reveals His personality. By His Spirit in us, Who does He reveal Himself to be? That will dramatically impact our priorities, pet theories and approaches to argumentation.
Fundamentally it’s always a question of Who He is and all that He stands for. If at the outset we examined ourselves in this context, would controversial subjects become less problematic? Of course, minor disagreements will never go away. But, for example, would the wrangles of factional online debates be less common?
In the light of His Word, the holy, pure character of God in us would cause us to falter over many of our choices and diverting preferences. At that point it becomes a matter of submission and obedience to His will—the real world outworking of our daily faith that abides in Christ.
Let’s just use alcohol as a quick example. Scripture has something to say about how God’s righteous character responds to alcohol in the lives of those He separates to Himself, those individuals He raises up for service.
Part of this controversy in modern church life stems from making a big deal about alcoholic excess. We all know the verse very well: we shouldn’t get drunk. It’s beyond debate. So that’s our goal then. (But many know that in practice it’s not quite that simple.) So we rationalise about how much is too much, and where and when.
Some say spirits are out, but it’s OK to drink beer. Such definitions are meaningless. What we like or allow is of no consequence, and we should be careful about who we tell. For many people alcohol is harmless and has an insignificant role in their social routines. But we should also remember it’s literally a poisonous sedative that easily causes addiction. And it’s hurting Christians. Should we choose our words more carefully?
In Scripture strong drink (however we define it) is associated with recklessness, judgement, impurity, confused thinking, going astray, fights, and foolish and embarrassing behaviour.
We find that God’s chosen people in Scripture are characterised by a separation from strong drink and drunkenness. Isn’t there a general principle to be learned here about the use of alcohol in our lives? Scripturally it’s a revelation to us of His holy character and His desires for those He separates to Himself.
When we try to apply dead regulations and a long string of dos and don’ts to Christian behaviour and choices we simply stir up the wearisome legalism of religion. We wield Bible verses like a club. So we struggle against these controversial subjects in our own strength, within the confines of human wisdom, morality and opinion.
Many Christians, or those who say they are, get distracted by less important issues that cause division and confusion. True believers are often in a rush to voice their opinions and theories in controversial no-win debates. But Christ leads His chosen to do their upmost to be at peace with everyone without compromising His Truth.
It’s foolish to want to change others in our own strength according to our own opinions. We might be wrong in what we do and share. In fact, simply being right is not enough. Nor would it be enough to know the fullness of Scripture inside out if we use that knowledge irresponsibly. We shouldn’t try to convince others by merely showing them they are mistaken or uninformed. We want them to be influenced by Christ’s life in us. We want to be built up by Christ’s truth in them.
When we ask God to reveal His character in us—the very mind of Christ—we get a sense or revelation of His holiness, love and flawless guidance. He always offers us the better choice. It’s a narrow path that irresistibly leads us away from the pride of life, the ways of the world and the pull of “the flesh”. Jesus told us the flesh profits nothing.
In this way, through His truth, God cuts deep between our flawed, sinful mindset and His ways revealed in our spirits. Through Him the harmony of Scripture teaching leads us to better understand why particular behaviour and choices are essentially illegitimate. They are inconsistent with the holy character of God.
His ways are not our ways. All that He encourages and disallows becomes part of who we are in Him. Christ in us doesn’t offer opinion, theory and advice. He is free from controversy. He reveals His truths for our profit, and they are right and perfect.
3: Atheism Online
Atheism is a belief built on denial. The senses, the intellect and the sciences are in essence the god of atheism. Spirituality is rejected.
It seems most atheists fail to define Christianity properly. (And for sure, in the past plenty of them dispensed ‘fundy’ labels quite liberally.) The purest definition of the Christian faith is found in the source documents: the New Testament.
Atheists are outraged (quite rightly) and get sidetracked by religion’s historical failure to apply Scriptural truths properly. Not everything with a Christian label represents the authentic Christian faith. They also arm themselves with the activities of pseudo-Christian extremists and the many failings of struggling Christians. Generally atheists are ignorant of what it actually means to follow Christ by faith, and to be involved in church life and to struggle against the tendencies of our fallen nature. I found this to be a major shortcoming with Richard Dawkins’ belligerent opinions in his unfortunate book The God Delusion.
Perhaps in some cases agnostic tendencies are caused by lifestyle choices that the true God rejects, so God Himself will be rejected. And if there is no God the atheist is free to do whatever he judges morally acceptable. To accept God as fact would mean coming to terms with His righteous judgement against sinful behaviour. (Many of those who believe there is a God question Bible authority and its principles because they need to accommodate personal preferences.)
Some disdainful and manipulative atheists may think they toy with Christians on Internet forums where reason appears to crush faith so easily. The members on Christian debating forums range from real disciples all the way through to those proactive atheists who tirelessly target religion.
These debates demonstrate that ultimately faith and human reason exist on opposite poles. When true faith quizzes the negation of atheism the debate tends to lead to fruitless contention. In essence faith is unjustifiable and nonsensical while atheism is built squarely on human reason.
Christians who follow Christ will live by faith. Unlike those with destructive and even violent causes, Christ calls believers to give their lives away for Him, and to love even those who would oppose and hate them.
Faith concludes that “with God all things are possible”, so fools for Christ abound. Faith is a confident expectation that God will make a difference according to His purposes, His divine intentions dismissed so readily by so-called reasonable atheists. Faith acknowledges the accountability of sin that needs annulled to avoid God’s judgement, while atheism rejects such a concept, sometimes with venomous sarcasm.
Too often online debates in ‘Christian’ forums tarnish the image of Jesus and merely serve to motivate our detractors. In these generally abrasive exchanges we rarely find a post where God’s truths are shared in wisdom, meekness and spiritual authority.
To make matters even worse, from time to time brash believers carelessly pass on unsubstantiated and unsourced information they’ve heard from someone else without checking the facts properly. When someone is determined to make a point it’s much too easy for details to become distorted or irresponsibly overstated. Opinions about Bible versions are a somewhat embarrassing example.
Christian online responses can be ill-informed, rude and overbearing. And we are slow to forgive in others the unpleasant traits we ourselves suffer from. Clumsy and abrasive dogmatism is a carnal response to a spiritual problem. This attitude leads to foolish and unprofitable disputes and bickering that only serve to undermine the faith. Is this what Christ has called us to?
It’s God Who does the work. But too many are striving in vain to offer convincing arguments on page after page of largely ineffective rhetoric. Some believers understand that this online practice effectively marginalises fellowship. More than that, it helps to obscure the message and character of Christ, as revealed in Scripture.
Christians shouldn’t “strive about words to no profit” (consider the principle we find in 2nd Timothy 2:14). We can take a firm and uncompromising stand while humbly showing courtesy and gentleness, considerately using words that we hope will be spiritually beneficial. We have the mind of Christ. In Christ’s authority, and by His power working in us, we can pull down the arguments of reason and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God.
If you spend time on these forums don’t let any of this get under your skin. Remember the “truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21). Stay on higher spiritual ground, humbly speak His simple truth in love and trust God to use your words.
4: The End Times
Eschatology (beliefs about the end of the age) is in a particularly dreadful mess these days, largely because of how easily we all connect online and how low our standards are when handling God’s Word. Discussions about The End Times often attract those who have an imbalanced approach to the fullness of Scripture teaching.
In the Bible we are told to avoid harmful distractions that displace sound teaching. Take the time to read the following verses: 1st Timothy 1:4-7; 6:3-5; 2nd Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9-11. There are general lessons here for those preoccupied by subjects that are unlikely to focus their minds on following Christ faithfully according to God’s Word. Our unity and spiritual health will suffer when we are bogged down by foolish stories, imprudent speculations, worthless disputes about words, suspicions, controversial questions, and so on.
Some passages of Scripture are styled in metaphorical and symbolic language that inevitably leads to fanciful speculations among the spiritually immature. This is especially true among those who spend a disproportionate amount of time thinking about future events and the end of the age.
Many prophetic-based speculative theories lack a clear relevance to the overall purpose of Scripture in the lives of God’s people. We know that the Scriptures should be used to lead us into spiritual completeness and correctness, equipping us for good works in Christ. Arguably it’s difficult to use Scripture in this way when speculating or teaching about The End Times and The Fall of Satan*, two popular subjects in online forums and on social networking pages. There are many colourful opinions on these subjects!
We have to be careful in brotherly discussions and debates that we don’t present personal convictions or theories as unquestionable revelation from Scripture. But that’s exactly what too many do. Thankfully there is an abundance of subjects in Scripture that are perfectly clear. Most of Scripture can be comfortably used to strengthen our faith allowing us to better understand God’s will for us each day. We can use most of Scripture to build up one another in our walk with Christ, to His glory.
Some people grow to have personality characteristics that are stubbornly attracted to controversies, conspiracy theories, the supernatural and any amount of outlandish ideas. Interpreting known facts to fit personal bias is a common inclination we should all try to avoid. We should never join up the dots to create the picture we were hoping to see.
Sometimes Bible passages or verses are lifted out of context, or used to create an emphasis that leads to confused thinking and divisive foolishness. When Scripture passages aren’t totally clear, it’s wise not to make dogmatic statements about their meaning or to rashly link them to current events, or possible future events.
In brief, what does the Bible actually say about the consummation of the age?
Christ taught us that at the end of the age, following a time of great distress, He will appear from above (Matthew 24:30). He will send out His angels who will gather out of His kingdom everything that offends Him, and all those who disobey God’s laws, and throw them into the fiery furnace (Matthew 13:41, 42). “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (v. 43).
We are are called to abide in Christ in spiritual maturity, to know His will by the Holy Spirit, and to be found faithfully following Him when He returns, whenever that may be. No one knows exactly, but we should keep in mind the sobering truths of Luke 21:29-36, 1st Thessalonians 5:2-8, 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-12 and 2nd Peter 3:10-14 (NASB):
Are we ready?
CONTENTS:
1: Confusion
2: Controversy
3: Atheism Online
4: The End Times
Introduction
“Your Word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You”; “You rebuke the arrogant. Cursed are those who wander from your commands” (Psalm 119:11; 21).
If you allow Scripture to define your faith in Christ you may agree that Internet Christianity is badly messed up. Often the Gospel is garbled, clear Bible teaching is dismissed as interpretation or opinion, and sceptics are endlessly grinding their axes against Bible authority. It seems that on every digital page there are self-styled teachers who believe they have truth to share. But how many share with God-appointed authority? Do we?
Below we will examine the likely reasons for confusion and explore how we might deal with controversy, atheism and questionable End Times speculations.
1: Confusion
After being online for just a few hours recently I was reminded again that Christian social networking is a big mixed bag of flavours, some of them unpleasant, some of them revolting.
I came on a post that assured me a rarely mentioned person in the New Testament—who, it's alleged, became "sinless" in every sense—was specifically chosen to be lifted up bodily from earth. This person was placed at God's throne to continually "intercede" for me, and protect me from Christ's judgement by ensuring my ongoing sins are pardoned. After that I read that I should ignore the original Hebrew and Greek texts of Scripture where they disagree with words found in the King James Version of the Bible. In fact, I should pass them by "like a beer can on the highway". Earlier I was haughtily told I "despise" God's truth if I don't call Him Jehovah. Despise? Really?
In a comment to what I thought was a doctrinally sound post, I read that repentance is a "work" of man and therefore has no place in God's way of salvation. Maybe I misunderstood? Someone else forcefully told me I should rigidly keep Old Testament commandments. To say the least, this is misleading. We should always view Old Testament truths through a New Testament lens. Consider Galatians 5:1-10 and James 2:10.
Incomprehensibly, the same person was quite taken with Isaac Newton's eccentric 1733 theories on the End Times. Newton thought 2060 looked ominous. Or maybe 2034? Maybe he's right, but it’s impossible to know and speculation is unwise. Being remarkably erudite doesn't automatically make someone an indispensable paragon.
We may read these views online, and many more besides, and shake our heads. But in truth there's nothing here we can lightly dismiss. It's sobering. How can these things be? Is there a clear cause? Can we as humble followers of Christ learn from these things and insulate ourselves from them? Is it always wise to wrestle mind-to-mind with those who stubbornly hold to opinions and beliefs that cause division, confusion and even widespread spiritual blindness? Is it arrogance on our part to presume we always know better?
Assuming those who passionately promote such views are of a mature age, I would suggest to you a couple of reasons why this has been happening since the days of the early Church. One would be the forceful and cunning work of our spiritual enemy. When the spiritual forces of wickedness have their way, the deceived become the deceivers. Another reason for false beliefs or conflict and division would be the obsessive driving force in the human will that clings to a personal bias—a rampant one-sidedness that can be immune to reason, facts, the balance of Scripture and even the very mind of Christ.
Scripture can make us wise in every context. By the Holy Spirit through the Word of Christ we can come to understand how anyone can be led into error and half-truths. We would do well to examine ourselves daily and make sure we can assess others without being judgemental.
There is an evil spiritual force that's determined to distort God's truth with alluring demonic teachings that will fragment local churches and give birth to individualistic ministries that answer to no one. More than that, some corruptions of the truth will lead many to believe false gospels and complex spiritual theories, trapping them in religious systems that offer deceptive assurances that are nothing more than insidious lies leading to death.
Not only will Scripture reveal to us the mind of Christ—the understanding of God's will for us, our society and those we fellowship with—it will also cause a clear division within us so we can identify what comes from self rather than from Him. Self serves the human mind and natural gifts, not the revealed will of God.
Self, or "soul" (consider Hebrews 4:12) can be a powerful force, keenly driven by the intellect, using every ounce of someone's personality and natural talents to cling to what is false and harmful. Energised wholly by self a personal bias can get passionately out of control. This in turn will attract others to a misleading message that eventually brings falsehood and half-truths to a much wider audience. Confusion abounds when the unsafe "thoughts and intentions of the heart" are not exposed.
There are genuine believers who suffer from deception on two fronts: they are unable to wrestle against the powers of darkness and are bewitched by magnetic personalities who are slaves to their own will and prejudices. Truly, in Christ, there is a pressing need for familiarity with the fullness of Bible truth. Without a humble submission to loving authority in the local church, believers will be free to develop individualistic emphases that lead to imbalance and confusion.
We need to get out of the way. If we do God will give us a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in knowing Him. The eyes of our hearts will be enlightened.
2: Controversy
Discovering the Guiding Principles of God in Scripture
Alcohol, smoking, gambling, eternal punishment, infant baptism, dispensationalism and the Last Days, Bible translations, church tradition, women’s role in the local church, evolution versus creation, intimacy before marriage, homosexuality and gay Christians, and so on. There’s plenty to discuss, or hotly debate. But where do our priorities lie? What stirs us up the most? And how does the Church—God’s called-out people—go about having the same mind in Christ?
Rationalised or intellectualised faith makes for a poor spiritual diet. The life and mind of Christ are imparted to us in better ways. So, what gets genuine believers through all of this controversy in our fellowship? After all, we must take note that in Scripture believers in Christ are called to be in agreement, without divisions, united in the same mind and judgment in the outworking of their faith. To achieve this we need true spiritual maturity. Where humble maturity is lacking disagreements prosper.
Let’s roll all our so-called controversies and debates into a messy bundle and step back. Does it bother us when we see a general trend that shies away from the final authority and balanced teaching of Scripture? Reject that and we can go just about anywhere, redefining whatever we choose to suit our general outlook and personal preferences. But God’s Word tells us a lot about the eternal character of God the Father. It abundantly reveals Christ’s mind and wisdom.
The core issue here isn’t the specifics of our personal views or what we believe we should and should not do. Let’s not get hung up on pushing our individual interpretations and favourite topics or obsessions. Everything pivots on understanding the holy, fixed principles by which God expresses His life to us. His Word reveals His personality. By His Spirit in us, Who does He reveal Himself to be? That will dramatically impact our priorities, pet theories and approaches to argumentation.
Fundamentally it’s always a question of Who He is and all that He stands for. If at the outset we examined ourselves in this context, would controversial subjects become less problematic? Of course, minor disagreements will never go away. But, for example, would the wrangles of factional online debates be less common?
In the light of His Word, the holy, pure character of God in us would cause us to falter over many of our choices and diverting preferences. At that point it becomes a matter of submission and obedience to His will—the real world outworking of our daily faith that abides in Christ.
Let’s just use alcohol as a quick example. Scripture has something to say about how God’s righteous character responds to alcohol in the lives of those He separates to Himself, those individuals He raises up for service.
Part of this controversy in modern church life stems from making a big deal about alcoholic excess. We all know the verse very well: we shouldn’t get drunk. It’s beyond debate. So that’s our goal then. (But many know that in practice it’s not quite that simple.) So we rationalise about how much is too much, and where and when.
Some say spirits are out, but it’s OK to drink beer. Such definitions are meaningless. What we like or allow is of no consequence, and we should be careful about who we tell. For many people alcohol is harmless and has an insignificant role in their social routines. But we should also remember it’s literally a poisonous sedative that easily causes addiction. And it’s hurting Christians. Should we choose our words more carefully?
In Scripture strong drink (however we define it) is associated with recklessness, judgement, impurity, confused thinking, going astray, fights, and foolish and embarrassing behaviour.
We find that God’s chosen people in Scripture are characterised by a separation from strong drink and drunkenness. Isn’t there a general principle to be learned here about the use of alcohol in our lives? Scripturally it’s a revelation to us of His holy character and His desires for those He separates to Himself.
When we try to apply dead regulations and a long string of dos and don’ts to Christian behaviour and choices we simply stir up the wearisome legalism of religion. We wield Bible verses like a club. So we struggle against these controversial subjects in our own strength, within the confines of human wisdom, morality and opinion.
Many Christians, or those who say they are, get distracted by less important issues that cause division and confusion. True believers are often in a rush to voice their opinions and theories in controversial no-win debates. But Christ leads His chosen to do their upmost to be at peace with everyone without compromising His Truth.
It’s foolish to want to change others in our own strength according to our own opinions. We might be wrong in what we do and share. In fact, simply being right is not enough. Nor would it be enough to know the fullness of Scripture inside out if we use that knowledge irresponsibly. We shouldn’t try to convince others by merely showing them they are mistaken or uninformed. We want them to be influenced by Christ’s life in us. We want to be built up by Christ’s truth in them.
When we ask God to reveal His character in us—the very mind of Christ—we get a sense or revelation of His holiness, love and flawless guidance. He always offers us the better choice. It’s a narrow path that irresistibly leads us away from the pride of life, the ways of the world and the pull of “the flesh”. Jesus told us the flesh profits nothing.
In this way, through His truth, God cuts deep between our flawed, sinful mindset and His ways revealed in our spirits. Through Him the harmony of Scripture teaching leads us to better understand why particular behaviour and choices are essentially illegitimate. They are inconsistent with the holy character of God.
His ways are not our ways. All that He encourages and disallows becomes part of who we are in Him. Christ in us doesn’t offer opinion, theory and advice. He is free from controversy. He reveals His truths for our profit, and they are right and perfect.
3: Atheism Online
Atheism is a belief built on denial. The senses, the intellect and the sciences are in essence the god of atheism. Spirituality is rejected.
It seems most atheists fail to define Christianity properly. (And for sure, in the past plenty of them dispensed ‘fundy’ labels quite liberally.) The purest definition of the Christian faith is found in the source documents: the New Testament.
Atheists are outraged (quite rightly) and get sidetracked by religion’s historical failure to apply Scriptural truths properly. Not everything with a Christian label represents the authentic Christian faith. They also arm themselves with the activities of pseudo-Christian extremists and the many failings of struggling Christians. Generally atheists are ignorant of what it actually means to follow Christ by faith, and to be involved in church life and to struggle against the tendencies of our fallen nature. I found this to be a major shortcoming with Richard Dawkins’ belligerent opinions in his unfortunate book The God Delusion.
Perhaps in some cases agnostic tendencies are caused by lifestyle choices that the true God rejects, so God Himself will be rejected. And if there is no God the atheist is free to do whatever he judges morally acceptable. To accept God as fact would mean coming to terms with His righteous judgement against sinful behaviour. (Many of those who believe there is a God question Bible authority and its principles because they need to accommodate personal preferences.)
Some disdainful and manipulative atheists may think they toy with Christians on Internet forums where reason appears to crush faith so easily. The members on Christian debating forums range from real disciples all the way through to those proactive atheists who tirelessly target religion.
These debates demonstrate that ultimately faith and human reason exist on opposite poles. When true faith quizzes the negation of atheism the debate tends to lead to fruitless contention. In essence faith is unjustifiable and nonsensical while atheism is built squarely on human reason.
Christians who follow Christ will live by faith. Unlike those with destructive and even violent causes, Christ calls believers to give their lives away for Him, and to love even those who would oppose and hate them.
Faith concludes that “with God all things are possible”, so fools for Christ abound. Faith is a confident expectation that God will make a difference according to His purposes, His divine intentions dismissed so readily by so-called reasonable atheists. Faith acknowledges the accountability of sin that needs annulled to avoid God’s judgement, while atheism rejects such a concept, sometimes with venomous sarcasm.
Too often online debates in ‘Christian’ forums tarnish the image of Jesus and merely serve to motivate our detractors. In these generally abrasive exchanges we rarely find a post where God’s truths are shared in wisdom, meekness and spiritual authority.
To make matters even worse, from time to time brash believers carelessly pass on unsubstantiated and unsourced information they’ve heard from someone else without checking the facts properly. When someone is determined to make a point it’s much too easy for details to become distorted or irresponsibly overstated. Opinions about Bible versions are a somewhat embarrassing example.
Christian online responses can be ill-informed, rude and overbearing. And we are slow to forgive in others the unpleasant traits we ourselves suffer from. Clumsy and abrasive dogmatism is a carnal response to a spiritual problem. This attitude leads to foolish and unprofitable disputes and bickering that only serve to undermine the faith. Is this what Christ has called us to?
It’s God Who does the work. But too many are striving in vain to offer convincing arguments on page after page of largely ineffective rhetoric. Some believers understand that this online practice effectively marginalises fellowship. More than that, it helps to obscure the message and character of Christ, as revealed in Scripture.
Christians shouldn’t “strive about words to no profit” (consider the principle we find in 2nd Timothy 2:14). We can take a firm and uncompromising stand while humbly showing courtesy and gentleness, considerately using words that we hope will be spiritually beneficial. We have the mind of Christ. In Christ’s authority, and by His power working in us, we can pull down the arguments of reason and every high-minded thing that is raised up against the knowledge of God.
If you spend time on these forums don’t let any of this get under your skin. Remember the “truth is in Jesus” (Ephesians 4:21). Stay on higher spiritual ground, humbly speak His simple truth in love and trust God to use your words.
4: The End Times
Eschatology (beliefs about the end of the age) is in a particularly dreadful mess these days, largely because of how easily we all connect online and how low our standards are when handling God’s Word. Discussions about The End Times often attract those who have an imbalanced approach to the fullness of Scripture teaching.
In the Bible we are told to avoid harmful distractions that displace sound teaching. Take the time to read the following verses: 1st Timothy 1:4-7; 6:3-5; 2nd Timothy 2:23; Titus 3:9-11. There are general lessons here for those preoccupied by subjects that are unlikely to focus their minds on following Christ faithfully according to God’s Word. Our unity and spiritual health will suffer when we are bogged down by foolish stories, imprudent speculations, worthless disputes about words, suspicions, controversial questions, and so on.
Some passages of Scripture are styled in metaphorical and symbolic language that inevitably leads to fanciful speculations among the spiritually immature. This is especially true among those who spend a disproportionate amount of time thinking about future events and the end of the age.
Many prophetic-based speculative theories lack a clear relevance to the overall purpose of Scripture in the lives of God’s people. We know that the Scriptures should be used to lead us into spiritual completeness and correctness, equipping us for good works in Christ. Arguably it’s difficult to use Scripture in this way when speculating or teaching about The End Times and The Fall of Satan*, two popular subjects in online forums and on social networking pages. There are many colourful opinions on these subjects!
We have to be careful in brotherly discussions and debates that we don’t present personal convictions or theories as unquestionable revelation from Scripture. But that’s exactly what too many do. Thankfully there is an abundance of subjects in Scripture that are perfectly clear. Most of Scripture can be comfortably used to strengthen our faith allowing us to better understand God’s will for us each day. We can use most of Scripture to build up one another in our walk with Christ, to His glory.
Some people grow to have personality characteristics that are stubbornly attracted to controversies, conspiracy theories, the supernatural and any amount of outlandish ideas. Interpreting known facts to fit personal bias is a common inclination we should all try to avoid. We should never join up the dots to create the picture we were hoping to see.
Sometimes Bible passages or verses are lifted out of context, or used to create an emphasis that leads to confused thinking and divisive foolishness. When Scripture passages aren’t totally clear, it’s wise not to make dogmatic statements about their meaning or to rashly link them to current events, or possible future events.
In brief, what does the Bible actually say about the consummation of the age?
Christ taught us that at the end of the age, following a time of great distress, He will appear from above (Matthew 24:30). He will send out His angels who will gather out of His kingdom everything that offends Him, and all those who disobey God’s laws, and throw them into the fiery furnace (Matthew 13:41, 42). “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of their Father” (v. 43).
We are are called to abide in Christ in spiritual maturity, to know His will by the Holy Spirit, and to be found faithfully following Him when He returns, whenever that may be. No one knows exactly, but we should keep in mind the sobering truths of Luke 21:29-36, 1st Thessalonians 5:2-8, 2nd Thessalonians 2:1-12 and 2nd Peter 3:10-14 (NASB):
Then He told them a parable: “Behold the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they put forth leaves, you see it and know for yourselves that summer is now near. So you also, when you see these things happening, recognize that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all things take place. Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away. Be on guard, so that your hearts will not be weighted down with dissipation and drunkenness and the worries of life, and that day will not come on you suddenly like a trap; for it will come upon all those who dwell on the face of all the earth. But keep on the alert at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that are about to take place, and to stand before the Son of Man.”
For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “Peace and safety!” then destruction will come upon them suddenly like labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness, that the day would overtake you like a thief; for you are all sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness; so then let us not sleep as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep do their sleeping at night, and those who get drunk get drunk at night. But since we are of the day, let us be sober, having put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet, the hope of salvation.
Now we request you, brethren, with regard to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your composure or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you, for it will not come unless the apostasy comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that while I was still with you, I was telling you these things?
And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.
And you know what restrains him now, so that in his time he will be revealed. For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. Then that lawless one will be revealed whom the Lord will slay with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the appearance of His coming; that is, the one whose coming is in accord with the activity of Satan, with all power and signs and false wonders, and with all the deception of wickedness for those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth so as to be saved. For this reason God will send upon them a deluding influence so that they will believe what is false, in order that they all may be judged who did not believe the truth, but took pleasure in wickedness.
But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar and the elements will be destroyed with intense heat, and the earth and its works will be burned up. Since all these things are to be destroyed in this way, what sort of people ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, because of which the heavens will be destroyed by burning, and the elements will melt with intense heat! But according to His promise we are looking for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. Therefore, beloved, since you look for these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless…
Are we ready?
* In Scripture the enemy of the Church is called “Satan (Hebrew for “accuser”), devil (the Greek translation of Satan), Beliar, Beelzebul, the Adversary, the Dragon, the Enemy, the Serpent, the Tester, and the Wicked One” (Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible). We shouldn’t call Satan “Lucifer”. This error has its source in the 1611 King James Version translation of Isaiah 14:12 where a Hebrew word (הילל) was replaced with a Latin word copied from the Vulgate: “quomodo cecidisti de caelo lucifer qui mane oriebaris corruisti in terram qui vulnerabas gentes.” In Latin lucifer means “morning star” or “day star”. Taken in context the verse from Isaiah refers to a Babylonian king.
