Confronted by growing assault upon revealed truth, Paul warned the young pastor Timothy of those whose godless influences not only infiltrate the Church but, "spread like a gangrene, upsetting the faith of many" (II Tim. 2:16-18; see also I Tim. 1:20: II Tim. 4:14).
"But," the apostle continued, "the solid foundation that God has laid cannot be shaken and on it are written these words: 'The Lord knows those who are His,' and, 'Let everyone who professes the name of the Lord abandon evil'" (vs. 19). Few pronouncements are more relevant to contemporary faith and profession.
Pope Benedict's journey to his native Bavaria (southern Germany) is presently much in the news. As with that of his predecessor, we have followed his pontificate with interest - indeed, relative to certain of his concerns and objectives, with a considerable sense of approval.
As in much of our own Protestant realm, the Catholic Church - particularly in Europe (and increasingly in America ) - has become more and more infected with a secular, materialistic, pro-homosexual philosophy (radical feminism being increasingly absorbed into the "gay" cause). Against this backdrop, Benedict has consistently emphasized the need for a return to moral and spiritual values and, within this framework, has sought to reinforce the sanctity and integrity of the home.
An additional emphasis has been the pursuit of unity among Christians - in terms of not only Eastern rite (Orthodox) churches from which Rome split in the eleventh century, but, to the degree that basic fundamentals obtain, Protestantism as well.
We like the response of one German Lutheran bishop during the Pope's visit. He welcomed the Pope's fellowship, he stated, not on the basis of an organizational "return to the fold," but rather in terms of a shared focus upon Jesus Christ as the central theme of the Gospel.
The battle lines between moral and spiritual integrity and open apostasy are intensifying in Christendom at large, including spheres both Protestant and Catholic. In his Olivet Discourse, Jesus spoke of a day in which, given the tenor of the times, the "love of many shall grow cold." At the same time, he spoke of those who would "endure to the end" (Matt. 24:12-13).
As the world continues to darken, many of us may be surprised as to where, as believers, we ultimately find fellowship, encouragement and support in days to come.
Again, "The Lord knows those who are His."
Burl Ratzsch
