One of our Bible College professors use to state that most error within the Church involves a truth carried to unbiblical extremes. The percentage of situations in which such may, or may not, apply is presumably subject to debate. In many instances, however, there is an obvious degree of truth.
One example that readily comes to mind concerns the concept of Christ's existence as both God and man. While vociferously argued in times past, Christian orthodoxy, despite the limitations of human understanding, presently (and rightfully) experiences little difficulty here. But to continue...
Within the realm of present religious profession, some would so emphasize Christ's humanity as to essentially ignore - or even, in some circles of the more radically liberal, simply deny - his divinity. At the other extreme, an early Church heresy known as "docetism" so focused on Christ's divinity as to deny his humanity. Christ, they insisted, merely appeared to possess a physical body. In either case, our Lord's having become "God manifest in the flesh" (I Tim. 3:16) so that he might "reconcile the world to God" (II Cor. 5:19) is rendered essentially meaningless. Such, of course, is an extreme example of "going to extremes."
There are, however, numerous other instances in which legitimate spiritual concepts have been carried to detrimental extremes. This has frequently involved efforts to reduce such interests to exercises of the formulaic and routine - methodologies often falling little short of supposedly learning how to "work God" for one's desired ends. Some, for example, will recall the "Praise God for Everything" movement of some years ago, or again, the "Positive Confession" philosophy in which vision of a hurting world was often lost as believers enthusiastically "confessed" wealth, riches, Cadillacs and the like. Other examples could obviously be cited.
Our present concern involves the intensifying need for revival within our personal lives, our churches and our land. We would again propose it an evidence of divine grace that more than a few are coming to recognize the futility of humanly devised programs, schemes and plans.
At the same time, however, we shall in all likelihood eventually find ourselves again seeking the latest "surefire" formula for revival (with pretty much the same results) should we fail in maintaining our guard. This will require our ongoing commitment to a biblically based sense of balance, objectivity and dedication - combined with a continuing dependence upon divine favor and, perhaps most of all, sensitive openness to divine sovereignty (a point typically lacking in the adoption of formulaic routines).
An emphasis presently being heard in some settings relates to the need for repentance and confession. Such, in terms of both relevance and needed mplementation, has long been lacking. Should we, at this point, nonetheless slip into patterns of the merely ritual and repetitive, benefit at this point will likely be forfeited to an ongoing exercise of spiritual self-flagellation driven by a self-perpetuating sense of guilt and condemnation. Scripture's promise in relation to repentant confession is forgiveness and "cleansing from all unrighteousness" (I John 1:9). This too, needs to be heard. We shall, as individuals, contribute little to the needed revival until we have first reached such point of personal renewal.
Burl Ratzsch
Showing posts with label Positive confession. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Positive confession. Show all posts
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
"ONE HUNDRED WIVES..."?
In at least some reports of the pending Congressional investigation of six prominent televangelists (see our posting, "Many Will Say...," 11/9/07), mention is made of the "hundred fold return" teaching common to most, if not all, the ministries involved.
Emphasis at this point generally follows these lines: Those willing to relinquish material assets (here defined in terms of "houses and lands") "for my sake and the gospel's" are assured by Christ of "a hundred times as much now in the present time...and in the world to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30).
Does Jesus here indeed offer a financial investment return of 10,000%? No, nor does he seek to promote the materialistic spirit often attendant such promotion. Since the large meetings conducted by those now coming under scrutiny often include many of a lower economic status (hence the need for financial betterment - along with others more than willing to accept an investment opportunity of such promise), and given the fact that occasion for participation logically lies within the immediate setting, the offerings overflow.
What was Jesus saying? Simply this: Those choosing to follow Christ and serve the interests of the Gospel at any cost will, in those instances where home, property, family acceptance, et al, are necessarily forfeited, not only gain the ineffable blessings of eternity, but within the present life, experience the benefits of a spiritual family wherein, as brothers and sisters in Christ, the needs and concerns of one another are met on an even greater scale. Within this setting, my home becomes your home, your needs become my needs, your want for love and fellowship brings you into acceptance as a member of my family, etc.
That the primary sense here is spiritual and analogical as opposed to literal may be seen, for example, in the fact that the believer so blessed will gain one hundred times as many fathers and mothers as before. (Again see comments concerning the role of biblical context in our Nov. 7 posting.)
It should further be noted that Jesus alludes to a hundred-fold multiplication of children as well. (Indeed, Luke's account of Jesus' statement shows him as also including wives, Luke 18:29-30). Somehow, at least to our observation, the former prospect (i.e., vastly multiplied children) seldom generates the same enthusiasm within "hundred fold" mindset and perception as that accompanying the proposal's alleged financial returns.
As to a literal hundredfold increase in wives, there have, predictably, been those of a considerably less than orthodox bent to whom the idea has held appeal. (Ever researched the origins of your Oneida silverware? While no longer associated with the long since defunct utopian Oneida Community (dissolved 1890), this particular company, created as means of support for the community, outlived its origins. And, of course, there have been others. But that is another story.)
The primary emphasis of Jesus' words involves the role of supportive relationship within the community of faith. As we progress into days ahead, such will prove increasingly requisite.
Burl Ratzsch
Emphasis at this point generally follows these lines: Those willing to relinquish material assets (here defined in terms of "houses and lands") "for my sake and the gospel's" are assured by Christ of "a hundred times as much now in the present time...and in the world to come, eternal life" (Mark 10:29-30).
Does Jesus here indeed offer a financial investment return of 10,000%? No, nor does he seek to promote the materialistic spirit often attendant such promotion. Since the large meetings conducted by those now coming under scrutiny often include many of a lower economic status (hence the need for financial betterment - along with others more than willing to accept an investment opportunity of such promise), and given the fact that occasion for participation logically lies within the immediate setting, the offerings overflow.
What was Jesus saying? Simply this: Those choosing to follow Christ and serve the interests of the Gospel at any cost will, in those instances where home, property, family acceptance, et al, are necessarily forfeited, not only gain the ineffable blessings of eternity, but within the present life, experience the benefits of a spiritual family wherein, as brothers and sisters in Christ, the needs and concerns of one another are met on an even greater scale. Within this setting, my home becomes your home, your needs become my needs, your want for love and fellowship brings you into acceptance as a member of my family, etc.
That the primary sense here is spiritual and analogical as opposed to literal may be seen, for example, in the fact that the believer so blessed will gain one hundred times as many fathers and mothers as before. (Again see comments concerning the role of biblical context in our Nov. 7 posting.)
It should further be noted that Jesus alludes to a hundred-fold multiplication of children as well. (Indeed, Luke's account of Jesus' statement shows him as also including wives, Luke 18:29-30). Somehow, at least to our observation, the former prospect (i.e., vastly multiplied children) seldom generates the same enthusiasm within "hundred fold" mindset and perception as that accompanying the proposal's alleged financial returns.
As to a literal hundredfold increase in wives, there have, predictably, been those of a considerably less than orthodox bent to whom the idea has held appeal. (Ever researched the origins of your Oneida silverware? While no longer associated with the long since defunct utopian Oneida Community (dissolved 1890), this particular company, created as means of support for the community, outlived its origins. And, of course, there have been others. But that is another story.)
The primary emphasis of Jesus' words involves the role of supportive relationship within the community of faith. As we progress into days ahead, such will prove increasingly requisite.
Burl Ratzsch
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