Have you ever heard that phrase? I hate it. Just what is that supposed to mean? Well, to those loopy evangelicals, it means that they don't want the world to charge them with hating non-Christians. The World really hammers away at the evangelical Church, because she dares to say that if you don't accept Christ, you're going to hell. I guess that embarrasses many evangelicals, so they have tried to reframe what they say, and to put their words together in a way that is "less offensive" to the World.
"What's wrong with that" you say? Nothing, as long as you don't change the TRUTH of Biblical proclamations. After all, the Bible does say that you will go to hell if you don't believe in AND, follow a life of conformity to Jesus.
So, if I stop saying "You're going to hell if you don't repent of your sinful life and follow Christ", and instead start saying, "God loves you just as you are: come to Him and He will change your life", have I changed the truth of the Gospel in any meaningful way? And, the answer is, "yes."
The first statement is direct and to the point, while the second still requires you to tell the hearer more information that will bring about salvation - namely, repent and follow Christ. If that is not part of the Gospel proclamation, then it is not the same gospel.
In the same manner, if I say, "God hates the sinner", then I am poo-pooed as intolerant and hateful. Instead, others have instructed evangelicals to proclaim that "God loves the sinner, but hates the sin." Really?
That's an interesting take on how the Bible speaks about sin. First of all, how can it be that God hates sin, but loves the sinner, when the sinner is still tied to his sins?
If anyone can share with me how this is possible, I'd like to hear it. Thanks.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
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