It is obvious to most Christians that we live in the last of the last days. Much of what used to be considered normal Christian teaching is under fire from various groups that call themselves Christian. So-called “Progressives” advocate for a social gospel that accepts same sex marriage as normal and acceptable to God. That there is simply zero support for this position in God’s word means little to “Progressives.”
Another fallacy that has crept in is in relation to God’s written word, the Bible. It has become the subject of intense scrutiny from scholars who seem bent on undermining the authority of God’s word. There is nothing new about this. However, it has become more mainstream. It seems that experiences have become a substitute for truth.
The world complains that Christians are divisive when they preach the gospel. The world is controlled by Satan, so what do we expect? However, Christians need to take a stand and not allow the world to silence those who speak the truth in love. Israel Folau created a storm when he published a passage from the Bible that condemns sin. He was backed up by many, but some Christians rebuked him. It is a tragedy that Christians would oppose a brother who is presenting the truth of God’s word.
My last example of the evidence of the last days is the false emphasis on the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit assuredly has a vital role to play in the life of the Christian. Without the Holy Spirit we lack spiritual life, even though we may be born again. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit gives us essential power that we might be witnesses for Christ. The fruit of the Holy Spirit is our character and holiness. The gifts of the Holy Spirit edify and build up the Church.
Why should the emphasis on the Holy Spirit be an issue? In order to discern this, we need to know God’s ordering. God has given Lord Jesus the name above all names. There is no other name given under heaven that can save us. God’s will is that the Lord Jesus should fill all things. Lord Jesus was exalted and so received the “Promise of the Father”, the Holy Spirit. Lord Jesus is the Baptiser in the Holy Spirit. God’s intent is that all things shall be summed up in Christ. If you need convincing, look up the references to what God has done for us “in Christ”. In short, everything.
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.” 2 Corinthians 3:17. An influential preacher, also considered by many to be a prophet, declared that this verse means that the Holy Spirit is Lord. No! A thousand times, no. That interpretation cuts across everything else that the New Testament has to say about the Lord Jesus. The Holy Spirit did not die on the cross for us. The Holy Spirit had no blood to shed for our sins. The Holy Spirit has no body to take the sins of mankind or the terrible scourge wounds that heal. Lord Jesus said,
“But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come. He will glorify Me, for He will take of Mine and will disclose it to you. All things that the Father has are Mine; therefore I said that He takes of Mine and will disclose it to you.” John 16:13-15
If what you are hearing is not glorifying the Lord Jesus and hence the Father, then it is false. Lord Jesus is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Indeed Jesus is Lord. Let us never lose sight of this fact or be misled into a false view of the Holy Spirit.
In these last days deceptions about, as the Lord Jesus warned us. We have other examples, such as the false emphasis on properity. What is the antidote? Truth. We need to restore teaching as a basic necessity in the Body of Christ. We need to restore the five fold ministry gifts to the Church. God’s people are still being destroyed for lack of knowledge. Sincerity will not save us from deception. Spiritual knowledge will protect us. Let’s pray for the Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation. Let’s seek to know Christ, not just know about Him. Let’s seek the Kingdom of God as our urgent priority. The world needs to see the Church exalting and glorifying Lord Jesus and loving one another as He loves us. That is the witness that the world needs to see.