Mark and Avoid

Romans 16:17 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.

The irony of Romans 16:17 hit home during Sunday School last Sunday.

If the doctrine you learned was repent of your sins to be saved then you will mark and avoid anybody who says FAITH ALONE.

If the doctrine you learned was No man knoweth the day or the hour of the Rapture then you will mark and avoid anybody who says Heaven and earth will pass and away but of that day and hour knoweth no man.

How did we get this way? Legalism. People who actually believed and quoted the bible were accused of being legalistic. So, what did pastors do? They watered down the doctrine. They added, changed, removed and ultimately altered the word of God. Over time the lies became truth and the truth became lies.

This is why people believe men can have long hair... you can drink beer and alcohol... women can wear pants... tattoos are not a problem... Calvinism is the truth... God loves, he does not hate...

Don't say anything that will cause divisions because that is bad. Is it?

Jesus said...

Luke 12:51 Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division:

Jesus did not come to GIVE peace. He came to GIVE division.

Jesus also said...

Matthew 10:34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Jesus did not come to SEND peace. He came to SEND a sword... a great sword.

Revelation 6:4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

The problem with legalism is people twist God's word to make it say things God never intended. In it's purest form, however, legalism is good. Legalism leads to heresy. If you disagree with somebody's biblical interpretation or eschatology then that person is branded a heretic. Heresy is in the eyes of the beholder.

God's doctrines are black and white, legalistic. God is the ultimate judge of heresy.