Articles
For or Against?
When terrorists attacked the World Trade Center towers and other targets in 2001, then President Bush called on nations around the world to take a stand. Simply put, he said, you are either for or against terrorism. If you are against it, you need to cooperate with the effort to eradicate it. Otherwise, you will be considered for it and may face severe consequences.
Christians are involved in a warfare of our own. It is a spiritual one. The enemy is Satan. The objective is salvation—of ourselves and as many others as we can reach with the saving gospel of Jesus Christ. “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 9:5). Our means are not carnal (v. 3). Neither are our weapons (v. 4). We use the truth, “the sword of the Spirit.” Indeed, we must put on the whole armor of God to be effective (Ephesians 6:13-17).
The Christian’s fight requires the same kind of resolve that characterizes the war on terrorism. We must take a stand. Just as a nation cannot oppose terrorism while secretly engaging in it or encouraging or harboring those who do, so Christians cannot oppose sin and error without making a decisive break from them and those who advocate them. Neutrality is impossible: “He who is not with me is against Me” (Matthew 12:30). Compromise is fatal to the effort.
Are we opposed to the erroneous doctrines advocated by denominational preachers, such as salvation by faith only, once-saved-always-saved, or their theories about Jesus’ coming which dethrone Him now? The answer is no if we preach only a “positive” message which never permits hearers to see these false notions in light of what the Bible says. And whatever we preach, the answer is no if we engage in interfaith activities which by their nature imply endorsement of the churches of men.
Are we opposed to immorality, such as drunkenness or sensuality? The answer is no if we dabble in it by having an occasional beer, watch lustful behavior for our entertainment, or post pictures of ourselves inadequately dressed; or again, if we refuse to preach against such things; or if we knowingly continue fellowship with those who practice or advocate such behavior.
Are we opposed to ungodly attitudes such as greed, bitterness, contentiousness, self-seeking, etc.? The answer is no if they exist among us. If we do not speak out with equal voice against these sins of the heart, if we do not reject the factious man (Titus 3:15) or the covetous man (1 Corinthians 5:11), what kind of war for right are we waging?
Like worldly nations, where we stand is revealed by our conduct, our speech, and our associations [fellowship]. “And do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them” (Ephesians 5:11).
