We live in a day of relativism. By this we mean that many have been led to believe that in the realm of religion, morality, patriotism, and personal conduct nothing is absolutely right or wrong. Rather, they believe that so long as a person is sincere in his actions and beliefs it really does not matter what they may be. To such deluded souls there is no divinely given standard of right and wrong to which we are amenable and by which we will be judged. Sadly, we see this false view reflected in the behavior of some of our brethren.
* Jesus said He would build His church (Matt. 16:18), yet some of our change agents are heard saying Alexander Campbell and Barton Stone founded the Church of Christ. Does it really matter?
* Paul tells us that Jesus is head over all things to the church (Eph. 1:22) and that God has given Him all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18), yet some of the promoters of change act as though they have the authority to make fundamental changes to the church to meet modern needs. Does it really matter?
* The Holy Spirit guided Paul in writing that women should keep silent in the church (1 Cor. 14:33-34) and that they are forbidden to have authority over the men (1 Tim. 2:11-12). Yet agents of change are saying that women can fill those leadership roles in the church. Does it even matter?
* The Bible clearly states that when we are baptized our sins are washed away (Acts 22:16). Some spokesmen for the change agenda argue that sinners are saved by grace through faith and baptized only to show they have already been saved. Does it matter that they take this different view?
* Jesus made it clear that He expects his disciples to be one, as He and the Father are one (John 17:20-21). But our progressive brothers see nothing wrong with there being many different kinds of denominations. They accept them as God’s children. They even say that the Church of Christ is nothing more than a denomination. Is this important? Does it matter?
* The Apostle Paul clearly states that God has given us a “pattern of sound words” (2 Tim. 1:13), but our change agents insist there is no pattern that we should follow. Does such a contradiction actually matter?
* On numerous occasions the apostles refer to the New Testament as the law of Christ (Gal. 6:2, etc.). Yet promoters of the change agenda insist that it is not a law of Christ, but more like a love letter from our parents. Does such teaching really matter?
Does this kind of teaching that ignores, challenges, and denies the plain teaching of Christ and His chosen apostles really matter? You bet it does! The words of Christ will judge us in the last day (John 12:48). Any man who goes beyond the teaching of Christ has neither the Father nor the Son (2 John 9-11). Christ is the savior of all who obey Him (Heb. 5:9). Our eternal destiny hinges on our submission to Christ and our obedience to the Father’s expressed will (Matt. 7:21). The difference is the blessing of God or His wrath—eternal life or eternal punishment.
With every man who has embraced this program of change or is considering it, I plead, don’t make the same mistake that Achan made (Joshua 7:20-21). The big churches, the adoring crowds, the attention it brings, and the boldness of those who have dared to do what God has forbidden are attractive to an immature, carnal heart. But it is a deadly mistake with eternal consequences. If you have confessed Christ as Lord (Rom.10:9), let that be reflected in your obedience to Him and His will in all things pertaining to life and godliness. The church, as she was designed by Christ, is perfectly adequate for our day and age.
–John Waddey