“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth will make you free.” (John 8:32)
There is a new kind of unity being promoted in our churches. A unity that is based on a common “salvation experience”.
As in those verses speaking of “the common salvation” or “One Lord, one faith, one baptism” or “the unity of the faith” (Jude 3:3; Ephesians 4:3-6, 13-14)
These verses are commonly misinterpreted by our church leadership. Even by those with Masters or Doctorates in Divinity.
This new unity is Not based on truth, but on a loosely accepted “experience” of salvation.
So that salvation has become something not based upon faith but on emotions or feelings or rituals or good works.
The Way of Salvation is not left up to some vague idea of reforming oneself or turning over a new leaf or having some profound religious experience. God does not leave us to trust in such shifting things as these.
Instead, doctrine must be believed and then people are saved based upon that belief.
They are saved by believing specifically what the word of God says. By believing specific truths from the word of God.
This is the difference between salvation by faith as opposed to works.
When faith in truth is not the basis of salvation, the result is faith in a False Gospel. A gospel that is based on emotions or traditions or rituals or good works or supernatural manifestations or signs and wonders.
However, for one to say such things openly is basically forbidden in our Evangelical churches today. Not to mention the Mainline denominations. We are simply not allowed to go there.
But Why Not?
A Conspiracy
Why is there this conspiracy of silence relating to doctrine and truth in our Bible churches?
Because our leaders are concerned about the “self esteem” of people.
Because our leaders have bought into the idea that peoples’ feelings are more important than their salvation.
Because to question or “probe” what people believe (even in a very kind and gentle way) is considered judgmental or to act in a “non-humble” way.
Because to do that supposedly sends a message that we think we “know it all” or that we are “the only ones with the truth”.
This is the thinking we have to contend with today in our churches.
What True Love Requires
However, true love cares enough to help people to see where they truly stand with the Lord.
If they are truly in the faith or not.
Even if they are offended. Even if they think we are “legalists” or “Pharisees”. Even if others will call us “unloving” or “lacking in humility”.
Who cares?!
Practicing true love vs the cheap, easy “love” of our modern Evangelical churches is where the real battle is today.
A battle to establish what the gospel really is. Which is based solely on faith in God’s word .
And to practice “true love” ” toward others which begins with true love for Christ. And for His words.
We cannot have the Person of Christ without believing His words.
Image by StockSnap from Pixabay
Eternal Approach 
June 12, 2024 at 11:09 am
Yes, I agree with you…..
However it is the Holy Spirit that implants the Lord’s Word upon the Hearts, souls and the spiritual minds of His Followers. Also experiential Faith in growing in the knowledge of the Lord and His Ways, is also important, because as Paul writes, we grow from Grace to Grace, and those who truly KNOW the Lord will experience this growth, because He wills it to those that are His true Children.
I am not the same as I was when the Lord first came and granted me Eternal life 46 years ago. Sanctification is an on going process according to the needs and the Will of the Father for each Holy Spirit Born-again believer.
Just as it states in Psalms: Psa 119:32 I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.
Psa 119:33 HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end.
Psa 119:34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart.
Who shall enlarge our hearts? The Lord’s Holy Spirit shall, for we have the indwelling Holy Spirit, which Old Testament believer’s did not have, for the Holy Spirit came upon them, not indwelling within them.
Which Christ made possible due to Him being Crucified, and the shedding of His Blood, which the Curtain that hung before the Holy of Holies was torn from the Top to the Bottom, that is why Jesus Christ proclaimed “IT IS FINISHED”! He ascended so that the Holy Spirit would be released to indwell in the New Covenant believer’s by His Granted Grace which leads to Salvation, the forgiveness of sins!
Praise His Most Glorious NAME! Which is ABOVE ALL NAMES!
The Lord bless you……
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June 17, 2024 at 11:37 am
Hi Cctechm7,
Yes. I agree with all you’ve said. My main concern is with the emphasis today on one’s experience of salvation versus what that person really believes. There is less emphasis on grounding one in the word of God and more emphasis on “knowing” Jesus or “saying yes to Jesus”.
Mature believers understand this clearly how experience is what develops discernment, deeper love for the Lord, etc. But the church to a large degree has denigrated doctrine and theology. So that one can claim to have an experience of salvation without really knowing Christ and His word. And we are all expected to just be happy with that. Asking no questions. Not going beneath the surface.
We are Not to pry. Not to nit pick. But as those who care about others who are our brothers and sisters in the Lord to help them. Or to help those who think they are saved and are not. In every case, though, as you say, it is the Lord’s Spirit that has to guide us in that. Prayerfully, gently, etc.
Doug
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June 18, 2024 at 1:03 pm
Okay, thank you for clarifying.
What needs to be understood, and I am sure you do, is that those in main-stream so-called Christian churches, ministries etc, that push such belief’s are in fact not being taught nor guided by the Lord and His Holy Spirit. Those who truly are Born-again and taught by the Spirit of the Lord will be kept in the Narrow Path. He promised that to those who are Faithful to His Truth, which is acceptable to Him, shall never be deceived, and will be Kept to walk the walk His way, in His Truth.
Those who walk, teach and believe otherwise, are not Born of Him, therefore they are not listening to the Shepherds voice, which He warned that HIS SHEEP Hear His voice and will be guided to walk in obedience according to His Will and Truth.
What we are witnessing is the End times where Paul stated there will be a great falling away before the Lord comes in the Clouds to call His True Church, His Bride to be with Him forever, before the wrath of God is released upon the wicked, which will include those who are religious and not pleasing onto Him.
I tremble to think the shock when they realize that the Lord NEVER knew them, though they “proclaim” Him.
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