There is a group of professed Christians who claim that we can only understand the Bible when it is interpreted through the lens of accepted scientific theory. When it is illuminated by the proper consensus of scientific opinion.
This group is called BioLogos. Here is a sample taken directly from their statement of faith:
What is the gospel?
What truths does it involve? How simply can the gospel be preached and still be sufficient to save?
In other words, what are the gospel absolutes or the non-negotiables of salvation?
Trying to simplify the gospel is what many mainstream Evangelicals are obsessed with today. The popular discussion is how to make the message so simple and basic that anyone can believe it. And with as little trouble as possible.
Frankly, it would be very easy for me to go off on a rant about the foolishness of this obsession. But I will try to hold that back, somewhat, and provide an answer.
“In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” (Ephesians 1:13,14)
A brief, simple truth here.
God’s Word saves us. It cleanses us. We are born again by the Word.
When we worry how to reach our loved ones. When we seek the Lord to give us opportunities to speak with them. To open their hearts to receive the truth.
How will we help them see the difference between the lies and false gospels they follow and the gospel of Christ?
The answer is simple.
It is the Word of God that does this. God’s written Word is a living thing that can part the clouds of this world so that the soul can see beyond to life eternal.
It is not by the cleverness, the dialogue, the eloquence or intellect or relevance of the popular teachers today that this is done.
It is by prayer; and it is by the Holy Spirit using God’s Word to do that which nothing else on heaven and earth can accomplish.
“That the God of our lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him:” (Ephesians 1:17)
Salvation is not simply an agreement or assent to the idea of Christ or to a carefully constructed presentation of verses about Him.
We must believe the Word of God AND we must receive a “revelation” of the Lord Himself.
Does that sound shocking?
“For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life: but we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead: Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us: (II Corinthians 1:8-10)
They keep telling us that we will not be pushed beyond what we can bear. I beg to differ.
God will take us to the place where we can only trust in Him.
Where nothing is left but Him.
It is there, in that desolate place, where He will show us how He is all that we will ever need.
It is sobering to look around and see how the world is completely absorbed with its own vain show. Men are focused on things that will soon change and be forgotten. They bite and scratch for a taste of glory that will soon vanish like smoke in the wind.
This life is short. At most, it is usually no more than 70 or 80 years. Then we pass away.
The work we have done may be endure through generations . . . or it may not.
We do not know if the things we have written, spoken or labored for will produce the fruit we seek. We cannot know. The causes we strive to push forward may last for a time.
Or they may not.
One of my favorite movies is, “The Outlaw Josey Wales”. This is one of Clint Eastwood’s finest.
And one of my favorite scenes is near the end of the film. Josey has ridden to make a pact with a local tribe of Comanche. They are led by a chief called, Ten Bears. He is a formidable-looking character. This meeting could easily cost Josey his life.
Check out this short clip from that movie.
Words of Life and Words of Death
Something about that exchange moves me deeply whenever I watch it. Because it has to do with truth on a very primal level. Where men risk their lives to be straight forward with each other. And then stand solidly upon that which they promised.
“Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Romans 6:11)
In previous posts, we have discussed the biblical foundation of our “reckoning”. Some call this the “reckoning of Faith”. Watchman Nee discusses this in greater detail in his book, The Normal Christian Life (which I heartily recommend).
The point today is that “Reckoning” can often be misunderstood. Even by those who have understood God’s truth on these matters.
For example, our victory in Christ is based purely on faith. It is based upon the specific words and phrases of scripture that God has inspired that tell us how we are “crucified with Christ“. (Galatians 2:20 ).
This is a fact. It is an eternal reality when we trust Christ as our Savior.
Eternal Approach 
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