POLAR OPPOSITES
The United States political world has two diametrically opposed basic concepts. First, some believe in a “living” U.S. Constitution. It is “living” in the sense that its meaning can change based on the needs/desires of the “people”; so, as the country evolves, shapes, and changes so should the U.S. Constitution and/or its desired meaning. Second, others attempt to understand the U.S. Constitution from the intent of the original authors. Their focus is to neither add to nor take away from the author’s original intent. Why? If the intent/meaning changes then the United States no longer remain the entity it was intended to be and become. Therefore, changes in the Constitution changes the country itself. These two general approaches aren’t too dissimilar from those in the “Christian” community.
It is important to note that both liberal and legalistic interpretations are polar opposite of the apostle’s teachings because, by definition, they change the intended meaning of the author; who is, God. It is changed for the sake of perceived needs and/or desires for self or the “people”. Both of these views come from man not God. Theological liberalism believes that part, if not all, of Scripture is not inspired by God; therefore, Scriptural doctrine does not need to be followed or accepted. Theological legalism is implementation of laws not sanctioned by God. “Their” laws are then used to condemn where God does not condemn. They are, in part, afraid of people thinking for their own. (See illustration below)
Now, let’s look at a few assertions from the polar opposite. First, that the apostle Paul was homophobic, racist, and/or sexist? Theological liberals desire to believe Paul was not inspired by God. They reason this so they don’t have to believe his writings; especially, in today’s more “open” society. In fact, these people believe that Paul was too limiting and controlling in his teachings. So, by destroying his authority so goes his influence. Second, that this is the way my parents and grandparents did church so you better not change it. Theological legalists will tend to use this type of statement because they trust more in “tradition” and man-made laws rather than understanding the intent of God’s teachings within various biblical subjects. In fact, control based on fear is their folly.
Jesus said this in prayer to the Father, “I (Jesus) do not ask on behalf of these (apostles) alone, but for those (believers) also who believe in Me (Jesus) through their (apostles) word (teachings from God); that they (believers) also may be in Us (Godhead), so that the world (mankind) may believe that You (God) sent Me (Jesus)” (John 17:20-21). Which polar region do you reside in and how did you get there? How does God want you to understand topics like: salvation, forgiveness, grace, sin, worship, leadership, attitude, church discipline, evangelism, benevolence, Hell, Heaven, love, and relationship? In your studies remember that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
It is important to note that both liberal and legalistic interpretations are polar opposite of the apostle’s teachings because, by definition, they change the intended meaning of the author; who is, God. It is changed for the sake of perceived needs and/or desires for self or the “people”. Both of these views come from man not God. Theological liberalism believes that part, if not all, of Scripture is not inspired by God; therefore, Scriptural doctrine does not need to be followed or accepted. Theological legalism is implementation of laws not sanctioned by God. “Their” laws are then used to condemn where God does not condemn. They are, in part, afraid of people thinking for their own. (See illustration below)
Now, let’s look at a few assertions from the polar opposite. First, that the apostle Paul was homophobic, racist, and/or sexist? Theological liberals desire to believe Paul was not inspired by God. They reason this so they don’t have to believe his writings; especially, in today’s more “open” society. In fact, these people believe that Paul was too limiting and controlling in his teachings. So, by destroying his authority so goes his influence. Second, that this is the way my parents and grandparents did church so you better not change it. Theological legalists will tend to use this type of statement because they trust more in “tradition” and man-made laws rather than understanding the intent of God’s teachings within various biblical subjects. In fact, control based on fear is their folly.
Jesus said this in prayer to the Father, “I (Jesus) do not ask on behalf of these (apostles) alone, but for those (believers) also who believe in Me (Jesus) through their (apostles) word (teachings from God); that they (believers) also may be in Us (Godhead), so that the world (mankind) may believe that You (God) sent Me (Jesus)” (John 17:20-21). Which polar region do you reside in and how did you get there? How does God want you to understand topics like: salvation, forgiveness, grace, sin, worship, leadership, attitude, church discipline, evangelism, benevolence, Hell, Heaven, love, and relationship? In your studies remember that “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
The Lord's humbled . . . John A. Reeves
FROM GOD
to
Apostles Word (John 17:20-21; 1 John 4:5-6)
AND
the POLAR OPPOSITE of the Apostle's word
is
LIBERAL (2 Timothy 3-4:5; John 3:36) and LEGALISTIC (Galatians 1:10-12; 2:21)
THESE ARE FROM MAN
to
Apostles Word (John 17:20-21; 1 John 4:5-6)
AND
the POLAR OPPOSITE of the Apostle's word
is
LIBERAL (2 Timothy 3-4:5; John 3:36) and LEGALISTIC (Galatians 1:10-12; 2:21)
THESE ARE FROM MAN
Article published on April 3, 2009 at The Idalou Beacon in Idalou, Texas
Published in the blog "The Lord's Humbled" in 2010
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