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Three Simply Tragic Mistakes Many today have a whole host of concepts concerning salvation that they cling to with such ferocity. Most are like the drunken horseback rider—reacting to the truth by going overboard in the other direction. Sometimes it takes the form of a prosperity gospel that totally ignores Jesus’ own call to “deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt. 16:24) Another presents itself in the form of false revivals, suggesting that our Bibles should be put away, because God is doing a “new thing,”—even if it is unbiblical. It also finds itself to be popular in vast numbers of mainline churches, suggesting that because Jesus already came, suffered, died, and rose again, everyone is now saved—especially those who find themselves within the church walls. Yet another heresy that is so very popular today, is that we all believe in the same God—Christians, Muslims, Jews, Hindus, Buddhists, New Agers, etc., etc. In other words, there are many paths to take and they all lead to the same place. Baloney! These are all lies straight out of the pit of Hell, and while they are diverse, they basically proceed from three categories—three false understandings about true salvation. L. Humphries adds some perspective to this when he writes, “We are not saved by the church; that’s simply where we belong. We are not saved by our creed; that’s simply what we believe. We are not saved by our conduct; that’s simply how we behave.” If you know anything at all about what the Bible says, you know that these are not what truly saves anyone. The previously mentioned heresies are proof that many do not know what the Bible even says, nor do many of them care. Do you? Then allow me to take you through one of the most well-known portions of Scripture to show you something that is not very well- known at all. In John 18, we find Jesus being arrested in the Garden of Gethsemane. As Judas and his 600+ cohorts arrived, Jesus stepped right up to them and asked, “Whom seek ye?” (vs. 4b) When they answered, He said, “I am He.” In the Greek, it is just “I am,”—making it very clear that Jesus is claiming to be God Himself, the great I AM. (Exodus 3:14) Jesus was then bound, and taken away to the house of Annas. Though Caiaphas, Annas’ son-in-law, was really the high priest that year, the older man was far from inactive. In addition to Caiaphas, Annas had several sons who succeeded him in this office, giving this one family a monopoly on the high priesthood for more than half a century. Jewish sources, by the way, label this regime as quite corrupt. Salvation is more than just belonging! Earlier, it was Caiaphas who had prophesied something very accurately: “…that it is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation not perish.” (John 11:50) How true! Jesus Himself had said, “Nevertheless I tell you the truth; it is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you.” (16:7a) Wow! Belonging to that man’s “group” would surely mean salvation! And yet, we see Judas, who had been one of them; who had had a part in the ministry; who had even been sent out with the others to heal the sick and send demons packing—certainly this Judas would be OK in the end. Not so, for Jesus makes that very clear back in John 17:12 when He prays, “I have kept them in thy name: those that thou gavest me I kept, and none of them is lost, but the son of perdition,”—referring to Judas, the betrayer. Belonging isn’t everything! But what about Peter? He not only belonged, he was even one of the inner core. While the authorities met, Peter stood in the courtyard with all those who had just arrested Jesus, warming himself by the fire. In the Greek, it means to heat oneself, as though it was in the middle of the summer. In other words, while Jesus is somewhere else, Peter was gathered with the enemies of Jesus, staying quite comfortable. It was there that a servant girl said unto him, “Art not thou also one of this man’s disciples.” (vs. 17b) To which he adamantly replied, “I am not.” In other words, Peter, you were with Him, don’t you belong to Him? No—absolutely not—I do not belong to the great I AM. Hear me clearly, I AM NOT! Oh, what a dangerous place; what a tragic mistake! So many in these days do the same thing, thinking they belong to Him just because of their church affiliation and/or attendance. In fact, I used to serve a church where some insisted their children were fine just because they played basketball in the church building. Watch out for where you insist on remaining in your own comfort zones, instead of stepping out in faith and coming under the blood of the Lamb of God. You may say you belong, but your actions and your life itself shout out the horrid truth—I AM NOT! Salvation is more than just believing! While Peter was warming himself, Jesus was undergoing interrogation—a hearing intended to gather evidence to present at a trial before the Sanhedrin. The Scripture tells us, “The high priest then asked Jesus of His disciples, and of His doctrine.” (vs. 19) Notice the amazing way in which the two are linked—disciples and doctrine. And the reason is precisely this—a disciple is not just merely a curious student or pupil; he is one who truly receives the doctrine and makes it the rule for his conduct. Jesus makes this very point Himself when the officer slapped Him—He simply said, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil: but if well, why smitest thou me?” (vs. 23) In other words, true belief will be known and seen if the life is in line with the profession. So many today think all they have to do is to give mental assent—just simply have it in their brains that Jesus actually walked this planet and did some of the things the Bible says He did. Heaven forbid—Satan himself believes on a deeper level than that! James 2:19 tells us, “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.” Literally, it means their hair is bristled up and standing on end, while they shudder at who they know He is—but won’t surrender. At the same time, Peter was still standing with the others—in his comfort zone—looking out for #1. Others then came up to him and asked once again if he was a disciple—one who had received the doctrine and commandments of Jesus and was living by them. Answer? No way—“I am not.” You see, believing, as most understand it, isn’t everything. In fact, believing, as most understand it, isn’t anything! Believing, as God understands it, is the only thing! Salvation is more than behaving! So many today insist that just being a good person—simply behaving—is all that is needed to be saved. As they climb up and down the horse, they go from one extreme to the other. In this, church and creed become of no importance—conduct is the only thing necessary. But, you see, the story goes on: “One of the servants of the high priest, being his kinsman whose ear Peter cut off, saith, Did not I see thee in the garden with Him?” (vs. 26) In other words, I was actually there—I saw you hack off my relative’s ear—your behavior isn’t lining up with what you profess. You were there, and yet you say you weren’t. You claim to hate lying, and yet that is all you are doing. Peter, you can’t even behave! Do you see the tragedy of these three deadly mistakes? While belonging, believing, and behaving cannot save anyone, redefining them actually takes them to the other extreme. They are not the cause of salvation; they are the fruit of it. To be focused on these before salvation, is like a lifeguard being concerned, first of all, with the drowning man’s stubbed toe. The result is simply tragic. Church, creed, and conduct—all very important, but only as they flow out of a heart that has been truly born-again. After three tragic mistakes, Peter had had it—Praise God!—He went out and wept bitterly …hating his sin, loving his Jesus. Come to Christ His way—die to yourself and to sin, and be raised to new life through the resurrection power of God. Resurrection isn’t just something from 2,000 years ago, and it isn’t just something for when we die—it is the power of God to live for Him right now; it is His Grace. That is the way it was for Jesus while He lived on this earth; it will be no different for His people. Salvation is in the Son—alone! It really is that simple! Copyright (c)
2005 Christ Our Rock Bible Church. |
