The most insidious deceptions are intentionally misconstrued truths. Such falsehoods cannot be outright denied, lest the underlying reality be maligned in the process. Those of evil intent (both man and spirit) often exploit this by sabotaging the interpretation of important truths, so that understanding thereof becomes corrupted. The more vital the targeted truth, the more damaging the effects of the resulting misuse; the longer it endures, the more difficult it becomes to put right. The means of corruption vary according to source and situation, but pragmatism and apathy are especially common tools in sustaining it, both because such motivations can be perceived optimistically without Christ-centered scrutiny, and because such mindsets discourage perception of consequences. Avoiding these problematic situations requires a firm commitment to rely upon our God-given standards as preserved for us in Scripture; resolving pre-existent misconceptions necessitates the humility to acknowledge them and subsequently reaffirm the commitment. Unfortunately, one of the most enduring idioms of Christianity potentially harbors just such a deception, quietly wearing away at the very foundation of the Faith.
The Apostle John’s Gospel opens with a powerful summation of the faith he is testifying to, establishing Jesus as God and Messiah, and declaring the core of His message: But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor the will of man, but of God. (1:12-13) This truth is further expounded and reaffirmed shortly after through Christ’s own words to Nicodemus as He illuminates at length the renewing nature of Redemption, culminating in the most well-known passage of the Bible, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” (3:16) This is the quintessential thesis of God’s great plan of salvation for mankind, which was sealed with the death and resurrection of the Son, Jesus Christ. As such, the focus of evangelism must always hinge upon this central truth.
In modern evangelism, the message of salvation is often declared in a way such as this: “Simply believe in Jesus, and you shall be saved!” In theory, this is a paraphrase of what the Bible says, and with this as the focal point a preacher may incite many to claims of redemption. Yet upon closer inspection, much has been lost in the transition of phrasing. The most vital aspect of salvation is the means of its securement, this being the sacrifice of Christ, but partaking thereof is a matter of repentance. It is because the world is condemned in sin that mankind needs salvation, and failure to repent makes redemption impossible. Furthermore, acknowledgement of self-insufficiency serves to motivate us toward increased commitment to God; salvation is meant to be but the first step to sanctification. By shortening the message for ease of conveyance, the Church risks misconstruing the truth behind it: that God desires our love and worship!
John’s account of Jesus’s lesson continues: “For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God. And this is the judgement: the Light has come into the world, and the people loved the darkness rather than the Light because their works were evil. For everyone who does wicked things hates the Light and does not come to the Light, lest his works should be exposed. But whoever does what is true comes to the Light, so that it may be clearly seen that his works have been carried out in God.” (John 3:17-20) Salvation is truly simple; Christ has paid our dept! But if we believe the gift can be received in rejection of our need for it, then we are truly deceived.
Be repentant. TTT