Moment in the Word

Jude 1:3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

This week I had the most unusual experience of visiting with a deacon who proudly informed me that his "Southern Baptist church did not believe in Calvinism," (his words, not mine). Granted, the congregation accepted Security of Grace but had apparently torn Election and Predestination from their spiritual play book, which is a little like St. Nicholas claiming that he believes in presents while denying Christmas.

Well, I was upset thinking about the ancient tenets of faith we have universally abandoned across the denominational board. Obviously, many Baptists have disavowed Calvinism. After being raised in the Assembly of God, I know that too many Pentecostals are walking away from holiness. Not completely familiar with Presbyterians, Methodists, Church of God, Church of Christ, Mennonites, Catholics, Lutherans and the rest, I would bet my money that every single one has taken "a BIG STEP back" from what they once believe only 50 years ago! Why? Because this is currently the prevailing trend in the global Church of Jesus Christ, all to our shame!

Oh, we still faithfully take an offering! None of us have forgotten to collect the money since we all love mammon - Matthew 6:24. However, when it comes to holding a line on the ancient faith that was delivered to the saints on only one occasion (Jude 1:3)... well, goodness sakes, we would abandon our grandmothers if the betrayal made us "politically correct" in the eyes of the world!

Doubtless progressive "church-goers" reading my comments will counter, "But change is good!"

I suppose if we're talking about the earth being round rather than flat, then I would guardedly agree. But when the matter involves "faith once delivered to the saints," I take issue on two points:

1. "For I am the Lord your God, and I am not changed: 7 but ye, the sons of Jacob, have not refrained from the iniquities of your fathers: ye have perverted my statutes, and have not kept them." Malachi 3:6, Brenton's 1851 Greek Septuagint

2. "For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished." Matthew 5:18

Thus, if the eternal Author of the Word does not change and His everlasting Scripture does not change, then explain to me why His Church is currently falling all over Herself trying to keep up with the World that's plummeting in a death spiral toward Hell?

You're probably puzzled why I (an avowed Calvinist) should care what happens to other denominational branches of the Church. Simply stated... "When one group loses their grip on primitive faith, then everyone is forced to take up the slack somewhere else farther down the line!" For this reason, I need each Methodist to be the very best Methodist they can be! I need Pentecostals...I need Mennonites...I need Catholics...I need Presbyterians, Church of Christ, Church of God, Lutherans, and yes, even Southern Baptists to grab hold of the doctrinal line and hang on for dear life as if it really mattered...because it really does!

In these last days of time, we must all "earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints" rather than taking a big step backwards to "lead from the rear" or "advance in the opposite direction" (a.k.a, run for our lives in the face of opposition).