Mediation

I was listening to a podcast today addressing the topic “Morality of Disobedience”. The context of the discussion centred on the issue of clerics who violate trust. Many believers have become disillusioned with all things related to faith because of paedophile, philandering, embezzling, perjuring and faithless clerics (Isaiah 56:10-12). In the cases when church leaders engage in these blatant violations of trust, is it moral for the congregants to be disobedient? Well this depends on what standard we are choosing to obey or disobey. Many have come to equate God with the church, so when the church and its leadership fails, individuals become disillusioned with God and stop believing in His goodness (Ezekiel 34:1-6). This is a direct work of the enemy of souls. He has orchestrated a system, manipulating our desire for the visible and the tangible, causing us to equate the sinless, infallible God with sinful fallible human beings. God’s standard is sure and perfect and can, through His help be obeyed. Church standards and traditions tend to fall short of God’s perfect will (Matthew 15:3-9).

With this knowledge how do we overcome the faults of human beings to see the never-failing God? First, we need to know where to find God. In His infinite wisdom God has provided us with a book in which we can find all the information we need to know about Himself and ourselves (John 5:39; 2 Peter 1:19). An honest reading of the Bible will bring us to an understanding that this book is very different from all others. However, many believers in the Bible have been made to think that scripture cannot be understood by an individual without the interpretation of an organized system. This is fallacy. The Bible clearly teaches how it can and should be interpreted. The Bible is inspired by the God and written by individuals with varying writing styles all conveying the same message of the love of God (2 Timothy 3:16). The Bible interprets itself, one passage is related to another that give more clarity to the previous passage (Isaiah 28:9-13). When the Bible is earnestly studied as a whole, with dependence on God, the giver of this word, we will all come to the same conclusions, as seen during the time of the reformation.

So, what of the church community? Scripture teaches that we are not to forsake the assembly (Hebrews 10:25). So then, are we all expected to congregate under the administration of those that cause injury and harm through wanton violation of God’s laws? Following the principle of ‘line upon line’ and precept upon precept’ we learn that assemble does not require an established “mainstream” church body, Jesus said that where ever two or three are gathered in His name He is there to bless (Matthew 18:20). Therefore, the key to obeying God’s command of assembly requires that we gather with others that truly believe in Jesus and He will bring a blessing (Acts 2:1-4). The reality is even when we are alone and unable to find another soul who shares our belief in Jesus, He is there to bless, because we as believing individuals are the temple of God (1 Corinthians 3:16). There is an old saying that rings abundantly true in these circumstances “you plus God is a majority”. Elijah stood on his own, with God behind him, in the face of a completely apostate Israelite nation and was victorious (1 Kings 18). Therefore, if we would have victory and genuine peace in our lives, we need to seek for God not the church.

Then if the church is not necessarily the way to God, then how do we gain forgiveness? As we read the Bible we learn of our sinful condition (Psalms 51:5). We also learn that Jesus came in the form of sinful man and by living the obedient life conquered sin (2 Corinthians 5:21; Romans 8:3). By virtue of His victory, Jesus is our only mediator, and the only way back into favour with the Father (John 14:6; 1 Timothy 2:5). Through this gift we are now able to come boldly to the throne of grace to receive forgiveness and mercy (Hebrews 4:16). The churches of today may claim to be our one route to God, but a careful study of God’s word will reveal that Jesus is the only way to the Father and in searching the scriptures we will find Him (John 5:39). When we come to know Jesus and learn how to love Him, we will find true peace and atonement with the Father (Matthew 11:29; John 14:15; Hebrews 4:15, 16).

Keep the Faith