Message from Scripture: 3/23/2021

Our message from Scripture today is Rom. 6:17. “But thank God that, although you used to be slaves of sin, you obeyed from the heart that pattern of teaching to which you were handed over.”

A new book has been released about how our nation is still a religious nation, but the nature of religion is being redefined. It states our society has become syncretistic in its view of matters of faith. The term syncretism is the combining of different beliefs into one new system of belief, borrowing from perhaps Christianity, Hinduism, Muslimism, and other views. It shows the discontent people have without faith convictions, the result of living with no morals, no values, no standards to give life any real direction or purpose.

We can note this is really nothing new. It’s seen in Saul reinterpreting God’s command to destroy all the Amalekites and their possessions, to destroying most of the Amalekites, and keeping the best of their flocks and herds (1 Sam. 15). It’s seen in the churches of Galatia trying to merge Judaism with the gospel (Gal. 5:4) and in Colossae mixing Christianity with a variety of other religious systems. It’s been seen in denominationalism which for generations has advocated one is saved by faith alone, even though Scriptures says immersion is where the blood of Christ washes away our sins (1 Pet. 1:20, 22; 3:21). Satan is at work in all of this, seeking to compromise truth, which still condemns.

Any merging of truth and error is still error. This is why Paul reminded Timothy to hold on to the pattern of sound teaching (2 Tim. 1:13). He also reminded the church in Ephesus there is only one faith (Eph. 4:4), and anything other than true gospel is anathema (Gal. 1:6-9). Let’s show the truth of the gospel at work in our lives, as this is really what the world seeks. Do you know the truth that will set you free? Spend time in Scripture today. It will make a difference. God bless.

Robert