Ang Talata at Ang Makata: part 1/2 A Counterfeit Jesus? By: Chet R. Echelbarger Traditional Ceremonies Every spring, millions gather early Easter morning to commemorate the resurrection of Christ. These annual sunrise services supposedly remind them that Jesus rose from the dead. Yet this tradition springs from ancient sun worship rituals that predate Christ’s earthly ministry. Later in the year, adherents look forward to trading gifts on his “birthday” (supposedly December 25th), and become enveloped in the “spirit of Christmas.” Have you not wondered why there are so many non-biblical customs surrounding holidays that are purported to honor the Jesus Christ of the Bible? Worship Based on Emotion In much of Christianity today there has been a shift toward a new center, which may loosely be described as a shift from mind to emotion. The modern demand is for a religious “worship” experience that stresses feelings above reason, logic and doctrine. Many have abandoned biblically-defined worship and adopted religious entertainment, calling it worship. They have a pretense of Christianity, but it is only a façade, as Paul wrote: “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” ( II Tim. 3:5). For many, the final authority in matters of faith and morals is no longer the Word of God, but the inner workings of the human mind. Some denominations view the Bible as merely a historical document requiring human interpretation to correct its “errors.” People can unknowingly worship in ways that are far different from what they sincerely believe or intend. Grasp what is at stake with another Jesus. With a different savior ultimately comes a different “mediator,” “high priest,” “shepherd,” “bishop of our souls,” “apostle,” “king of kings,” “lord of lords,” and all of Christ’s other titles and roles. When one does not understand the “simplicity in Christ” ( II Cor. 11:3) and allow the Bible to interpret itself, the inevitable result is to soon be unwittingly following a very different savior ( vs. 4). Nullifying the Law The Jesus commonly spoken of in the large denominations of accepted Christianity promotes the idea that keeping God’s divine laws is no longer needed because they have been “nailed to the cross.” All a Christian must do is “accept and believe in him” to be assured a place in heaven. Beguiled by this notion, the majority reject the seventh-day Sabbath, the annual Holy Days and other truths of the Bible, leaving an open door for a host of non-biblical practices. The first-century apostles resisted this slippery path into lawlessness, but many believers allowed themselves to be led astray. Paul foretold a time when fables and the traditions of men would be substituted for the truth: “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; and they shallturn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables” ( II Tim. 4:3-4). This deception began in the first century but has grown much worse in recent times. Most receive teachers who tell them what they want to hear rather than what they need to hear. Wrong conduct is justified—explained away—giving no regard to the warning, “Woe unto them that call evil good, and good evil; that put darkness for light, and light for darkness; that put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!” ( Isa. 5:20).
Posted on: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 00:16:23 +0000
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