This year is the 500Th anniversary of the protestant reformation of the church. There seemed to be a few people that were not in agreement with the beliefs of the Roman Catholic church. Imagine that? Rebels in the church. Trouble makers. Satanically induced backsliders upsetting the status quot. The likes of Calvin and Martin Luther. Amazing what people think when their authority is threatened. It must be the devil! Yeah right!
As I recall, isn't that what they thought about Jesus too? His teaching appeared to be a threat to their power and authority. They called him the devil and did end up killing him. I guess he was seen as a bit of a rebel too against the church of his day, and he was God! The Word made flesh! I think we need to be really really careful before we start throwing out accusations like that shouldn't we?
There seemed to be a dispute over the doctrine of Justification By Faith Alone ( Sola Fide), and over Biblical Authority ( Sola Scriptura). It seems the Church of the day believed that the apostles ( The Pope being the successor of Paul) had the ultimate authority over the written word (bible), because it was the apostles that created the scriptures. The reformers(rebels) on the other hand believed the bible was "the" inspired word of God delivered through the apostles and was the ultimate authority over anything or anybody else. The Pope had a contract out on the life of Martin Luther. Do you think he felt his authority was threatened? Here's a quote:
" Unless I am convinced by Sacred Scripture or by evident reason, I will not recant. My conscience is held captive by the word of God and to act against conscience is neither right or safe."
Martin Luther at the Diet of Worms
He apparently was delivered through a set of strange miraculous circumstances, from death. Maybe God was on his side?
I think some Protestant Christians and churches today have come full circle and believe they have more authority than the inspired word of God. Some have strayed so far away from the bible, I don't even know why they call themselves Christian. Others have so misinterpreted the scriptures they have become cults. Being involved in such a church would not be right or safe.
Maybe it's time for a protest against the Protestants? or at least some kind of new awakening? Maybe a Revival? A Resurrection? Something has to happen to get the strayed churches back on track!
Let's get back to our Reformation roots and make the bible, "the" inspired word of God the Ultimate Authority. Let the word of God be fully known.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
My memory is not good for details, but, is not this issue, in part, what David Orton was saying in his book Snakes in the Temple ? Satan's tactic with the church is to deceive, divide and conquer. He can't accomplish that if your beliefs and your life are based on the Bible.
That's true. I think the main thrust of the book is exposing the idolatry in the North American church which has become so entwined with the world, it's very difficult to tell the difference. Churches have become more like businesses and pastors have become more like marketing managers, keeping the people entertained so they will give their finances to keep the business going. You recall when Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple and referred to it as a den of thieves? That's what many churches have become. Idols have been created out of buildings and programs, systems and fund raising schemes. Why do you think the North American church is in decline while foreign churches are growing? The fastest growing religion in Canada is Muslim. Judgement is not too far behind.
The good news is, it's not too late to change things. There needs to be a new revelation. Keep praying!
Post a Comment