Update the Gospel?

 

William Barkley, in his commentary on 1 Thessalonians, states that during the period of the Roman Republic, the Romans had not one single divorce in a 520-year period. However, as they moved away from the Republic into a more of socialistic empire, things began to change. Although they had previously conquered the Greeks militarily, the Greeks “Grecianized” the Romans in terms of morality. The fornication, homosexuality, and related sins of Corinth are an indication of this Grecianization in the first century.

Similarly, the American Republic has also moved further and further away from personal responsibility toward more collectivism – arrangements whereby we are subject to many more laws, regulations, institutions, and bureaus designed to do what was previously done by individuals. We are now suffering the same dissolution as did ancient Rome: our morals, our patriotism, our self-esteem, our productivity, and our homes have deteriorated.

We live in a day and age in which everything seems to be changing constantly. Because of this, some claim that the gospel must change to keep in step with the times. They say, “Time does not wait for anybody. It leaves behind those who do not keep step.” Is this true? Should the gospel be changed; can it be changed and still be the gospel? All will admit that we live in a society in which things change constantly. But I will hasten to add that everything does not change with time. One’s need for food, clothing, and shelter are the same, in that we still need such to survive. Also, sin has not changed. Eve sinned when she transgressed (disobeyed) the law of God (Genesis 3:1-6). Today men sin when they transgress (disobey or over-ride) God’s law (1 John 3:4).

[Galatians 1:8] Now if sin is still the same, why should the remedy (the gospel) be changed? The apostle Paul makes it clear to the Galatians that the gospel could not be changed and still be the gospel (Galatians 1:6-7). Jude, writing concerning the common salvation that came by the way of the gospel, exhorted the brethren to, “…earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints” (Jude 3). Jude speaks of the faith which comes from the preaching of the gospel (Romans 10:17) and says that it was once delivered. The gospel is complete and needs no changes. It gives all things that pertain unto life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3). It finishes one completely with the spiritual diet unto every good work (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The gospel is the “…power of God unto salvation” (Romans 1:16). It is the Word of God that we will be judged by (John 12:48). Since the gospel will save and it is that by which we will be judged, then why would we want to change (over-ride) it? All we must do is recognize the gospel for what it is - The TRUTH (Colossians 1:5). Obey it as written or be lost (1 Thessalonians 1:8; Romans 1:16)!

There is little individuals can do to change a major tide of history, but we can form our families and our characters according to the ancient standards of God, as recorded in the Bible. We do not have to go along with the crowd. We do not have to salivate like Pavlov’s pups simply because the culture in which we live rings a bell of conformity. We can resist the fornication, lies, indolence, and dishonesty around us. We can form marriages with like-minded Christian people and live faithfully ever after. We can nurture our children in the chastening and admonition (discipline and character) of the Lord.

Of course, as Lot can tell you, it’s difficult to keep our family standards intact in Sodom and Gomorrah. Yet, it’s not impossible. Remember, “…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world (Satan)” (1 John 4:4). And “…if we walk in the light (God’s TRUTH) as He is in the light …the blood of Jesus Christ …cleanses us from all sin” (1 John 1:5-9).