"Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ." {Colossians 2:8}
"You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked; but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever." {2 Peter 3:18,19}
"Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices." {2 Corinthians 2:11}
Some Christians refuse to heed these warnings, while those who are not Christians are sadly unaware of the devil's devices. Many have been captivated by the empty philosophies of men. Multitudes do not take hold of the knowledge that God's grace has made available. "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age." {Titus 2:11,12} Also read 1 Timothy 2:4. Instead, their faith is founded on "doctrines of devils." Religious Indifference is one such doctrine.
Are you aware that there is a name for this doctrine? I wasn't. It is the word "Indifferentism!" It is defined as "the belief that religions are all of like validity" (AHD). In short it means that the "church" to which you belong, the rules for entrance into that church, or how it worships make no difference. All "churches" are valid and sound; and since they are all the same, and are all headed in the same direction, you can choose the one that suits you best. This doctrine is nothing more than a "device" of the devil; and it serves him very well, for it is leading countless souls to hell!
The Gospel of Christ is THE (ONE and ONLY) power of God unto salvation {Romans 1:16}.
- "But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world (Satan) hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (2 Corinthians 4:3,4)
What then does the pure Gospel declare?
- "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all." {Ephesians 4:4-6}
- "Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." {John 14:6}
- "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report." {Romans 10:16}
The devil, through his servants, would have all to believe that there are many "churches," and many ways to be saved. "For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works." {2 Corinthians 11:13-15}
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their own conscience seared with a hot iron." {1 Timothy 4:1} Who then should we believe?
Jimmy Thomas, in a tract entitled, "The Church of God's Choice," wrote: "Attend the church of your choice." "Join the church of your choice." "Worship in the church of your choice regularly."
These are popular sayings. Those who use them seem to have forgotten God's choice in the matter. What about the church of God's choice? The fact that a certain church is your choice does not make it God's choice, unless you are willing to contend that God approves everything of which you approve."
The doctrine of "indifferentism" is founded on the very slogans penned by Mr. Thomas. "Its your choice," the devil whispers. "Do what you believe is right; and don't worry about what God says. After all, He is a God of Love. He'll certainly accept you as you are. For it is written, let every man abide in the same calling wherein he was called, and He will accept you in any church." It sounds good; just as it sounded to Eve long ago. "But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtlety, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ." (2 Corinthians 11:3)
YES! It Does Make a Difference to God. For whom did Jesus die?
- "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." {Ephesians 5:25}
- "Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, among which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to shepherd the church of God which He purchased with His own blood." {Acts 20:28}
YES! It Matters to God. There's only ONE way into the church for which His Son died.
- "For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." {Galatians 3:26,27}
- "For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body--whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free--and have all been made to drink into one Spirit." {1 Corinthians 12:13}
YES! He Does Care How We Worship Him.
- "But the hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for the Father is seeking such to worship Him. God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth." {John 4:23,24}
- "Sanctify them by Your truth. Your word is truth." {John 17:17}
- "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." {Colossians 3:17}
YES! It Does Make a Difference to God. But-does it make a difference to you? Maybe you have been "blinded" by the devil's "Indifferentism" doctrine.
- "...Awake, you who sleep, arise from the dead, and Christ will give you light. See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is." {Ephesians 5:14-17}
- "If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth." {Colossians 3:1,2}
- "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven." {Matthew 7:21}
Dear reader, whose will leads you? Don't remain "indifferent."
Brother Ross has addressed a religious problem largely ignored in this world. Why did God leave us a Bible, if He is "indifferent" whether or not we use it? Man seems to be having a love affair with the "community church" concept. This is nothing more than a new name for the old "unity and diversity" movement. "You're okay; I'm okay-let's agree to disagree." It is becoming increasingly unpopular to stand for anything. We are told to be "flexible and bend with the times." I'm afraid people are going to learn the hard way that God doesn't "bend" that easily. (KMG)