The title of this article is likely not a familiar thought to most people. Most people today do not really think of Christianity in relationship to the New Testament. Yes, they may understand the new Testament tells us about Jesus and the beginnings of Christianity, but the thought of going back to that time to define and describe Christianity for today's world is not something they normally do.
The reason for this is they have not been taught to do so. They have been taught to define Christianity in the context of today's thinking - today's beliefs and practices. They believe that Christianity must be a religion that is ever changing to fit the times; that each new generation has the right to revise and make adjustments to it.
While that kind of thinking may please people, the real question is whether it pleases God. Does the mere passing of centuries, now the 21st, make changes in Christianity from what we read in the New Testament, acceptable to God? How do we know?
Thoughtful people must ask themselves, "Do I believe the Bible?" If you say "no," or, "some of it I do and some I don't," then it would be wise for you to spend some serious time studying that issue. Can you give solid, substantial reasons why you are hesitant to believe it? Or, it is a matter of personal choice, feeling or opinion? Think about it!
If you say, "yes," then you need to ask yourself, where in the Bible do you find God allowing people to change and adjust the beliefs and practices He had given them to fit the times in which they lived? An accurate, honest answer is "never." Change came only if God authorized it.
In the Bible, some of the severest condemnations and punishments fall upon those who thought they could change what God had commanded to fit their desires. In Leviticus 10 we read of two young priests who thought they could substitute a fire "which [God] had not commanded them" (10:1). Their intentions were good in that they wanted to worship God, but they wanted to do it in a way that pleased themselves. They ignored God's way. The result was that "fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord" (v. 2).
Jesus condemned people of His time because they thought they could change God's command. "'Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written: "This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. And in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men." For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men - the washing of pitchers and cups, and many other such things you do.' And He said to them, 'All too well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your tradition'" (Mark 7:6-9). Do you think Jesus' words would be any different today, to those of us who think God's teaching in the Bible can be changed to fit today's ideas??? Think about it!
We must understand, and believe with all our heart, that the way Christianity is in the New Testament is the way God wants is to be today. Our generation is not the first to think God's way of doing things can be changed. This "problem" reveals itself even among Christians in the New Testament. Paul, writing to the churches in the area of Galatia, says, "I marvel that you are turning away so soon from Him who called you in the grace of Christ, to a different gospel, which is not another; but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached, let him be accursed. As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed" (Gal. 1:6-9).
The kind of faith and practice that God does accept is that which holds "fast the pattern of sound words which you have heard" (2 Tim. 1:13). The writings of the New Testament are God's inspired Scripture (God's words) to be followed, as a guide, a pattern. Following them our faith and practice will be acceptable to God. "All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work" (2 Tim. 3:16-17).
Today's idea of many differing faiths and practices making up Christianity is not what we read in the New Testament. "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope... one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and father..." (Eph. 4:4-6).
The need for today's Christianity is to return to New Testament Christianity. We must earnestly and conscientiously seek to follow God's plan for our salvation. We must learn to believe and practice only those things authorized by God through the New Testament. Let us submit ourselves as humble servants of God's words and not our own.
- Rogers Reflector, 4/15/2001