SALVATION IN CHRIST ALONE
Neither is there salvation in any other for there is none other name under
heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)
REFLECTIONS
IT HAS NOW BEEN SEVERAL MONTHS SINCE THE SEPTEMBER 11, 2001, WORLD TRADE CENTER
DISASTER, BUT SUCH ACTS ARE HARD TO FORGET AND TAKE A LONG TIME TO RECEDE EVEN
WITH THE PASSING OF MONTHS. Most of this message was written on September 21 as
I had refrained from writing about the incident until then: My heart was so
full, so sad, so grieved at the tragic loss of Life and the thought that fellow
human beings, no matter how aggrieved or how purportedly noble their cause,
could have conceived and devised such a "brilliantly diabolical"
scheme as Robert Jay Lifton, a psychologist/psychiatrist of New York City
University, put it in a conversation with Bill Moyers of the Public
Broadcasting System. ,
The sorrow in this country runs deep ---- so deep that it defies explanation.
My own sorrow literally paralyzed me for a week. I could not think, could not
work even in the doing of routine chores. I tried to make sense out of what
happened, out of the sheer magnitude of such an inconceivable
act-inconceivable; yet it had not only been conceived but executed with total
abandon and deadly precision.
Such acts and crimes against humanity are truly unimaginable. Yet there it
was-the rubble of the once imposing twin towers we knew as the World Trade
Center (WTC) had become a tomb for thousands of unsuspecting and innocent
civilians. Such acts of barbarism in a civilized age are truly unspeakable. As
born-again Christians, we should first obey God's Word, which teaches us to
rejoice with them that do rejoice and weep with those who weep (Romans 12.15)
We have wept with you America. We have mourned the loss of fathers and mothers,
wives and husbands, sons and daughters, friends and relatives, neighbors and
civil servants, rescue workers, those who gave the last measure of
devotion-heroes all.
Now that the nation has returned to some sense of normalcy (albeit a
drastically changed state of affairs), it is prudent to reflect on the lessons
learned and, from the Christian perspective, what this could mean for the
future.
First of all, it is an understatement to say we have learned how vulnerable the
United States and all open, democratic societies are to international-level
terrorist attacks from within their own borders. We are aware that such planned
episodes may not be over as has been repeatedly stated by various government
officials.
Second the economic fallout from these attacks and the fear they have instilled
will continue to be with us for some time. Reports are that as many as six
other jobs may be tied to every job in the airline industry. In other words, we
have only seen the initial economic impact. Recently I heard of new problems
being caused for the Internet because of thousands of hostile attacks on
Islamic or Arab-related sites by U.S. hackers who are upset over the WTC and
Pentagon disasters. These disasters appear to me a sort of trigger that has
ignited a series of potentially disturbing and deadly events as in the case of
the anthrax incidents. Exactly what all will ensue remains unclear, but the
worldwide war on terrorism is one immediate consequence.
RELIGIOUS TRENDS AND THEIR MEANING
My particular concern is to begin some interpretation of the possible
religious fallout that has come and will undoubtedly continue to develop
because of the fundamentalist religious connotations, claims, and proclamations
made by those who have, in one form or another, perpetrated these heinous acts
or who have harbored those who have done so. Our government is rightfully
seeking to bring these people to justice. As born-again, Bible-believing
Christians, with a fervent expectation of the soon return of our Lord and
Savior Jesus Christ, we must look at and analyze the emerging religious trends
about us
. I have noted with concern, over the last two years, the new interest taken by
the United Nations (UN) in religion and in the development of bodies to
consider unifying the major world religions of the world.
Two meetings arrest our attention. First, some 1000 religious leaders from man
faiths met at the UN headquarters in New York under the auspices of the United
Nation's Millennium Peace Summit. Ted Turner, of CNN fame, and Canadian
billionaire, Maurice Strong, were two of the more prominent attendees. Both of
these men are said to support the idea of a universal world religion. (1) It is
worth noting that Turner has donated some one billion dollars to the UN.
As I understand the stories coming out of this meeting, the consensus was that
religion is a major cause of conflict in the world and that serious attempts
need to be made to neutralize the potency of the various religions, especially
in the evangelistic sense. Translated, this could mean that no religion is
superior nor can any claim truth in an absolute sense. For us this would mean
that Christ Jesus our Lord could no longer be preached as THE Way, THE Truth,
and THE Life. He may be allowed as one way among many ways to God. Obviously,
those of us who know and believe Acts 4:11, 12 would be among what are now
being called the "intolerants," those who believe in the absolute
supremacy of Jesus Christ.
Second, at a subsequent meeting resulting from the same body, 300 religious
leaders met to crystallize the agenda for action. One Episcopal bishop was
quoted in
Current Thoughts and Trends
magazine as saying that Christians will have to re-evaluate their desire to
proselytize, especially those who believe that Jesus is the only way to God.
(2) As we have watched religious events unfold since the World Trade Center
disaster and the attack on the Pentagon on September 11, we marvel at how
quickly world religions can get in bed with each other and that on an equal
footing.
Such a temporary association in a time of national crisis portends the kind of
unity that is being worked at with long-term ends in view. The good news is
that these and future developments may be the means of sorting out or
differentiating between the real and the counterfeit, between those who remain
doggedly faithful to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord and those who wilt in the
face of this fast-crystallizing syncretism.
YANKEE STADIUM SYNCRETISM
The stage at Yankee Stadium, during the post September 11 memorial prayer
service moderated by Oprah Winfrey, was occupied by several brands of Christian
groups along with Sikhs Muslims, Hindus, all calling on God. As I recall (and I
took particular note), only one Christian minister used the name Jesus during
his prayer. I may have missed some, but that is my recollection.
While the event itself and the gravity of these times made it a somber affair,
and while we grieved and are grieving with the spouses and children, fathers
and mothers, brother and sisters who lost loved ones, we cannot help but think
how easy it would be for the religions of the world to develop a compromised or
syncretized global policy that forbids evangelization of any kind. This
prohibition on evangelism already exists with the Taliban in Afghanistan and in
nearly all Islamic countries though several of them claim freedom of religion
and human rights in their so-called constitutions.
Israel, too, has a law on its books forbidding the offer of any
"material inducements"
to its citizens to change religion. We, therefore, would have to confine our
efforts to the non-initiated.
Under the new world order, we would not only be prohibited from teaching the
supremacy of Jesus Christ, but we could not attempt to convert Muslims, Jews,
Sikhs, Hindus, or any other person who claims some religious conviction, no
matter how nominal or bizarre. In such a world we would be regarded as
"Jesus freaks," the extremists of Christianity who would refuse to be
reasonable. I don't have to spell out what this would mean.
A ROSY FORECAST GONE AWAY
Coming more to the point, I want to emphasize a business magazine called
the Economist
that published a special issue to coincide with the dawn of the New Year.
Dudley Fishburn was the editor for this special issue titled "The World in
2001.(3) After some rosy forecasts for the Western nations and for the poor of
the world, including prosperity for India and China, he had this to say about
the Mediterranean area:
"For the dangers of the year, look for those things that are plainly out
of balance. In America, that means the trade deficit and the dollar. In Europe,
it means neighbours. The most frightening statistics to be found in The World
in 2001 are these: not one of the seven Arab countries bordering the
Mediterranean has a legitimate government; their populations will explode to
163 million in the year ahead, 56 percent of whom will be under 25, creating a
multitude of angry, unemployed young men. Add an irascible Israel into this
cauldron of testosterone and Europe's southern border will surely be the
world's most unsettled place. Lucky America: all its neighbours in the
hemisphere (except Cuba) will flourish, having accepted democracy, capitalism,
and reform.(4)
Little did Mr. Fishburn suspect that there would be, both for America and for
the world, the spectacular and diabolical events of September 11, 2001.
Government leaders, society's gurus, and media pundits have all told us that
the world will never be the same again.
True Christians have been expecting fundamental world changes for sometime now.
We believe the world will have some form of a universal, syncretized religion
with a global government eventually headed by one man who will turn out,
literally, to be Satan incarnate. To this man with apparent supernatural
powers, the secular nations and governments of this world will gladly give
their authority when he proves he can settle things down and bring order and
stability to mankind. Global terrorism could well create the kind of desperate
circumstances that could precipitate such a need. The world is fast heading for
the advent of this diabolical superman. President Bush has said that this is
the 21st century's first war and, he hopes, the only one. Where these events
and their aftermath will lead no one can say for sure, but God's Word pictures
the majority of world powers economically, religiously, and politically under
one super despot who will brook no opposition or resistance (Revelation 13) .
Will the instability of the Middle East, the growth of a young and restless
male population, and the fomentation of Islamic radicalism play a role in this?
The unexpected has already changed the course of world events and political
relationships, and incurred tremendous added costs for the world's economies.
What other surprises and developments might there be? We have only the
intimation in God's Word that, as with the fall of Jerusalem in 70 A.D.,
uncertainty and fear will increase (Luke 21:25, 26). As with any historic
period of fear and uncertainty, people are subject to panic and to make rash
decisions.
LIVING AND SERVING IN THE 21st CENTURY
Living and serving in the ministry during these and coming times will create
enormous and ever-growing pressures for ministers, churches, and laity alike.
Great inducements and threats of force, loss of property and certain freedoms,
and relief from fear and undue tensions will cause many to comply with the
apparently successful and benevolent world religion and ruler. It may even be a
form of Christianity in name or in appearance so that deception will seem in
compliance with the truth. Are these echoes of 2 Thessalonians, chapter two,
where Paul describes the effects of
the coming of the wicked :one? I tend to think so.
It is historically true; as has been frequently stated by others since these-
events occurred, that "when push comes to shove" most human beings
will sacrifice freedom and even national sovereignty for safety and security.
But safety and security usually end up creating servitude and dependence on the
agencies or persons who guarantee them. It is only a short step from there to
worship if it is demanded to ensure the personal welfare or economic survival
of mankind. How true the-Bible is! The question now becomes, What sort of
persons (leaders and laity alike) ought we to be in the face of these unfolding
events and developments?
First of all, we MUST know Jesus Christ for who He really is- God, ". . .
who only hath immortality,
dwelling in the light . . ." (1 Timothy 6:15, 16)-and not in the shadows
of a truncated religion or the debris of an apostate, compromised Christianity
We must know Him in the Word and by His Spirit in no uncertain terms. This is
the only antidote to the spirit of antichrist. Then we MUST know His people by
their expressed love and dedication for and to Him, and by their love,
kindness; and special care to and
for one another.
Next, we MUST be prepared to lead and to serve when we are denied all amenities
and access to any kind of creaturely comforts, authority among men; or the
acclaim or even acknowledgement of society We MUST be prepared for
"church" to be nothing more than home-sized, small groups having a
meal, socializing, talking about our Lord and worshipping Him together as may
be possible in song, testimony, and spoken word. Such activity may well be more
attractive to our neighbors than some of our regular public meetings. ". .
. Where two or three are gathered together in my name," said Jesus,
"there I am in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:20).
Ultimately, we MUST prepare our minds to ". . . endure hardness as good
soldiers of Jesus Christ" (2 Timothy 2:3) to be ostracized, isolated, cut
off from our people, and, in some cases, betrayed by some who are weak in faith
and in their physical endurance. Jesus admonished the early disciples before
the destruction of Jerusalem, and I think that warning is appropriate for us in
these last days as well: "Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted,
and shall kill you, and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate
one another. And many prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. And because
iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. But he that shall
endure unto the end, the same shall be saved" (Matthew 24:9-13).
WE MUST HOLD TO THE UNIQUENESS OF CHRIST AT ANY COST
My belief is that, from here on out, we must become more focused on what is
truly important and not just our preferences or what we might enjoy. I believe
the Holy Ghost is leading us in this direction. The Church will be reflected in
relationships that are centered in worship, fellowship, witness, and service in
simple but effective ways. In this regard, the Church of God of Prophecy began
several years ago to decentralize, to emphasize relationships between churches
and their communities, and, most important, between believers, our Lord, and
each other. Re-focusing on the harvest and restructuring ourselves
organizationally has caused us some concern, but, in the long run, I believe
these decisions will prove to be both correct and effective for the times in
which we will be living.
The issue will be joined, eventually, as to who Jesus is and whether He is
THE ONLY WAY
to the true and living God, in contrast to the several other ways to God
espoused by all other religions. The world's need for security and safety, in,
order for its societies to prosper, the view that religion is the major source
of war and other conflicts and tensions, will lead inevitably to what I call a
universal, common, syncretized religion that will be accepted by a majority of
world governments and non-thinking, non-Christian, non-religious peoples. The
orthodox and conservative leadership of perhaps several major religions may
resist this shift but will be persecuted and/or marginalized by both
governments and the society. We Bible-believing, Bible-practicing"
Christians need to hear and evaluate the current tensions and actions in the
world for ourselves as we may well be seen as an obstacle to world religious
unity.
I can see a scenario, for
instance, where the current terrorism crisis can isolate the nation of Israel
because of her so-called refusal to make peace with the Palestinians. In such a
scenario, all who support Israeli nationalism will likewise be marginalized.
Then those who refuse to join a worldwide United Nations sponsored alignment of
all major religions would become suspect. They will be considered
“homophobic intolerants” for insisting that Jesus Christ alone is
Lord. This was the position the early church faced in the text above. When the
authorities gave orders that the Christians could not obey, confrontation and
civil disobedience were inevitable. We hope it will never again come to this,
but the signs of drift in this direction are inescapable.
Terrorism is a pervasive and permeating scourge and, without growing world
unity and cooperation, may be impossible to defeat. Politicians are gingerly
tiptoeing around the religious connotations of Islamic militancy and extremism,
but I am afraid that the diabolical spirit behind these forces has its own
world agenda.
Satan has plans to unite world powers against Christ Jesus our Lord, and he is
getting things together (he thinks) to attempt the final overthrow of the God
of heaven. The diabolical trilogy of political unity, economic solidarity and
prosperity, and religious syncretism seems to Satan his last, best hope for the
worship he so craves and which, so far, he has been denied. He knows he has
". . . but a short time" (Revelation 12:12) so he is intensifying the
implementation of his plans.
True Christians must always be on their guard against cooperating with him. We
MUST "steel" ourselves against giving in to fear, whether of Satan or
of man. Thank God, we belong to a company of saints to whom we may resort from
time to time, as we may be free to do so, for comfort, prayer, and spiritual
strength. The stand taken by the early Christians in Acts 4 must also be our
position: Christ Jesus, our unique Lord and the ONLY Savior of men, must be
preached at all costs until He comes again. And He is coming to keep the
judgment appointment His Father decreed in the recesses of eternity past.
May God help us one and all to be among those who refuse to deny our Lord and
who endure to the end! He is coming back again, and soon (Acts 17: 30, 31) !
===============
1) See Current Thoughts and Trends, March 2001, P 29
2) Ibid
3) The Economist special issue: “ The World in 2001” (The London,
England: The Economist Group)
4) Ibid
ARTICLE PUBLISHED IN THE WHITE WING MESSENGER OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE CHURCH
OF GOD OF PROPHECY IN JANUARY 2002.
BY ANDRIAN L. VARLACK SR. CLEVELAND TENNESSEE
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