Michael Davis
If I do enough good deeds, I will go to heaven...This is a common misconception that was addressed in my column in the latest issue. This issue leads to a very fundamental question in regards to the relationship between belief and practice. ‘What is more important, what you believe (orthodoxy) or how you live (orthopraxy)?’ While many people wouldn’t think twice before answering, “How you live is more important!” I would assert that how you live comes secondary to what you believe. I am not affirming that how you live is unimportant; in fact I believe that how you live is very important. Moreover, I think that what you believe is even more important. Your beliefs affect how you live your life. Thus it is important to hold to a correct system of beliefs. It is more important than ‘moralism’ and pietism.
“Why is it so important to have the
right beliefs? That is not
fair! Do you mean to tell me, if I live
a ‘good’ life I could still go to hell?”
It is written, “There is none
righteous.” This emphatic statement pretty much sums it up. Not one person on this earth can religiously
observe the moral law of God without any deviation. According to the one who makes the
rules: ‘breaking His law is equal to
rejecting Him. Rejecting Him is the
pinnacle of rebellion and apostasy.
Rebellion and apostasy are worthy of being cast into outer
darkness.’ Well, I guess since no one
can fulfill the criterion for perfection we may as well live the way we
please…please keep reading.
The story doesn’t end here. God,
in His foreknowledge and mercy has provided a means sufficient to save all
people. Though it will only be efficient
for some, because many do not nor will ever believe the truth. Jesus said, “…and you will know the truth, and the truth will
make you free.” (John 8:32) If you read
the last issue of my column you will remember the importance of belief. Belief, wisdom, knowledge, and understanding…there
is a progression here. True
understanding is grounded in faith. St.
Augustine said, “Credo ut intelligam (I believe in order to understand).”
In view of that, what
is the goal of science? Is it not to
understand our physical universe? Did
you know that science is based on certain assumptions? The greatest assumption that science is
rooted in is the assumption that the forces of the universe act with
regularity. This is the only way we can
rely on the evidence of multiple experiments.
Without regularity, experiments would be pointless. The force we call ‘gravity’ always attracts
objects to the earth. We can count on
it. Perform any amount of
experiments. The object will always
fall. Not only is science rooted in
basic absolute assumptions, but also every field of thought is. Evolutionary theory starts with the basic
assumption of the non-existence of God.
Creation theory starts with the basic assumption of the existence of
God. The next biggest question is, “How
or from where do you get your basic life and thought assumptions?” I acquire my presuppositions from unchanging
Scripture. Most atheists and deists get
their basic assumptions from their feelings or their own thoughts. I do not trust myself to think that I can
come up with truth on my own. Hence, I
turn to the source of absolute truth: the word of God.
What are the presuppositions/assumptions that I have acquired? There is a God. God requires holiness. Believing God and His Word (faith) is the
prerequisite to truly freeing your mind.
Jesus is the God-man (if you know Greek mythology, this shouldn’t be
hard for you to comprehend. As J.R.R.
Tolkien said, Jesus is the true myth.).
If you do not believe Jesus, you will die in your sins. Conversely, if you truly believe him, you
will be saved. Not only will your soul
be saved, but also your lifestyle will be saved. Furthermore, your family, culture, society,
and/or nation will be saved. My belief
in absolutes has led me to understanding.
I do not know everything…I do not know a lot…I forget a lot…I know I am
grounded in truth. In the final analysis,
my belief in the word of God has forced me to apply the truths to my life. I hold the Faith. I am virgin.
I will wait until I get married.
I do not nor have I ever drunk an alcoholic beverage; I will wait until
the law permits it. I strive to overcome
temptation.
The [true] Christian Religion is not founded upon actions taken by our
flesh, but by acknowledging the truth.
“8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of
yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” (Ephesians
2:8-10)
Next issue: How do we know the Bible speaks the truth?
Questions or comments email me [email protected]