Let me rather rephrase ...
I write a lot about the ekklēsia, the word that was so terribly and wrongfully translated from the Greek into the English as church. Look at this post for instance.
It comes up time and again
During the week my wife and I were confronted time and again with people (wonderful people of God) who claimed that their church (their doctrinal system and pastor) was the right church with the right doctrine and the right pastor. Whatever their pastor or minister of their church said, is what they base their whole outlook on life upon. Wow!
We could not always be quiet
And being as passionate as we are, we did at times overemphasize the fact that the doctrine of man was of no consequence or meaning.
At one point my lovely wife was even threatened with the sovereign, permissive will of God and referred to the story of Job. (In the moment she forgot to refer them to this post).
On another occasion I was told that we should never discuss politics and religion with our friends, even if they are deceived, confused and believed in a God very much with the character of the devil. We were told that we must just agree to differ.
A reason for so much BS
I guess that is one of the reasons it is so easy to go with the flow … to conform to the world and its corrupted way of doing things and believing in anything and everything you are told, or worse, what you are told by some person schooled and brain-washed in a certain doctrine, belief or in-thing.
However, in plain sight ...
This morning Abba shared with me a very special scripture that talks to the issue in no uncertain terms.
It is Colossians 2, and more specifically verses 20 to 22, I find comfort.
But let me explain the context first
Colossians in the Bible is a letter that Paul wrote to those called to Christ (the ekklēsia) in Colossae, a significant city in the Lycus valley at the foot of Mt. Cadmus, which today, would have been in modern-day Turkey.
The letter was a letter a letter of encouragement and stern warning to be vigilant about the false and fabricated doctrine of man.
Well, that sounds like something we need desperately for today!
Especially the very essence of Paul’s letter and basis of the ekklēsia following the finished work of the cross, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. (Col 1:27)
In the subsequent chapter Paul continues to comfort those in the region of Colossae with the words that the fullness of God, the Father and Christ, including all the treasures of His wisdom and knowledge (that used to be a mystery before the cross) are “knit together in love (Jesus)”. Knit together is symbibazō or bound strongly, united, assured the same way, etc.
Yet, the warning is serious ...
And then comes the strong warning against beguilement. See this post that may shake your current doctrine …
Paul reminds and encourages those called that they have received Christ and therefore should walk in him (His Spirit, The Holy Spirit, the fullness of God, Who abides) and not to be spoiled by the philosophies and deceit, traditions of men, after rudiments of the world (2:8).
But the comfort of the Good News is greater ...
Paul continues to underscore that Christ had done a complete work, even when it comes to fundamentals such as circumcision and most importantly, the blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.
And having disarmed (stripped off all power) the principalities (controllers) of darkness in this world.
Making a point
Paul knows how to bring across his point closing this chapter with the following powerful words:
Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are ye subject to ordinances,
(Touch not; taste not; handle not which all are to perish with the using) after the commandments and doctrines of men?
The blindfolds are off!
Yes, the deceit is everywhere!
Yes, the deception is most definitely in the doctrine of man ...
… and man-made rules and recipes and church laws …
Yes, even in the so-called church!
HalleluYah!
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