We often hear people say that the churches have failed or that they are not keeping up with the times. Remarks such as these remind us of a conversation which a Christian had with a soap manufacturer who did not believe the Bible. During their discussion the unbeliever said, "I have been thinking that this Gospel you Christians have been preaching for more than 1900 years has not done much for the world after all." The Christian did not reply at once and after a short time, a ragged little boy came running from an alley with his face and hands very dirty. Pointing to the little fellow, the Christian said, "See that dirty little boy. It doesn’t look as if the soap you have been making for the last 25 years has done much good in the world after all, does it?" "Why my soap is all right," said the infidel, "but it can’t do people any good unless they apply it." "And so it is with the Word of God," said the Christian, "only as it is applied to the heart will it wash, cleanse, and fit a person for Heaven."

Today, very few people, including church members, ever read the Bible. Even very few faithful church goers have ever read it completely through. This is due largely to the fact that the vast majority of preachers and seminary professors no longer believe that the Bible is the verbally inspired, infallible Word of God. Instead they regard it as written by fallible men who were subject to the errors of their day. These religious leaders believe that they can sit in judgment upon God’s Word. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools [ROM 1:22]. The Bible, however, is not simply the words and message of great though fallible men of ancient days. It is a message from God, written by His servants, in the very words of His choosing [see 2PE 1:21]. The Bible does have the answers for today. The trouble is that it has been rejected and men preach their own ideas and opinions. They take what they like from the Bible and throw out what they do not like. It is very true that THEIR churches are failing. Their message is a false gospel. They are preaching a social gospel to "save" mankind. They are hoping to change society rather than the people who make up the society. Their hope is that by bringing in a better environment that men will become better and thereby peace and righteousness will be produced on Earth. The Gospel of Jesus Christ, however, is addressed to the individual and his personal salvation. This world is growing worse and is headed for judgment. Peace and righteousness will only come in the world to come--in the New Heaven and New Earth [REV 21:1].

Honest, sincere people who are willing to accept and do what God says still find that the Bible can meet the need of twentieth century sinners. Heed what Paul wrote to Timothy: from a child you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. 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 perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works [2TI 3:15-17]. Read the Bible and apply its teaching in your life.

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This Page Last Updated: 12/08/98 A. Allison Lewis aalewis@christianbeliefs.org