 Apostasy by Pastor Paul Michael Raymond "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of Knowledge: But fools despise Wisdom and Instruction." Proverbs 1:7 "Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor of thirst for water, but of hearing the Word of the LORD." Amos 8:11 In
the
Community
of
Christendom,
we
face
an
epidemic
of
incredible
proportions.
This
malady
is
both
spiritual
and
practical.
It
stems
from
the
first
and
gives
evidence
in
the
last.
The
healthy
visible
Church
is
all
but
lost.
Oh
yes,
there
exist
churches
upon
just
about
every
street
corner,
yet,
for
the
most
part,
they
are
whited
tombs.
They
have
the
appearance
of
life,
but
inwardly
are
filled
with
dead
men’s
bones.
In
the
churches
today
there
is
much
talk
of
Righteousness
and
Justice,
but
these
are
but
vague
concepts,
which
when
tested
in
the
realm
of
life,
are
found
to
be
void
of
wisdom
and
practical
application.
It
is
true
that
among
many
of
the
visible
churches
gross
heresy
and
error
exist,
but
these
particular
problems
are
beyond
the
scope
of
this
discussion,
and
it
is
not
my
desire
to
address
them
at
this
time. Question:
What
is
Apostasy?
Apostasy
is
the
falling
away
or
departure
from
Truth.
It
may
be
viewed
as
the
abandonment
or
total
desertion
of
the
Christian
profession
and
practice.
By
definition
an
apostate
is
a
traitor
and
false
witness.
Apostasy,
therefore,
is
only
found
within
those
churches
who
have
held
the
Truth
of
the
Gospel,
yet
no
longer
manifest
the
purity
of
profession
or
practice.
Thus
they
have
changed
the
Truth
of
God
for
a
lie
and
have
exchanged
the
Glory
of
God
for
the
foolishness
of
men. Churches
which
have
never
known
truth
cannot
fall
away
into
perdition.
They
are
already
in
perdition
and
were,
ever
since
their
inception.
This
narrows
the
scope
to
"faithful"
(Reformed)
churches
by
eliminating
the
many
who
hold
another
gospel
other
than
Salvation
by
Grace
Alone.
It
is
my
purpose
to
address
only
those
visible
congregations
who
have
been
given
the
Truth
of
the
doctrines
of
Grace
by
God,
so
as
to
have
only
the
Word
of
God
as
their
Standard.
Therefore,
when
we
examine
these
churches,
we
must
sadly
conclude
(although
doctrinally
faithful)
that
they
too,
are
void
of
practical
efficacy. One
sure
proof
of
this
lies
in
the
church’s
toleration
of
the
blatant
decadence
and
corruption
in
the
nation
around
us,
let
alone
within
its
own
walls.
One
of
the
distinguishing
characteristics
of
the
True
Church
is
its
diligence
to
address
sin
and
chasten
those
who
are
in
blatant
opposition
against
God
and
His
precepts.
Whether
that
sin
is
manifested
in
the
home,
the
church
or
the
nation
,the
mark
of
the
True
Church
is
to
exercise
diligent
authority
in
order
to
bring
the
sin
to
its
demise.
This
Commission
of
Authority,
by
the
Church,
through
its
Elders
and
Deacons,
extends
into
both
the
Christian
Community
as
well
as
the
national
community.
As
Moses,
Aaron,
Nathan
and
Elijah
give
us
the
precedence,
so
must
we
then
conform
to
their
example. A Careful
Examination When
we
carefully
examine
the
community
of
these
churches,
we
immediately
observe
that
there
is
a
loss
of
presence
and
power.
Faithful
pastors
are
despised
and
their
authority
rejected.
Many
members
of
the
church
begin
to
follow
an
autonomous
agenda
twisting
the
scriptures
to
solidify
their
warped
argument.
There
is
little
talk
of
excommunication,
as
if
this
Biblical
Precept,
itself
was
sinful
or
barbaric.
Faithful
practicing
of
Church
discipline
is
rather
a
marked
evidence
of
the
True
Church
and
not
a
departure
from
it.
Contemporary
Church
members
mock
the
legitimate
Ecclesiastical
Authority
and
have
no
fear
of
the
discipline
of
the
church.
Excommunication
is
an
antiquated
joke.
In
response,
the
churches
have
taken
an
unprecedented
position
of
silence,
and
sinful
toleration
of
sin
and
rebellion,
both
within
their
own
walls
and
within
the
community
around
them.
Counsel
meetings
are
regarded
as
a
waste
of
time
and
unimportant,
despite
the
Scriptural
mandates
and
examples
in
Holy
Scripture. Because
of
this
terrible
neglect
of
responsibility
and
submission
to
legitimate
Godly
rule,
the
church
is
suffering
the
chastening
hand
of
God.
Church
officials,
as
well
as
members,
have
optioned
for
the
pursuit
of
comforts
rather
than
the
pursuit
of
Holiness.
They
dishonor
both
Christ’s
Kingdom
and
His
Law.
There
has
been
a
"choking
out"
of
the
saints
by
the
cares
and
temptations
of
this
world.
The
Divine
office
of
each
church
member
as
Priest
and
King
is
no
longer
internalized.
There
is
merely
an
outward
conformity
to
Biblical
standards
without
the
inward
transformation
of
heart,
mind,
and
life. Instead
of
Christianity
being
at
the
center
of
the
lives
of
the
professing
Christian,
it
is
an
added
ornament
of
religion.
Thus,
these
self
deceived
"play
church",
with
little
more
than
head-knowledge,
never
lifting
one
finger
in
self
sacrifice
to
serve
the
Living
Christ.
The
Commission
of
the
church
by
the
Lord
Jesus,
therefore,
is
hid
under
a
bushel.
The
City
which
has
been
commissioned
to
set
itself
upon
a
hill,
has
fallen
into
the
carnal
ease
of
Moab
and
has
settled
upon
its
lees.
Instead
of
treading
upon
serpents
and
scorpions,
the
church
has
been
trodden
under
foot
by
the
wickedness
of
men
and
the
philosophies
of
humanism.
Consequently,
the
church
has
lost
its
savor,
and
the
Gospel
no
longer
is
preached
with
the
conviction
and
power
to
engage
the
culture. Today,
Christianity
is
set
forth
in
a
vacuum
and
not
as
a
true
commission
from
God
in
the
real
world.
Escapism,
isolationism
and
neutrality
are
the
doctrines
of
the
day,
thereby
becoming
the
practice
of
the
church
as
a
whole.
The
visible
church
wags
the
head
at
sins
in
the
community
and
nation,
yet
is
unwilling
to
do
something
about
it.
Even
when
sin
is
present
in
the
walls
of
the
church,
the
community
of
saints
do
little,
if
anything,
to
bring
that
sin
to
account
and
reconciliation
of
the
sinner. Amidst
the
pious
singing
of
Sabbath-
morning
hymns,
slander
and
whisperings
are
common
place,
and
everyone
is
patiently
awaiting
the
Rapture.
The
external
church
has
fallen
into
the
sleep
of
denial
and
complacency,
forgetting
that
God
is
Holy,
and
that
He
is
a
God
who
never
sleeps
nor
tolerates
disobedience.
The
execution
of
Biblical
Ethics
and
Practical
Truths
are
no
longer
regarded
as
important
because
it
deprives
the
individual
of
worldly
comforts
and
social
ease.
Contrary
to
the
Scriptures,
calling
both
the
church
and
the
individual
to
"take
up
the
cross
of
affliction
and
service",
the
pressures
of
the
wicked
majority
scream
to
be
pacified
at
all
costs.
"Speak
no
more
in
that
Name"
say
they.
"Cause
the
Holy
One
of
Israel
to
cease
before
our
eyes."
"We
will
have
no
king
but
Caesar!" Personal
Apostasy There
are
two
overall
problems
facing
the
visible
church.
One
places
the
brunt
of
the
problem
upon
the
members
while
the
other
places
blame
upon
the
pastors.
It
seems
as
if
there
is
a
secret
conspiracy
of
those
in
the
church.
Subconsciously
church
folk
have
silently
agreed
to
tolerate
only
a
portion
from
the
charge
of
the
Gospel’s
call
to
war.
When
that
toleration
is
brought
to
the
limit
by
a
faithful
pastor,
the
individual
either
moves
to
a
new
church,
where
they
can
hide
from
the
challenge
of
the
Truth,
or
begins
to
rebel
against
pastoral
authority.
Instead
of
using
the
Divine
institution
of
God’s
visible
church
as
a
platform
to
speak
out
against
all
atrocities
against
Righteousness,
the
professors
of
religion
use
the
church
to
hide
in,
like
Adam
among
the
trees,
in
the
Garden
of
God.
The
ultimate
consent
is
to
have
no
king
but
self.
Thus
there
is
an
action
of
rebellion
against
faithful
preachers
in
the
attempt
to
thrust
them
from
the
ministration
of
God’s
Word. Like
Jesus
being
brought
to
the
brow
of
the
hill,
so
too
are
men
of
God
being
brought
to
the
slaughter
by
those
of
their
own
church
household.
These
sons
of
Achan
strive
to
live
their
lives
in
comfort
and
ease
among
the
"goodly
Babylonian
garments",
in
the
hope
of
being
transported,
without
affliction,
to
glory.
The
directives
of
the
True
Church
exercises
too
much
authority
and
requires
too
much
obedience
for
these
Pharisees
of
self
righteousness
and
good
self
opinions.
And
for
all
this
the
church
lies
desolate.
Because
sloth
rules
the
day,
whenever
the
boldness
of
the
Spirit
of
God
moves
a
pastor
to
assault
the
household
of
wickedness,
they
are
labeled
heretics
and
tyrants.
When
the
anger
of
God
becomes
rage
and
manifests
itself
through
the
preacher
against
the
wickedness
of
His
people,
the
make-believing
Christian
charges
the
pastor
with
contention,
severity
and
debate.
They
are
not
afraid
to
openly
and
vehemently
assault
the
Lord’s
anointed.
Little
do
they
realize
that
this
rebuke
was
from
the
LORD.
Knowledge
is
taken
for
grace
and
personal
piety
is
mistaken
for
active
service
unto
the
Lord.
"Happy
sermons"
are
exalted
and
the
smooth
things
of
humanistic
religion
is
applauded.
The
result
finds
the
church
as
nothing
more
than
a
community
social
club
of
cowardly,
lying
hypocrites,
with
Christianity
as
its
external
banner.
And
when
these
"sons
of
Korah"
find
themselves
under
the
scrutiny
of
God
and
the
Faithful
preaching
of
His
Word,
they
divert
attention
to
trivial
matters,
"straining
a
gnat
to
swallow
a
camel".
Infighting
among
church
members
is
often
purposefully
applied
in
order
to
take
the
focus
from
the
Covenant
Commission
from
being
realized. We
are
living
in
a
day
where
the
honor
of
the
Gospel
and
the
duty
it
entrusts
to
the
Christian
is
lightly
esteemed.
It
is
a
day
where
success
is
measured
in
monetary
wealth
and
worldly
possessions,
rather
than
treasures
of
Godly
character
and
sacrificial
service.
Even
in
the
area
of
education,
the
Community
of
Christians
has
made
it
a
graven
image,
worshiping
statanistic
education
principles
rather
than
the
principles
set
forth
in
Holy
Scripture. Christian
Home
Education
has
been
largely
perverted
by
Christian
parents,
who
are
training
their
Covenant
Children
to
"be
somebody"
in
the
world
of
business,
art,
or
science,
when
they
ought
to
train
them
to
be
Christians.
To
these
educators,
Biblical
logic
and
Biblical
thinking
is
secondary
to
the
world’s
arts
and
sciences. There
is
a
large
population
of
Home-schooling
parents
who
have
entirely
missed
the
Biblical
ideology
behind
Home
Education,
and
are
simply
living
their
lives
through
their
children,
so
as
to
be
a
success,
according
to
the
world’s
standards.
These
parents
have
missed
the
mark,
and
sadly,
so
will
their
children.
It
is
painfully
obvious
that
the
Standard
of
Biblical
Reality
is
simply
a
vague
notion
of
right
and
wrong
in
the
minds
of
so
many
so-called
Christian
folk.
Applied
Theology
is
a
forgotten
virtue
and
any
reminder
of
it
is
viewed
with
contempt. And
what
of
the
marriage
institution
and
the
family
unit?
Are
professing
Christian
men
living
in
accordance
with
Holy
Writ
in
the
matters
of
marriage?
Is
there
a
spirit
of
benevolence
toward
their
wives?
Is
there
an
open
line
of
communication,
prayer
and
devotion
one
toward
another.
Do
men
labor
to
love
their
wives
even
as
Christ
has
loved
His
Church
and
gave
Himself
for
her?
Have
the
church
leaders
emphasized
these
areas
of
Truth?
Has
there
been
a
focus
upon
the
family
to
have
the
basic
precepts
of
Scripture
applied? In
my
years
of
pastoring,
I
have
seen
the
destruction
of
marriages
initiated
by
so
called
"knowledgeable
Christian
Men".
These
men
thought
themselves
to
be
something
because
of
their
good
works
or
their
astute
knowledge
of
God’s
Word.
Yet,
when
in
the
privacy
of
their
own
homes,
they
acted
as
poorly,
if
not
worse
than,
the
un-churched
with
no
regard
to
Biblical
Commandments.
Furthermore,
whenever
pastoral
counsel
was
offered,
these
men
became
enraged
and
unruly
even
to
the
point
of
slander
and
hatred
against
the
shepherds
of
the
people. And
what
of
the
wives?
Are
they
living
in
piety
and
humble
submission
to
the
oracles
of
God?
Or
are
they
about
the
things
of
this
world?
Is
their
focus
on
the
future
of
their
inheritance
or
on
what
they
can
have
today.
Are
they
consumed
with
murmuring
and
whispering?
Or
are
they
about
the
things
that
become
sound
doctrine? Ultimately,
all
these
individual
and
family
sins
seep
into
the
Community
of
the
Church
and
bring
havoc.
The
principle
here
is
painfully
simple
and
I
pray
very
obvious.
Personal
sins
will
become
marital
sins,
which
will
result
in
family
sins,
which
will
escalate
into
ecclesiastical
sins.
If
an
individual
is
out
of
order
in
his
heart,
he
is
out
of
order
in
his
home,
there
fore
he
will
be
out
of
order
in
the
church.
Ultimately,
it
is
destruction. God’s
Chastisement God
is
not
silent
in
these
matters.
Whatsoever
a
man
sows,
that
shall
he
reap.
If
one
labors
to
sow
to
the
flesh,
of
the
flesh
he
shall
reap. God
is
presently
bringing
disciplinary
sanctions
upon
the
church
and
still
we
have
not
harkened
to
the
Word
of
God
nor
have
we
understood
the
time
in
which
we
live. The
visible
church
sits
as
the
Whore
of
Babylon,
thinking
herself
rich,
wise
and
clothed,
yet
she
is
poor,
ignorant
and
naked.
Those
in
the
church
can
also
be
likened
to
the
Pharisee
that
thanks
God
that
he
is
not
like
every
other
man,
especially
those
sinners
"out
there",
yet
is
found
to
be
despised
in
God’s
eyes.
This
good
opinion
of
self
is
a
smoke
in
the
nose
of
the
Almighty
and
an
offence
to
His
Sovereign
Power. The
reason
for
all
the
decay
falls
squarely
upon
the
Church
and
its
members.
Each
and
every
individual
is
to
be
held
accountable
for
the
irresponsibility
they
have
practiced
over
so
many
years.
We
must
be
about
the
Father’s
business
in
the
Church
and
in
the
nation.
We
must
cease
from
endless
debate
on
theological
frames
and
notions,
and
focus
upon
Christian
response
in
the
"real
world".
We
must
also
cease
from
investigating
the
many
specs
in
our
brethren’s
eye,
and
remove
the
beam
which
is
in
our
own.
Only
then
will
we
function
with
Gospel
Mercy,
Wisdom
and
Power.
The
time
has
come
to
expose
these
sins
for
what
they
are,
and
to
take
deliberate
and
direct
action
for
the
Kingdom
of
Christ.
If
we
dare
do
less
than
this,
we
will
be
laying
the
foundations
of
destruction
for
our
children
and
the
generations
to
come. APOSTASY Part II God’s Law: The Rule Of
Conduct "Do
we
make
void
the
Law
through
faith?
God
forbid;
yea
we
establish
the
Law"
Romans
3:31 In an effort to clearly and properly understand the great problem of apostasy, we must first dissect it into its various categories and components. We must labor to understand the various aspects and forms it takes by identifying and researching the errors associated with it. Once this is established, not only can we address the problem of apostasy more directly, but we can apply directives for its remedy more profitably. Categories
of
Apostasy Apostasy does not exist in a vacuum, nor does it remain contained in the area where it begins. It is all encompassing and aggressive in its nature and scope. Consider the fundamental categories of apostasy: Personal apostasy, marital apostasy, family apostasy, ecclesiastical apostasy, and civil apostasy. Each of these areas must be addressed, one by one, in order to fully understand the problem, and to begin to formulate the directives needed to combat and be completely cleansed from this desertion of Truth. Within the confines of each of these categories God has expressly given commandment and direction concerning them. None of these areas of life stand alone. They are interactive with one another. They influence one another either positively or negatively. Moreover, each of these areas of life are instituted by God. The individual is God ordained. The marital relationship is a divine institution, as is the entire family. The church is established by God, and not man. So, too, is the civil authority an established institution by Divine mandate. Thus, it must follow that, because each of these categories is God ordained, they must be subject to both God and His Law. They are accountable, as well as responsible, to God’s Law. For each of these groups there is a prescribed order. This order is given especially for the group to function beneficially for their own sake, and also for sake of the other group. When these areas function according to the Will of God, His Law, God is glorified. When they rebel, God is blasphemed and His Law despised. Basic to every area of life, God has decreed how one ought to live. We call this the Moral Law. Once there is a digression from, or a rebellion against these absolute precepts of God‘s Law, there is apostasy. Because most of us live within the confines of one or more of these relational categories, we must either conform to the Biblical Standard or disregard it. We can either conform to the order prescribed by God, or pervert it. When there is order there is peace. When there is disorder, there is unrest and misery. This sets forth a principle dynamic. Simply stated, whether we follow or disregard the Biblical Standard of behavior, there are consequences associated to that behavior respectively. According to the Holy Scriptures, we are assured that there will be blessings for obedience, and chastisement for rebellion. Sometimes
called,
positive sanctions, these blessings are given by God in direct
proportion
to
our
obedience.
If
we
obey
the
Holy
Scriptures,
God
blesses.
Obedience
brings
about
a
degree
of
order,
joy,
peace,
devotion,
productivity
and
practical
piety.
Likewise,
God
curses
to
the
degree
that
His
holy
precepts
are
ignored
or
rebelled
against.
For
those
who
are
of
the
regeneration,
God
chastens
those
whom
He
loves
when
they
stray
from
His
Commandments,
and
blesses
those
who
follow
in
obedience.
Cf. Heb. 12:6 Prov. 3:12 This, however, by no means insinuates that we are loved in any greater measure when we are doing God’s will. This notion would imply that God’s love is conditional upon our keeping of His precepts. At best this is an heretical works-righteousness doctrine. At worst it is damnable. Now, it is true that God takes no pleasure in His Children’s disobedience, yet His love for them is in no wise diminished. We are loved because we are His sons and daughters, not because we are obedient to His Word. By the new birth, God sheds His love upon us, and loves us eternally in Christ The
Example Parents love their children because they are their children. They love them, or should love them, unconditionally. However, when there is rebellion on the part of the child, although the parent is not well pleased, the Christian parent still loves that child and seeks to restore the child to order and obedience. Discipline is administered, in loving care, in order to bring about repentance. Repentance brings about restoration and then reconciliation. This attempt unto Godly restoration is done out of parental love. Chastening is applied for the well being and benefit of the child. When God’s Covenantal Children sin, displeasing their Heavenly Father, He chastens them for the purpose of their restoration and practical reconciliation. This application of correction, through chastisement, is called negative sanctions. God brings negative sanctions in direct proportion to the sin of His people. Therefore we can be sure of either positive or negative sanctions according to our behavior. What the church has failed to embrace is that God brings about either positive or negative sanctions upon both the church and the world according to their behavior. Yet, this precept is fundamental in understanding the Sovereign working of God in history. Today, the Christian, the church, and the society function as if God is removed from direct judgment upon the actions of His creatures in time and history. Today’s notion of God leaves His sanctions for a future age, after the world has ended. Nothing could be farther from the truth. There are very specific consequences in relation to the behavior of man, which occur in the confines of history. Antinomian
Objection The Antinomian position [Gr. anti-nomos i.e. against law] claims that because the child of God is dead to the Law of God, there is no longer any responsibility to follow the Law regarding practical obedience. While it is true that by the works of the Law no man can be saved, it is not true that the Law has no part in the Christian life after regeneration. Rather, because the regenerate is dead to the curse and condemnation of the Holy Law, the Law is no longer grievous nor accusing, but rather a Lamp and a Light. Cf Psalm 119. The Law is used in the life of the saint as a regulational standard for all behavior. What the Antinomian tries to assert is that the children of God can do just about anything they want, within moral reason. Yet, that reason is subjective to the sinful will and lust of the flesh, not the Scriptures. This position elevates natural reason above the clear and concise Biblical Standard, and interprets the scriptures from the vantage point of autonomy rather than Biblical subjection. This is heresy and leads to horrible destruction. The
Law
of
God There is a fundamental flaw in the logic of the Antinomian. The Antinomian sees Grace and Law as opposites. Because the Law cannot save, but is used as a "schoolmaster" in exposing transgression, the Antinomian seeks to do away with Law by using the Grace of God. The problem with this is that the opposite of Law is not Grace. It is lawlessness. In like manner, the opposite of Grace is not Law, it is works-righteousness. Therefore, Grace is never opposed to God’s Law. Grace is the means whereby we follow on to embrace the Law of God, which is pure and good and holy. The Antinomian view of the Word of God is one of picking and choosing, according to personal taste or convenience. Thus the result is a vacilating notion of Biblical ethics, and impotent solutions to real problems. The Antinominist falters in another way as well. In his heretical view of God’s Law the basic principles of Law are omitted or redefined. When we look to the definition of the word "law" (the Hebrew word is Torah) we find that it means to direct or to point out. The New Testament use of the word "law" (Greek word nomos) indicates that it is a commandment assigned by a higher authority with the intent that it should be obeyed. Therefore, God’s Law is a rule of conduct which is backed by Divine force based upon a perfect set of ethical criteria. Moreover, there is a sanctity in the Law of God which cannot be denied. This definition strongly states that if that law is rebelled against, there will be negative sanctions applied to the offender, so as to restore order. What the Antinomian refuses to understand is that Gospel obedience is expressed in the Law of God. The
Use
of
the
Law The Antinomian confuses the design and purpose of Divine Law, and throws the baby out with the bath water. For better clarification, let us focus upon two distinct uses of God’s Holy Law; Pedagogical and Didactic. For the Antinomian, these distinct uses of the Law of God are conveniently blurred and thereby omitted from practice. The Pedagogical use of the Law is best stated in Romans 3.20 and Galatians 4.24 "Therefore
by
the
deeds
of
the
Law
there
shall
no
flesh
be
justified
in
His
sight:
for
by
the
Law
is
the
knowledge
of
sin."
Rom 3. 20 "Wherefore
the
Law
was
our
schoolmaster
[to
bring
us]
unto
Christ,
that
we
might
be
justified
by
faith."
Gal 3.24 The word pedagog simply means teacher or schoolmaster. When the Law is used by the Spirit of God to convict a sinner as to the Holiness and Justice of God, and that He demands both perfection and perfect satisfaction for transgression against His Law, the Law is said to have a pedagogical nature. In this way the Law is used both to slay the sinner and to set Christ as the only hope of salvation. Hence, it is said to be a schoolmaster. In this fashion the Law drives us to the foot of the Cross after the revelation of our need for God’s forgiveness. However, once the soul is regenerated by the Spirit, through the pedagogical use of the Law, the relationship of the Law and the Christian changes. It now has a Didactic nature. The word didactic also means teacher, but it is used primarily for the regenerate saints. David uses this idea of Law and Commandment in Psalm 119, and Paul in Romans 7:12, 7:22 and 7:25. Antinomianism denies the didactic use of the Law over every area of life. Law is refuted as the set standard, and Gospel obedience is neglected through a redefinition of terms. The Antinomian antagonist adheres to a self-standardized notion of obedience rather than conforming to the Word of God, by the operation of the Spirit of God Autonomy Another
fundamental
malady
plaguing
the
church
and
its
people
is
autonomy.
When
every
man
functions
according
to
what
he
believes
is
right
in
his
own
eyes,
there
is
autonomy.
Autonomy
leads
to
anarchy
and
a
total
breakdown
of
the
embracing
of
Biblical
innerrancy.
Any
neutral
or
critical
attitude
toward
the
inspired
Word
of
God
can
only
undermine
its
validity,
and
usurp
its
recognized
authority
over
all
life
and
faith.
Thus,
the
autonomous
Antinomian
either
ignores,
dilutes
or
changes
the
didactic
use
of
the
Law
to
suit
his
own
doctrines
and
needs.
Through
independent
human
reasoning,
the
autonomous
individual
refuses
to
submit
to
the
claims
of
Scripture
upon
every
area
of
life.
The
clear
admonition
to
be
obedient
and
set
apart
unto
Holy
conduct
falls
upon
deaf
ears
and
a
hardened
heart.
Cf.
1
Peter
1:14-15 Antinomianism, autonomy, and all their forms are foundational to the decay of the Christian church. Yet, the question still remains "How and why"? How have these heresies crept into faithful churches? Why is it such an epidemic? What makes seemingly religious, faithful folk, embrace such sinful doctrines? The answer is multifaceted yet painfully simple. The reason behind the Truth of God being changed into a lie by many in Christendom revolves around the lust of their flesh. The desire for ease, comfort, and status has blinded the eye of the church. Both church-going individuals, and the institution itself, have formed ungodly and forbidden alliances with the world. Whether it is the state’s socialistic handouts, 501 c (3) incorporated churches, school vouchers or tax write-offs, the church and its people have failed to heed the warnings of both the Old and New Covenant. Instead of assaulting the ideology of anti- Christ, the Christians have embraced the "way of the Gentiles", and sold themselves (and their children) for a piece of bread. As a result, the witness and power of the church has disintegrated beyond recognition. In accepting the state’s nickel, we have placed our neck in the state’s noose. The church has shifted the yardstick of Biblical ethics to the ideals and notions of Secular Humanism. Make no mistake about it, the church has succumbed to the influence of the world, and all its lusts. Apostasy is a progressive cancer. It begins with the individual, and if not checked, climbs its way into every area of life. As with Achan, so it is with us today. Personal sins bring negative sanctions upon the family, the church and the society. May God have mercy upon us, as we seek to reconstruct and re-establish, through education and bold proclamation, the Principles of God’s Law to a fallen and sinful people. APOSTASY Part III “Its Progression and Warning” “Now
the
Spirit
speaketh
expressly,
that
in
the
latter
times
some
shall
depart
from
the
faith,giving
heed
to
seducing
spirits,
and
doctrines
of
devils...”
1 Timothy 4:1 Like all other historical departures from the Holy Scriptures, the apostasy we face today has not occurred overnight. Every act of departure from the Truth comes over a period of time. Whether it is a personal departure, or a corporate departure, it is established by degrees. Apostasy’s progression is gradual and systematic, and if not checked, leads to grievous and great consequence. Apostasy often creeps in unawares, takes root downward, and eventually springs forth upward, where it eventually manifests itself openly. In the case studies of Scripture, as it deals with the nation of Israel, we find a clear and detailed pattern leading up to apostasy. In order for us to remedy our departure from God’s Word we must first see clearly how we have strayed. In Deuteronomy 31:16-20 God anticipates Israel’s apostasy from the Truth. “And
the
LORD
said
unto
Moses,
Behold,
thou
shalt
sleep
with
thy
fathers;
and
this
people
will
rise
up,
and
go
a
whoring
after
the
gods
of
the
strangers
of
the
land,
whither
they
go
[to
be]
among
them,
and will forsake me, and break my covenant which I have made with them. Then
my
anger
shall
be
kindled
against
them
in
that
day,
and
I
will
forsake
them,
and
I
will
hide
my
face
from
them,
and
they
shall
be
devoured,
and
many
evils
and
troubles
shall
befall
them;
so
that
they
will
say
in
that
day,
Are
not
these
evils
come
upon
us,
because
our
God
[is]
not
among
us?
And
I
will
surely
hide
my
face
in
that
day
for
all
the
evils
which
they
shall
have
wrought,
in
that
they
are
turned
unto
other
gods. Now
therefore
write
ye
this
song
for
you,
and
teach
it
the
children
of
Israel:
put
it
in
their
mouths,
that
this
song
may
be
a
witness
for
me
against
the
children
of
Israel. For
when
I
shall
have
brought
them
into
the
land
which
I
sware
unto
their
fathers,
that
floweth
with
milk
and
honey;
and
they
shall
have
eaten
and
filled
themselves,
and
waxen
fat;
then
will
they
turn
unto
other
gods,
and
serve
them,
and
provoke
me,
and break
my
Covenant.” (Deuteronomy
31:16-20
AV) God testifies that after the death of Moses, Israel will rise up and turn themselves unto other gods. It is important to realize that this idolatrous departure from God comes after Israel is gloriously delivered out from the bondage of Pharaoh, and after they are brought into the promised land. v20 The question raised then is “how?” How could a people be so blind as to not recognize the hand of the Lord upon them for their good? What is perhaps more astounding is that upon several occasions Israel was specifically warned against falling prey to idolatry, yet in spite of those warnings, ran headlong into all manner of terrible godlessness. God consistently warned against their rebellion as an attempt to teach them of their proneness to fall. “But if thine heart turn away, so that thou wilt not hear, but shalt be drawn away, and worship other gods, and serve them; I
denounce
unto
you
this
day,
that
ye
shall
surely
perish,
[and
that]
ye
shall
not
prolong
[your]
days
upon
the
land,
whither
thou
passest
over
Jordan
to
go
to
possess
it. I
call
heaven
and
earth
to
record
this
day
against
you,
[that]
I
have
set
before
you
life
and
death,
blessing
and
cursing:
therefore
choose
life,
that
both
thou
and
thy
seed
may
live:” (Deuteronomy
30:17-19
AV) A
Universal
Warning Because God is the God of Truth and His realm exists both in and outside of time, His precepts are universal. In other words, the very same warning He gave to Israel, He gives to the New Testament Church. These warnings from Deuteronomy, or from any portion of Holy Scripture for that matter, are not particular to ancient Israel. In fact, Israel is a representation of the Christian Church of every age. In this way, by the use of historical types and figures, God instructs His people and solidifies His principles. Thus, the very same proneness to idolatry and rebellion that befell Israel can and will befall us. Likewise, the very same consequences found in Deuteronomy 28, 30 and 31 will be imposed upon us if we fail to remain obedient to the Covenant and serve the living and One True God. Not
Of
Works The
regeneration
of
the
soul
forever
engrafts
the
individual
into
the
Newness
of
Life
which
is
in
Christ
Jesus.
(Romans
11:24,
Romans
6:4)
This
calling,
which
is
a
gift
of
redeeming
Grace,
is
without
repentance.
(Romans
11:29,
Romans
11:5-6)
Once
the
soul
is
redeemed
and
brought
into
the
eternal
Covenant,
that
individual
is
a
sanctified,
child
of
God.
(Hebrews 12:23, 1 Corinthians 6:11) When God calls, He saves, and
those
He
saves
He
upholds.
(Hebrews
10:14,Romans
8:1-2,
Romans
8:29-39)
He
never
saves
and
then
changes
His
mind.
Salvation
is
not
determined
by
works.
(Romans
4:4,
Ephesians
2:9,
Titus
3:5,
Galatians
3:18)
Salvation
is
entirely
of
grace.
It
is
entirely
by
the
intervention
of
the
Sovereign
God
out
of
electing
fore-ordaining
love.
(Ephesians
1:3-6,
Ephesians
2:2-10,Romans
9:16)
Furthermore,
any
hope
of
attaining,
or
maintaining,
the
status
of
salvation
by
good
works,
according
to
the
Law
of
God,
is
damnable.
Christ
is
the
author
and
finisher
of
our
faith.
(Hebrews
5:9,
Hebrews
12:2)
It
is
therefore,
His
work
that
is
accounted
for
our
righteousness,
and
not
our
own.
(1
Corinthians
1:30-31) But these doctrines ought to be elementary. What is painfully confusing to many, however, is what part the true child of God plays in his obedience to the Covenant. If the saint of God is destined for heaven by the New and Living Way, which is not of any works whatsoever, how then can he be plagued with the consequences found in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28,30,31? Aren’t all sins forgiven for the sake of Christ and by His Blood? True, for the elect of God, all sins are forgiven for His namesake, and we will never be damned for any disobedience. The nature of the New Birth causes the love of Christ to constrain us, both to be good, and to do good according to the Law of God. cf Psalm 119. But we still sin and rebel. When that happens, God chastens His Holy Covenantal Children. This is an established and fundamental fact. For
whom
the
Lord
loveth
he
chasteneth,
and
scourgeth
every
son
whom
he
receiveth. (Hebrews
12:6
AV) Thou
shalt
also
consider
in
thine
heart,
that,
as
a
man
chasteneth
his
son,
[so]
the
LORD
thy
God
chasteneth
thee. (Deuteronomy
8:5
AV) He
that
spareth
his
rod
hateth
his
son:
but
he
that
loveth
him
chasteneth
him
betimes. (Proverbs
13:24
AV) God only chastens His Children. He does not chasten the heathen unless they are destined to become His sons and daughters. Therefore, whenever God’s people fail to remain commited to both their office and their Covenant, God brings disciplinary action against them. This is not a form of damnation, but rather a form of restoration. Those who are restored by His loving chastisement are His true sons. Those who are not, were never His in the first place. The
Implications
of
the
Covenant What God’s people fail to realize is that there is a dual commitment associated in the Covenant relationship between God and His people. After the New Birth, the Children of God are brought into a covenant. If they do righteously they will be blessed, and if they do wickedly they will be punished. It is that simple. These are called the sanction of God. There are both positive, blessed sanctions as well as negative, cursed sanctions. Positive sanctions for obedience, and negative sanctions for rebellion. In other words, there are direct consequences to every action that the Children of God take. For many people, these are hard sayings, and for this reason are often dismissed. Today’s modern church-goer refuses to embrace a posture of accountability before God. Somehow they believe that grace allows for any and all behavior, whether it conforms to the Holy Scriptures or not. These principles of Covenant Responsibility are often discounted as obsolete, Old Covenant dispensations, or disavowed as works-mindedness. It is as if those church folk who are dismissing these Truths as non binding, desire God to remain benign in the affairs of men. But God is no respecter of persons. There will always be consequences to every action. Especially those actions of rebellion, and who choose to sin against Grace. Apostasy’s
Progression There is a definite order to the fall of any people. Gradual as it may be, it follows a distinct path of decay. The beginning of all Apostasy begins during a time of Blessing. Whenever a people are greatly blessed there is the tendency to forget God. Furthermore, those who are blessed of God are prone to elevate themselves, as if the blessing is from their own hand. Various forms of wealth, for instance, are typical examples. Those who attain certain monetary, religious, political or social gain are tempted into thinking that they have acquired these positions by virtue of who they are, what they have done, or how intelligently they have conducted their affairs. Nothing could be further from the truth. Since God is the author of all wisdom and understanding, and because He raises up kings and political officers, and He alone gives power to make wealth, God deserves all the credit. Yet, in the heart of deceitful man, man strives for some of the glory. Great comforts produce great pride and arrogance. Whenever God blessed His people He warned them not to forget where the blessings had come from, and to what purpose the blessings were given. Consider the Command in Exodus 8:1. And
the
LORD
spake
unto
Moses,
Go
unto
Pharaoh,
and
say
unto
him,
Thus
saith
the
LORD,
Let
my
people
go,
that
they
may
serve
me. (Exodus
8:1
AV) Carefully note the reason why God commanded deliverance. It was that His people may serve Him. This is the fundamental reason for our redemption. Moreover, it is the fundamental reason for our existence. Therefore, it follows that whatsoever the LORD blesses His people with, it is to be used as a tool for the service of GOD. We read in Deuteronomy 8:18, But
thou
shalt
remember
the
LORD
thy
God:
for
[it
is]
he
that
giveth
thee
power
to
get
wealth,
that
he
may
establish
his
covenant
which
he
sware
unto
thy
fathers,
as
[it
is]
this
day. (Deuteronomy
8:18
AV) Here, again, God makes it perfectly clear that it is He that gives the power to be wealthy, and that the wealth is to be expressly used to further the Kingdom, and establish His Holy Covenant. This imposes a serious stewardship issue upon those church folk who are blessed with wealth of any kind. According to the law of God, the power to gain wealth is only given so as to establish the covenant of God. cf Deut 8:18 Any use contrary to this precept is sacrilege. The
unfortunate
attitude
of
many
who
have
been
blessed
of
God
is
Godless.
The
general
consensus
is
that
since
they
have
received
of
God,
they
may
use
it
to
satisfy
their
lusts
upon
this
earth.
While
the
Church
lies
desolate
and
opportunities
for
the
implementation
of
the
Holy
Gospel
cry
to
be
satisfied,
many
who
are
rich
stand
in
the
temple
thanking
God
that
they
are
not
like
the
sinners
of
the
world.
Cf
Luke
18:11 Blessedness brings forgetfulness, slothfulness and presumption. It also brings with it complacency and compromise. In these five sins lie the destruction of the church. Once the church begins the slide into Apostasy, other abominations begin to fester and take shape. Among them are discontentment, selfishness, lack of devotion to God and His Word, a lethargic execution of religious duties and a distaste for potent preaching. Apostasy dissolves the conviction associated with the Christian’s office of Priest and King. It also seeks to undermine the commission to go into all the world as ambassadors declaring both the Blessing of Grace and the Cursing of Judgment. In a period of Apostasy, the church simply will not be bothered with engaging the society around them because they are too busy with insignificant church programs. Choir practice and building projects have replaced Reformation Evangelism. During extreme Apostasy, the religion of Jesus Christ turns inwardly, causing the salt to loose it savor. Another principle regarding the progression of Apostasy is that it always leads to idolatry and bondage. When the people of God become complacent and fat in their good opinions of themselves they are easily led into idolatrous temptations. By vacillating as to their Righteous Standard they quickly fall into sin. Idolatry comes in many forms, but essentially it is the “bowing down” to anything that is not God. It is also obeying anything that is not commanded by God. When church folk esteem man’s wisdom greater or more authoritative than God’s Holy Word, by definition, this is idolatry. Idolatry
Always
leads
to
Bondage Idolatry always leads to bondage. Oppression by the enemy is God’s way of dealing with rebellion. He brings those who transgress His Covenant into captivity to their enemies. Historically this occurs time and time again. The bondage and captivity of God’s people by the pagan’s of the world is God’s way of bringing chastisement upon the Covenantal Children. Because we have played the harlot, we have been brought into a period of severe bondage and captivity. The church has been snared by every wind of doctrine and every godless law of man. It has been taken by the throat and made to grovel in the dust. If we are to ever regain the blessing of God, we must humbly submit to His correcting hand and seek to understand the reasons for our fall. We must cease from playing the harlot. The way back will not be easy, but the Lord will lead us. APOSTASY Part IV “Personal Apostasy” “Therefore,
thou
art
inexcusable,
O
man,
whosoever
thou
art
that
judgest:
for
wherein
thou
judgest
another,
thou
condemnest
thyself;
for
thou
that
judgest
doest
the
same
things.”
(Romans 2:1 AV) The beginning of all apostasy is of the heart. It is the personal falling away of an individual which infects all other institutions. The principle, underlying cause of all personal apostasy is pride. It is the pride of the heart which deceives, and causes the soul to stray from the simple truth of the Gospel. “Thy terribleness hath deceived thee, [and] the pride of thine heart, O thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, that holdest the height of the hill: though thou shouldest make thy nest as high as the eagle, I will bring thee down from thence, saith the LORD. “ (Jeremiah 49:16 AV.) cf Ob 1:3 This passage in Jeremiah clearly speaks to all mankind, represented by Edom. It is an admonition to all who are of Adam’s nature, exhibiting a prideful countenance. Yet, it is an express warning for those who “dwell in the clefts of the Rock“ and who have their “nest as the eagle’s“- the professing Christians. The General Problem Pride
always
leads
to
destruction.
Haughtiness
of
spirit
always
leads
to
a
falling
away.
Pride
infects
all
aspects
of
life,
and
therefore,
every
aspect
of
society. The Beam and the Mote The
Pharisee
forgets
that
God
has
brought
the
Gospel
to
them
so
as
to
bring
humility
that
they
may
serve
the
Living
Christ
and
the
Kingdom
of
God.
Those
who
live
only
to
pluck
the
mote
from
their
brother’s
eye,
have
forgotten
that
they
have
a
myriad
of
beams
in
their
own. Wisdom The Principle Thing Pharisee-ism promotes the importance of knowledge, rather than the importance of people. Yet, all too often, knowledge is used in its raw form, without the discretion of the Spirit’s Wisdom. Knowledge alone is oppressive, if not mingled with its application: Wisdom. If there is anything the saints need to learn it is that the Gospel is about people, not about knowledge. Once an individual learns this, God will give him the Spirit’s knowledge, mingled with the Spirit’s Wisdom in order to serve. False Understanding of the Sanctity of Conscience Another factor contributing to personal apostasy is the false notion that the conscience of the believer is above reproach. A common defense in many an argument is “liberty of conscience.” Yet, when that conscience is opposed to Biblical precepts and doctrine, the action dictated by that conscience is forbidden. Thus the conscience cannot be the ultimate standard of behavior. Both Calvin and Hobbes addressed this problem extensively during the Reformation periods. The conscience of the saint is still subject to heresies and wickedness and should never be trusted above the Infallible Word of God’s Law. Guidelines Because all institutions and relationships are effected by the individual, it is imperative that the Christian guard himself against person apostasy. The primary reason for the erosion of the Family, the church and the State, is due to the Christian’s personal sloth and selfishness. We must be constantly on guard against the workings of the flesh and the ignorance of our carnal minds. We must pray earnestly for God to humble and strengthen us, that we do not fall prey to the assaults of our own un-mortified, sinful tendencies. Forgetfulness of what we really are by nature, leads to sinful pride. May God be pleased to assist us in our personal walk as we mend our way unto the praise of His glory and Grace. APOSTASY Part V “Duty” "And
it
shall
come
to
pass,
if
thou
shalt
hearken
diligently
unto
the
voice
of
the
LORD
thy
God,
to
observe
[and]
to
do
all
his
commandments
which
I
command
thee
this
day,
that
the
LORD
thy
God
will
set
thee
on
high
above
all
nations
of
the
earth:"
(Deuteronomy
28:1
AV) The
word
"observe" means to "keep"
or
to
"preserve".
[Heb.
shamar
08104].
The
implication
is
that
once
the
child
of
God
is
born
of
His
Grace,
by
the
hearing
of
the
Word
of
faith,
he
must
go
on
to
be
attentive
and
labor
to
preserve
the
integrity
of
the
precepts
of
God.
This
is
to
be
done
in
both
word
and
deed.
Without
the
diligent
exercising
of
duty,
the
Christian
has
not
fulfilled
his
Covenant
responsibility. 1.
Ignorance:
Many
are
unaware
of
the
real
attempt
that
is
ensuing
against
Christianity.
Some
folks
are
legitimately
ignorant,
while
others
remain
willfully
ignorant,
in
order
not
to
deal
with
the
horrific
problems. APOSTASY Part VI “SLOTH” "And
it
shall
come
to
pass,
if
thou
shalt
hearken
diligently
unto
the
voice
of
the
LORD
thy
God,
to
observe
[and]
to
do
all
his
commandments
which
I
command
thee
this
day,
that
the
LORD
thy
God
will
set
thee
on
high
above
all
nations
of
the
earth." The entire American system is structured so as to make mankind lazy, and dependant upon others to do the work. Today's culture is based upon "hand-outs" and "fast fixes" for every area of life. The
state
has
promised
every
"good
thing"
for
the
obedient
"citi-slave"
with
socialistic
programs,
solidifying
the
"Fatherhood
of
the
State".
Such
a
message
and
life-style
is
so
pervasive,
and
so
attractive,
that
the
majority
of
Christians
have
fully
bought
into
the
program,
not
knowing
that
it
is
to
the
destruction
of
their
faith. This
is
precisely
what
has
happened
to
the
church
and
its
members.
As
a
result
of
sloth,
they
have
been
made
slaves
to
all
manner
of
principalities
and
powers.
The
organic
and
original
Covenantal
commission
to
Adam
was
"subdue
and
have
Dominion". It was however, the condemning power of God's Holy Law that
dominated
and
oppressed
Adam
after
his
rebellion.
Adam
could
no
longer
use
the
Law
of
God
as
his
light
and
lamp,
nor
could
he
use
the
Law
as
his
tool
to
subdue
the
earth.
It
was
now
his
enemy.
Because
of
his
violated
state
in
sin
and
enmity,
the
carnal
mind
became
Adam's
master
and
both
it
and
the
Holy
Law
of
God
tread
him
down
in
its
fury. Thus
we
see
that
it
is
given
to
the
saints
to
subdue
and
tread
down,
by
the
authority
of
God,
all
that
oppose
the
Sovereign
Lordship
of
Christ.
Yet,
there
is
one
addition
to
this
original
commission.
The
elect,
unlike
Adam,
will
be
benefited
by
having
the
Spirit
of
Grace
and
Power
at
work
within
them
to
carry
out
this
commission. But if the
Spirit
of
him
that
raised
up
Jesus
from
the
dead
dwell
in
you,
he
that
raised
up
Christ
from
the
dead
shall
also
quicken
your
mortal
bodies
by
his
Spirit
that
dwelleth
in
you. APOSTASY “Forgetfulness” “Only
take
heed
to
thyself,
and
keep
thy
soul
diligently,
lest
thou
forget
the
things
which
thine
eyes
have
seen,
and
lest
they
depart
from
thy
heart
all
the
days
of
thy
life:
but
teach
them
thy
sons,
and
thy
sons'
sons;”
(Deuteronomy
4:9
AV) It doesn’t take an expert in Theology, or Church History, to realize that the modern church has lapsed into a dreadful state of impotence. Pride, ignorance, arrogance, and complacency are serious contributing factors to the horrific character of today’s modern church. It
is
precisely
this
“apostasy”
(lit.
falling
away)
that
is
responsible
for
a
majority
of
the
social,
and
political
evils
of
the
land.
Whenever
the
Church
of
the
Lord
Jesus
fails
to
educate
against
current
social
and
political
evils,
as
well
as
actively
protesting
when
these
evils
surface,
she
has
not
fulfilled
her
commission.
Yet,
despite
the
myriad
of
evidence,
both
church
leaders
and
church
members
refuse
for
the
most
part,
to
acknowledge
social,
political
and
economic
problems
as
stemming
from
the
church
themselves.
They
have
insisted
that
their
commission
is
restricted
to
the
“Theological
Community”
and
should
only
concern
itself
with
Ecclesiastical
problems,
and
ought
never
to
interface
with
the
“real
affairs”
concerning
our
culture.
Thus,
erroneous
ideology
negates
a
fundamental
principle
which
has
been
widely
ignored
by
Ecclesiastic
and
Civil
rulers.
It
is
the
principle
which
sets
the
Church
as
the
“Watchman”
in
matters
of
God’s
Law,
and
social
obedience
to
it.
Our
day
can
easily
be
characterized
as
“perilous
times”. In the third chapter of the second epistle to Timothy, the Apostle Paul warns of the nature and character of the church during apostate conditions. “This
know
also,
that
in
the
last
days
perilous
times
shall
come. (2
Timothy
3:1-7
AV)
These verses clearly identify the character of Apostasy. Carefully consider the fifth verse. “Having
a
form
(lit.
formation,
show,
a
shape)
of
Godliness,
but
denying
(Lit.
making
void,
refusing)
the
power
(lit.
the
might,
the
Spirit’s
power)
thereof...”
Paul’s warning was against those that were merely “playing church”. He identifies the “make believers”, as opposed to the “True Believers”, and warns of their hypocritical nature and character. Although these folks outwardly identified with the Gospel of Christ, they had not the Spirit of Christ. Thus, they were unable to exhibit the passion of Christ by engaging the culture on every level of life. Although these factors contribute to the gross apostasy of the visible church, we can still identify another destructive ill that the modern church has embraced; forgetfulness. “Only
take
heed
to
thyself,
and
keep
thy
soul
diligently,
lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they
depart
from
thy
heart
all
the
days
of
thy
life:
but
teach
them
thy
sons,
and
thy
sons'
sons;”
The Scriptures also characterize apostasy by seasons of forgetfulness, which, in turn, always lead the bondage of idolatry. (see Reformed Witness Vol. 1 Issue 3) Forgetfulness is pre-requisite to idolatry. SERIOUS WARNING In Deuteronomy 4:9, God carefully warns Israel to “take heed” to themselves in matters of faith and obedience. The phrase, “take heed” literally means “to beware” or “watch out”. It is an intense warning given many times in the Scriptures. Whenever the phrase is used, it is expressly God’s purpose to draw our attention to both the evil warned against, and the consequences that will befall the church if the warning is ignored. Sadly, today’s modern church looks upon these warnings with an attitude of “spiritual smugness” as if the warning is for another, and not for them. Thus, the Divine warning is taken lightly, and the church falls into evil, and reaps the consequences of disobedience. Hence, God brings chastisement and judgment. Since God is perfect and Just, He will not be mocked by sinful men. “Be
not
deceived;
God
is
not
mocked:
for
whatsoever
a
man
soweth,
that
shall
he
also
reap.” (Galatians
6:7
AV) THE
BEGINNING
OF
APOSTASY Since
the
heart
of
man
is
desperately
wicked,
and
the
notions
of
the
flesh
are
strong
against
all
that
is
Spiritual
and
Divine,
the
soul
is
easily
drawn
away
into
apostasy
and
sin.
God
identifies
this
fact
by
warning
that
the
individual
“take
heed
to
himself” and “keep his
soul
diligently”.
(cf
Deut
4:9)
The
soul
here
refers
to
the
seat
of
the
individual’s
passions,
or
his
being.
We
learn,
then,
that
God
is
warning
of
an
internal
problem,
which
is
in
this
instance,
precisely
the
malady
of
“forgetfulness”. FORGETFULNESS
AND
IDOLATRY The setting for the Fourth chapter of Deuteronomy is God’s call to Israel to “harken to” and “do” His Commandments. If Israel was to successfully “go in and possess the land, that the Lord had given them”, they had to be steadfast in His precepts, both in concept and application. God is careful to clearly define His Word as the only source of Truth whereby His purpose ought to direct her way. In verse 2, God again stresses that His Word is complete, and that it must not be perverted by adding to it, or by taking away from it. He further warns in verse 3 that there are severe consequences for idolatrous disobedience, by citing a case-study at Baal-Peor. God commends the people for cleaving to Him, which is the reason why they continue to remain alive in the plains of Moab. (verse 4) In verse 5, God reaffirms that He has personally taught Israel His Laws and Statues, so that none can say they had not the knowledge of His Law, or His Judgments. Here, God institutes accountability, and responsibility upon the whole of the people. This was to insure that they remain without excuse for any disobedience. It is important here to establish the reasoning behind God’s action for carefully teaching the people. While it is true that as the Perfect Lawgiver, God is calling the people into account by teaching them His Laws and His Statues, He is doing this as a loving Father for their benefit. Notice, in verse 6, God sets forth the reason for His instruction as a Father. “Keep therefore and do [them]; for this [is] your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations, which shall hear all these statutes, and say, Surely this great nation [is] a wise and understanding people.” (Deuteronomy 4:6 AV) He gives the people His perfect Laws and Statues for their wisdom and their good. As their Heavenly Father, He desires for His Sons and Daughters to be well equipped, thoroughly established, and greatly honored in the sight of all nations. Thus, we can observe from these verses, God’s provisions as both Lawgiver and Heavenly Father. He teaches and equips, not only for the purpose of accountability, but |