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Jesus Christ: Unstoppable Hero of the World–Part 2

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…on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.
––Matthew 16:18

God’s plan of redemption and reconciliation is unstoppable. Christ’s ambassadors, his messengers who carry the gospel to the world by the power of the Holy Spirit, will not be stopped by anything hell might throw their way. Jesus promised that the gates of hell will not prevail against the church that Jesus is building.

God mission is clear––to redeem a people for himself. His method to carry the gospel to the world is clear––through the witness of his people.

Christians are Christ’s ambassadors to the world. We represent the King of kings and he has entrusted us with the best message any ambassador has ever delivered. Our mission is the most important any ambassador has ever undertaken.

God Has Tasked Those He Has Redeemed to Declare His Glory Among the Nations.

In Part 1 we saw that as part of his mission, God makes his name great among the nations. If you are a Christian, God has commissioned you to spread God’s fame and proclaim his great work of the Gospel. Your faithful Christian witness aligns your purpose with God’s purpose.

Sing to the Lord a new song;
 sing to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
 proclaim his salvation day after day.
3 Declare his glory among the nations,
 his marvelous deeds among all peoples.–Psaalm 96:1–3

“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name;
 make known among the nations what he has done,
 and proclaim that his name is exalted.–Isaiah 12:4

The Apostle Paul’s Commission Was for the Sake of Christ’s Name.

Through him we received grace and apostleship to call all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith for his name’s sake. ––Romans 1:5

But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much harm he did to Your saints at Jerusalem; and here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of Mine, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the sons of Israel; for I will show him how much he must suffer for My name’s sake.” ––Acts 9:13-16

Salvation Is Found In Only One Name

Look how the name of the Lord factors into salvation.

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”––Romans 10:13

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”––Acts 4:12

Even the Great Commission commands us to baptize in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.

God’s Name Is Never to Be Taken In Vain

God’s name and his glory are so important that we are commanded not to take His name in vain. God’s reputation must never be tarnished. The holy must never be confused with the profane.

Jesus teaches us what it means to take his name in vain.

This people honors me with their lips,
but their heart is far from me;
in vain do they worship me,
teaching as doctrines the commandments of men. ––Matthew 15:8–9

John Piper points out that the Bible describes vain as something that is empty, futile, pointless, trivial, inconsequential, insignificant. He goes on to say that, for the Christian, all of life is worship–– “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). “Whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus” (Colossians 3:17). Therefore, don’t treat God––his name––as vain. 1

God’s Word, God’s truth and God’s commandments are not vain but our substitutes are. Our idols, our plans that don’t match God’s plans and even our routine activities done for our own glory reveal a heart far from God.

We have seen that Scripture proclaims that God will make his name great among the nations. His name is the opposite of trivial, inconsequential, insignificant or any other synonym of vain.

The Purpose of the Gospel and Making God’s Name Great Is to Declare God’s Glory and Secure the Worship of the Redeemed.

Not to us, O Lord, not to us,
 But to Your name give glory. 
Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth.–Psalm 115:1

All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord,
And they shall glorify Your name.–Psalm 86:9

“All the earth will worship You,
 and will sing praises to You;
 They will sing praises to Your name.” –Psalm 66:4

Ambassadors for Christ

Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” ––Mathew 28:18–20

Most Christians are familiar with the Great Commision. But have we made the connection between God’s redemptive plan for the world and how the Bible describes us as believers?

For example, Christ’s love compelled the apostle Paul to spread the message that God has reconciled the world to himself. Paul describes himself as an ambassador because he brings God’s message of reconciliation to the lost.

All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.––2 Cor. 5:18–20

When we witness to the world––when we preach the gospel––we implore people on Christ’s behalf to be reconciled to God. We carry Christ’s message. We are ambassadors for his kingdom.

When we obey the Great Commission, we make disciples who go on to make disciples. We not only carry the good news of salvation to the ends of the earth, but we strive to teach new disciples to obey all that Jesus has commanded.

Notice that we carry out the Great Commission under the authority of our King, Jesus. We, like Paul, have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel (1 Thess. 2:4). Christians represent Christ’s kingdom to the kingdoms of this world. We are ambassadors with the privilege of delivering the best news, the best message that the world has ever heard!

Light Up the World with the Gospel!

Consider this––when we read in the Sermon on the Mount that we are the light of the world, do we tend to be passive? Do we think that just because we are Christians, pagans will see that we don’t act like they do and ask about our faith? Do we keep to ourselves in our Christian circles hoping the world will notice and ask us about Jesus?

Our light is a reflection of Jesus who is the light of the world. We are not to hide our light under a basket by keeping to ourselves. Instead, we are to put ourselves out into the world like a city on a hill so that our light cannot be hidden. Furthermore, the light of the gospel that we reflect and the good deeds we do when coupled with God’s message of reconciliation, result in bringing glory to God, not to ourselves.

This message of reconciliation that we are entrusted with should be at the heart of our daily living. The saying, “Preach the Gospel at all times and if necessary use words” not only contradicts Scripture (Romans 10:5–17) but is illogical. It is like saying, “feed the hungry, if necessary use food.”

This dovetailing of God’s mission to redeem his elect and our commission to go into all the world and proclaim the gospel, all for the glory of God, should encourage and embolden us.

It’s very easy to hide our light under a basket, even if we know how to share the gospel. I do it all too often. I’m not always ready to share the hope that lies within me with strangers. Sharing with unsaved friends is much easier for me. But that doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t adopt the Apostle Paul’s attitude, who, being unashamed of the gospel, was eager to preach it (Romans 1:15–16). Even so, not everyone is cut out to do door-to-door evangelism. But we all are called to preach the gospel to a lost world. The best method of evangelism is the one you use.

Churches that offer classes on sharing the gospel and organize opportunities to go with others to witness in the community serve their congregations well. Short-term evangelistic mission trips are great ways to see the Holy Spirit work to bring people to Christ and give you confidence that, indeed, Jesus is with you as you carry out the Great Commission.

God Always Keeps His Promises

God the Father said this to God the Son:

Ask of Me, and I will give You
 the nations for Your inheritance, 
and the ends of the earth for Your possession.
––Psalm 2:8

Did Jesus pray this prayer? In what is known as Jesus’ High Priestly Prayer he prays this:

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. ––John 17:1–2

My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message, … “Father, I want those you have given me to be with me where I am, and to see my glory, the glory you have given me because you loved me before the creation of the world.––John 17:20, 24

Evidently Jesus did ask the Father to give him the nations for his inheritance. And God the Father will keep his promise. Here is the result as foretold in the Bible:

And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll
 and to open its seals, because you were slain,
 and with your blood you purchased for God
 persons from every tribe and language and people and nation.

You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God,
    and they will reign on the earth.”
––Revelation 5:9-10

After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”
––Revelation 7:9–10 (ESV)

Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
––Matthew 25:34

We should be encouraged to witness because God has promised guaranteed success! Of course not everyone we witness to will place their faith in Christ, but none that God the Father has given to Jesus will reject him. And the end will not come until all whom the Father has given Jesus are saved. (Matthew 24:14)

Share Jesus’ Compassion for the Lost–Going, Sending, Giving

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.” ––Matthew 9:35–38

Since there are so many opportinities, so many ripe fields ready for harvest, we should pray for opportunities to share the Gospel as we go about our lives. Then we should expect God to answer our prayers since it is according to his will, and be on the lookout so we can recognize those opportunities when they arise. Pray for boldness to act and to share the gospel because the result isn’t up to us:

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.––Romans 1:16

Pray with confidence, knowing “that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him (1 John 5:14–15).” God’s plans are big. Our prayers should be big too.

We intersect with people almost every day who need Christ. We should prepare ourselves for any opportunity that arises to share the Gospel.

But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.––1 Peter 3:15

Whether you, as ambassadors for Christ, bring his message personally to those around you or bring his message by giving financially to send others or bring his message by your prayers, be encouraged because the fruit of your witnessing, giving and praying will be credited to your eternal, heavenly account. ( See Philippians 4:17; 2 Corinthians 5:18–20)

God’s Pleasure, God’s Glory, Our Gain

God has promised to make his name great among the nations, to bring glory to himself, to reconcile us to himself, to purchase for himself a people from every tribe, language, people and nation, to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, to prepare a place for us to be with him forever, to do away with evil and to wipe away every tear.

It pleases him to do so.

After six days Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. …a bright cloud covered them, and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!” ––Matthew 17:1, 2, 5

He does what he pleases.

I make known the end from the beginning,
 from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
 and I will do all that I please.’ ––Isaiah 46:10

God keeps his promises.

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.” –––Psalm 145:13

He is unstoppable!

  1. John Piper, “How We Take God’s Name in Vain,” Desiring God, April 18, 2021, https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/how-we-take-gods-name-in-vain

Unstoppable Hero of the World

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All the peoples of the earth are regarded as nothing.
He does as he pleases with the powers of heaven and the peoples of the earth.
No one can hold back his hand or say to him: “What have you done?” ––Daniel 4:35

I make known the end from the beginning,
    from ancient times, what is still to come.
I say, ‘My purpose will stand,
    and I will do all that I please.’––Isaiah 46:10

What is God’s unstoppable purpose for the world?

Fixing a Broken World

We live in a broken world and we cannot fix it. Pretending this isn’t the case is the delusion of the fool for the fool says there is no God.

God, in his Word, has revealed to us why the world is broken. Because of the Fall of mankind, because of the diobedience of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, humanity is separated from God. Only if mankind is reconciled to God will there be any hope of healing this broken world. And only God can fix the relationship.

Humanity validated its brokenness in the years following expulsion from the Garden of Eden and demonstrated its inability and unwillingness to act according to its original created purpose. The earth became so corrupt and violent that God destroyed all of mankind except for Noah and his family. Then God repeated to Noah his original command he had given to Adam and Eve to “be fruitful and multiply.”

But it wasn’t long before those descendants conspired together to “reach unto heaven” (to fix their broken world) on their own, without God. This time God didn’t allow them to continue unabated. He “scattered them over the face of the whole earth.” As Kidner, in his commentary on Genesis states, “better division than collective apostasy.”1

In Genesis chapter 12, God more clearly reveals his plan of salvation to Abram––that he will bring blessing, salvation and reconciliation to the world through one of Abram’s descendants.

Heroes and Superheroes

People are drawn to heroism. Heroes assure us that there is someone there for us when things go wrong or when we are in danger. In essence, heroes do what we cannot do for ouselves because of weakness, lack of skill, incapacity or unpreparedness. We admire heroes because their voluntary actions to help others involve risk and self-sacrifice.

But heroes also validate that we know our world is broken. Otherwise there would be no need for them. Evil is a real and tangible threat to our well-being. The natural man tends to divide the world into good people and bad people and his heroes consist of those who protect the good from the bad. In our stories, good usually triumphs over evil. But the heroes of the world never eliminate evil; they only provide a temporary victory.

Heroic characters appeal to us in literature and in film. Real life heroes’ stories assure us that evil doesn’t always win. However, the notion that the average human is helpless against powerful evil forces gives rise to fictional stories of superheroes who have the superhuman ability to fight and win against these evil forces. Whether, stated or not, the appeal of superheroes in the form of mythological or comic book characters points to a realization that we face perils that we cannot overcome on our own. We need someone to save us.

Unfortunately, in the artistic world or in the media world there is a recognition of evil forces stronger than most of humanity but a denial of the all-powerful Creator God who has provided salvation and has overcome the world. In this fantasy world without God, only imaginary heroes and broken promises of salvation from politicians remain. If only we could unite everyone with utopian plans similar to those at the Tower of Babel to stop those other evil people then all would be well!

THE Hero of Human History

The common idea behind the world’s heroes is that evil resides in someone or something else. The Bible refutes this idea and declares that evil also lies in the heart of every man, woman and child. Our real problem lies within and we are incapable of saving ourselves. Only God can save us.

Of course, Christians know that the world has a Savior and his name is Jesus Christ. We know who the real and only true hero of history is. But he is much more than our hero. He is our LORD!

Everlasting End of Evil

When Jesus returns in judgment his victory over evil will be complete. It will not be partial. His victory over evil will be everlasting, not temporary.

And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Revelation 20:10)

Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:14–15)

Jesus will rid the world of evil and the suffering that results from it.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore” (Revelation 21:4)

Has God Promised to Reconcile a People to Himself and Fix Our Brokenness?

…we wait for the blessed hope—the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for himself a people that are his very own, eager to do what is good. ––Titus 2:13–14

God has repeatedly and emphatically revealed himself to be a missionary God who will make his name great among the nations and bring salvation to the ends of the earth.

God On Mission––Good News for the Entire World

God is a missionary God and his purpose is to redeem a people for himself.

From the start, God intended his reconcilatory message and redemptive plan to be for the whole world. He reveals his intent through various people, including Abraham, the nation of Israel, his prophets, his disciples and Christian ambassadors.

And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” ––Galatians 3:8

May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, Selah

that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations. ––Psalm 67:1,2

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” ––Acts 1:8

All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. ––2 Corinthians 5:18-20a

God On Mission––Making His Name Great Among the Nations

From the start, God made it clear that his purpose is to make his Name great among the nations.

But I have raised you (Pharoah) up for this very purpose, that I might show you my power and that my name might be proclaimed in all the earth. ––Exodus 9:16

For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts .––Malachi 1:11

He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” ––Psalm 46:10

Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. ––Philippians 2:9–11

God On Mission––For the Glory of God

God’s Plan of salvation is not simply a rescue mission, though it is a glorious one. His plan reveals his character and is ultimately for his glory.

When Jesus had spoken these words, he lifted up his eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come; glorify your Son that the Son may glorify you, since you have given him authority over all flesh, to give eternal life to all whom you have given him. And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. I glorified you on earth, having accomplished the work that you gave me to do. And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world existed. ––John 17:1-5

Some summarize God’s plan of salvation this way––We are saved from God (from his wrath and hell), we are saved by God ( For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast,  Eph. 2:8-9) and we are saved for God (for his glory and for our joy in him).

When Will the World Finally Be Fixed?

When will the end come and final and complete victory over evil be accomplished? Jesus gave us the answer:

And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come. (Matthew 24:14)

Notice the promise in this verse. The gospel will be preached in the whole world. There is no doubt. 

The end will certainly come, but not until Jesus’ last disciple is secure in the Father’s hand.

All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away. For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I should lose nothing of all that he has given me, but raise it up on the last day. For this is the will of my Father, that everyone who looks on the Son and believes in him should have eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day.” ––John 6:37–40

All the Father has given to Jesus will come to him. None will be lost.

But we don’t have to sit on the sidelines as a spectator. God has given us the privilege of participating in his unstoppable plan to bring an end to evil and reconcile all who are in Christ to himself. God has given us a great task, the Great Commission, and he will use us as a means to accomplish his purpose.

How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”

––Romans 10:14–15

Can you imagine a greater privilege? Can you fathom a greater commission? Can you engage in any endeavor more sure of success? 

More on our part in God’s plan in Unstoppable, Part 2

Notes:

  1. Derek Kidner, Genesis, Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove: Inter-Varsity Press, 1967), 110

My Kingdom Is Not of This World

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Heavenly Image Rapture Left Behind

Many Christians say that Social Justice Warriors (SJWs) and cultural marxism pose the greatest ideological threat to the gospel in our day. They may be right. Others fear that the spread of these ideas will lead to full-blown socialism in our nation.

Another concern some Christians share is that these ideas have infiltrated the Church thus diluting or even destroying its ability to proclaim the truth of the gospel.

This raises some interesting questions:

  • Are today’s false doctrines any more dangerous than those faced by previous generations?
  • Has Satan come up with a new strategy or has he merely recycled old lies?
  • Is our battle against flesh and blood (politicians, leftists and deceived church leaders) or is our battle “against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms?”

Those sounding the alarm correctly surmise that we are responsible to fight for truth and to proclaim a biblical gospel. But whom do we fight and how do we wage war?

Suppose the heretofore unthinkable happens and the United States slips into the evil of socialism/marxism. Is the Kingdom of God threatened by an economic system?

Let’s keep these questions in mind as we look at the threat posed by cultural Marxism.

Critical Theory

Ideas such as social justice, identity politics, radical feminism, intersectionality, classism and white privilege fall under the umbrella of critical theory. Neil Shenvi (a Christian apologist) defines critical theory this way—“Critical theory is an ideology that divides the world into oppressed groups and their oppressors and aims to liberate the oppressed.”1

The oppressed groups are not confined to economic status as in traditional marxism or Liberation Theology. Women are also oppressed, as are people of color and members of the LGBTQ community. Lots of people are oppressed, and of course, the only people left to play the role of oppressor are white males, especially Christian white males.

So how is the gospel threatened? The most common response I have read is that social justice warriors confuse justice and mercy, two concepts that are very clear and very distinct in the Bible. Sinners deserve justice for their sin, but God in his mercy “gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” SJWs affirm a different idea—that somehow the oppressed deserve mercy in the same way they deserve justice, that they are two sides of the same coin. If that be the case, then we deserve our salvation.

My first reaction to reading Shenvi’s definition of critical theory was to recall Jesus’ words in Luke 4:18–19:

The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.

Indeed, this passage refers to both spiritual and literal freedom, poverty, blindness, and oppression. But critical theory ignores the spiritual component. Jesus sets us free from sin’s oppression and Satan. Critical theory doesn’t see sin as the problem or Christ as the solution because it focuses on real and imagined oppression by other people. They proclaim moral superiority over their oppressors and exhibit a hubris that excludes them from the moral requirements that the Bible applies equally to every human. It perpetuates Satan’s lie that someone else (perhaps even God) is withholding something from us.

Thus, critical theory doesn’t allow us to identify with Adam so that Christ, the second Adam can free us. Instead, we must belong to an oppressed group (or repent of our wrongs as a member of an oppressor group) and fight for liberation. The gospel is unnecessary as critical theorists virtue signal their way into hell. Tragic.

Critical theory ups the ante on post-modernism’s disdain for objective truth by claiming objective truth acts only as a cover for the evil perpetrated by oppressors. Subjective experiences trump objective facts.2 So, in critical theory, Satan’s lie —“has God said” takes on a form that refuses to consider any appeal to the Bible.

At Odds With the Gospel

We are either in Adam or in Christ. We are lost or we are found. We travel the road to destruction or we travel the road to eternal life. These are the only two identities that matter. Critical theory ignores the gospel and divides people into two groups—the oppressed and their oppressors. In the worldview of critical theory there is neither room for good in the oppressor group nor evil in the oppressed group. But our identity (and certainly our virtue) does not lie in our gender, skin color or oppressed status.

Christians are commanded “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone” (Romans 12:18). Critical theory promotes strife and conflict between groups while denying that we are all born into the same sinking boat. It is contrary to Christianity because the Bible teaches we are all separated from God by our sin, and need a solution that can only be provided by God. They don’t need Jesus or his gospel because they have substituted oppression for sin as mankind’s biggest problem. And, they believe they can solve the problem themselves.

Critical theory is at odds with Christianity because it makes distinctions between people that the Bible doesn’t consider as important as the distinction between those in Adam and those in Christ:

So in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith, for all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Christ. There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3:26-29

So those who are alarmed are correct – we have to preach the true gospel. To do so requires us to identify and reject any false gospel.

Will the Social Justice Movement Lead to Socialism?

The Social Justice Movement is currently a hot topic in the Church. You may have heard the phrase “Woke Church.” It refers to churches and their members who embrace the idea that racism and injustice are systemic in America. For some, righting this wrong becomes the main mission of the church instead of preaching the gospel.

For secular critical theorists and SJWs to reach their objectives, the existing power structures must be overturned. Thus, many people fear that this ideology will lead to socialism. The social justice movement is more likely to result in socialism than simple class warfare because so many more people can be incited to rise up against the status quo.

Marxism and socialism destroy individual freedom and private ownership of the means of production. Thus they undermine biblical principles of reaping what you sow and stewardship. Capitalism must have freedom and private ownership in order to operate so it preserves them.

Does Jesus’ Kingdom Depend On an Economic System?

But herein lies a trap. Instead of defending the gospel, some Christians are tempted to spend much of their time defending capitalism rather than simply fighting against biblical heresy and the horrors of socialism.

Most Christians would probably agree with the statement that capitalism is better than socialism because evil men can do the least harm under capitalism. But is it really capitalism that restrains evil or is it individual freedom, the rule of law and the preservation property rights that cause a society to flourish?3 The fact that it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom should alert us to the fact that capitalism’s prosperity may hinder the gospel as well. Capitalism may only encourage a weak faith. Jesus’ proclamation that the kingdom of heaven is more important to Christians than their material prosperity suggests that our priority must be to defend the gospel, not capitalism:

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. Matthew 13:44-46

Let’s not promote capitalism (a system that preserves market freedom yet easily diverts us from God’s purposes) over God’s economy in which Christians steward their resources to promote the kingdom of God. Let’s defend freedom, property rights and the rule of law, but let’s not promote a capitalism that encourages and depends on debt and covetousness to enslave its participants.

And, let’s not make the same mistake as the critical theorists. They are not the enemy we must ultimately overcome. “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 6:12).

Let us remember this when the injurious treatment of others provokes us to revenge. Our natural disposition would lead us to direct all our exertions against the men themselves; but this foolish desire will be restrained by the consideration that the men who annoy us are nothing more than darts thrown by the hand of Satan. While we are employed in destroying those darts, we lay ourselves open to be wounded on all sides. To wrestle with flesh and blood will not only be useless, but highly pernicious. We must go straight to the enemy, who attacks and wounds us from his concealment, — who slays before he appears. (From Calvin’s commentary on Ephesians.)

This is a battle that we can’t win on our own. We must spend time praying before any encounter with the lies of Satan (including lies we believe unawares) and we must keep ourselves unstained by the world as we proclaim the truth. Christ will establish his church and his kingdom and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

But Isn’t Oppression a Problem the Church Should Address?

Yes! The Bible condemns oppression whether it occurs in ancient Israel, in America’s slave trade, in South Africa’s apartheid or in today’s society. Christians must defend the rights of the weak and vulnerable. We must soberly examine our society against Scripture and root out any evil practices (and laws that abet them) without compromising the main point of the gospel—we are all born sinners in need of Jesus Christ.

(To learn more about economic oppression in our modern world and the ways in which capitalism and socialism compete against God’s economy for the hearts and souls of humanity, look for my book, The Narrow Road, available on Amazon later this month.)

Notes:

  1. Neil Shenvi, “Critical Theory Quotes” https://shenviapologetics.com/critical-theory-quotes/
  2. Neil Shenvi, “Christianity and Critical Theory” https://shenviapologetics.com/critical-theory-and-christianity-part-1/
  3. These three principles distinguish capitalism from socialism, but they don’t sufficiently define capitalism. These principles can exist outside of capitalism.

 

Forgiven, Honored and Empowered Christians

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Symbols for no guilt, no shame, no fear

I find it interesting that the gospel message presented in the Western world emphasizes the forgiveness salvation brings to guilty sinners yet in biblical times, people in Israel and surrounding lands lived in cultures that seemed just as concerned about alleviating shame with honor and fear with power (Psalm 44:13–15; Isaiah 54:4).

Consider these three verses of Scripture that address guilt, shame and fear:

He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.

—Colossians 2:13b–14

To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.

—Revelation 3:21

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.

—Ephesians 6:10–11

Having grown up in Western culture, the first of these three Scriptures (and ones like it) had the most impact on me when I first heard the gospel and started reading the Bible. We live in an individualistic culture where lawbreakers are guilty and wrongs are rectified either by administration of justice or forgiveness.

In my fallen nature, my first instinct is to seek justice for others and mercy for myself. I’m probably not alone. We can relate to a God who judges sin. Once we understand our guilt before God, we desire what we perceive we need most—forgiveness. That may be why the major focus in our gospel presentations is the forgiveness of sins.

My initial exposure to the gospel of grace came in the form of antinomianism. This belief system, meaning “against the law”, placed so much emphasis on grace that its teachers did not expect Christians to necessarily change once they believed in Christ. In contrast, A. W. Tozer wrote that salvation from the consequences of sin without salvation from sin and evil conduct does not satisfy.

He was right. The gospel offers much more.

Guilt, Shame and Fear

After The Fall, Adam and Eve experienced more than guilt. They felt shame so they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. They felt fear so they hid from God. Therefore, it shouldn’t surprise us that our redemption through Jesus Christ addresses our shame and fear as well as our guilt.

Because our individualistic culture operates within a guilt/innocence construct in which our actions comprise our core problem, we see our greatest need as forgiveness. In honor/shame cultures, honor is associated with belonging to a group in right relationship. Sinful actions may result in expulsion of that person from the group to remove the shame. Thus, the sinner’s greatest felt need is restoration. In fear/power cultures the greatest felt need is power to protect them from evil spirits.

Take a look at these verses that invite belief in Jesus while appealing to three different felt needs resulting from sin:

He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.

—Acts 10:42–43

For it stands in Scripture: “Behold, I am laying in Zion a stone, a cornerstone chosen and precious, and whoever believes in him will not be put to shame.” So the honor is for you who believe…

—1 Peter 2:6–7a

Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.

—John 14:1

This last verse is in the context of Jesus telling his disciples he would soon leave them (John 13:33). Jesus comforted them, promising them power to do even greater miracles (John 14:12–14). They would be given the Holy Spirit (John 14:16); they would not be left as orphans, vulnerable to spiritual powers (John 14:18); they would be given peace and told not to be afraid (John 14:27). They would need to remember all of Jesus’ comforting words as the events of the crucifixion unfolded and it seemed Satan had gained the upper hand.

Though our culture may influence how we first perceive our need of a savior, Jesus redeems every Christian fully from all of sin’s effects.

Forgiveness, Honor and Power

Many of the stories in the Bible appeal to our desire for forgiveness, honor or power.

Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him into slavery even though they intended to harm him. Jesus asked the Father to forgive those who crucified him for they did not know what they were doing.

The Prodigal Son was restored from shame to a position of honor.

Jesus restored honor to the outcasts of society, be they lepers, the blind or Gentiles. His miraculous healing and release for the demon-possessed demonstrated his power over demonic forces.

These stories shout to all of humanity—there is hope for you!

Sometimes the solution to guilt, shame and fear (forgiveness, a place of honor, and the power of God) are all addressed in a single verse:

I am sending you to them to open their eyes and turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me.

—Acts 26:17b–18

Tozer was right. Only the richness and fullness of our redemption truly satisfies our soul. When we embrace the shame aspect of the gospel, we acknowledge our lost relationship with God and recognize that not only do our actions need forgiveness, but that our brokenness needs restoration to wholeness. Thus the need for sanctification. When we embrace the fear aspect of the gospel, we acknowledge our vulnerability, leading us to a dependence on God’s power.

We are a new creation—declared not guilty with our debt paid; unashamed and given a place of honor in God’s family; empowered to please God instead of appeasing the gods of this world that we fear.

Suggested Reading

This article just skims the surface of these wonderful truths. For an in-depth treatment of the subject, I recommend The 3D Gospel by Jason Georges.