Read an article by David Cloud on the
subject of “New Evangelicalism,” in Art Sadlier’s Sound the
Trumpet Special Update issue. Mr. Cloud reveals the
differences between Biblical Fundamentalism and New Evangelicalism. The
underlining issue is that though New Evangelicals may hold to the basic
fundamental doctrines of the Bible like Biblical Fundamentalists do. However,
this is where the similarities end. The problem is –they do not stand against
error and blatantly heretical teachings in the midst of the Church. They would
rather keep the peace at the expence of God’s truth! But at what cost? Dr.
Charles Woodbridge gives us the sad conclusion to those who compromise:
"The New Evangelicalism advocates TOLERATION of error. It is following the downward path of ACCOMMODATION to error, COOPERATION with error, CONTAMINATION by error, and ultimate CAPITULATION to error!"[1]
There is a major difference between Biblical Fundamentalism and New
Evangelicalism in the sense that New Evangelicals Compromise
the truth; whereas, Biblical Fundamentalists have Conviction for the truth. New Evangelicals
commit spiritual adultery by sleeping with the enemy of truth in order to keep
the peace; whereas, Fundamentalists remain faithful to the wife of truth.
Though often in conflict over the truth, only they experience the true peace
that God gives because of their defense of the truth.
Biblical Separation is
not popular in today’s evangelical Churches. Christians or Churches that hold
to Biblical separation are often ridiculed or scorned. However, Biblical separation is sorely needed
in order to purge the Church from worldly influences and false teaching that is
so prevalent in her midst today. At the heart of Biblical Separation is
“Holiness.” And true holiness is separation from that which is evil. The Word
of God teaches us, “Come out from among them and be
separate, says the Lord. Do not touch what is unclean, and I will receive you.”
(2 Cor. 6:17, NKJV). Again, Paul says, “Abstain from every form of evil.” (1 Thess.
5:22, NKJV).
Often Biblical Fundamentalists are confused with legalists who
hold to their own agenda of control; whereas, Fundamentalists only want to
uphold in obedience the precious truths of God’s Word. In other words, their
agenda is not to control others, but rather that God would have control of
them! They have a revelation of God’s holiness and their total depravity before
Him. Such men and women of God are not
satisfied until they are in absolute submission to God’s will, Word, and
ways. Absolute surrender on a daily
bases is their life long choice of discipline to the Lord, and is their joy and
way of life. Like Paul, they have learned the secret of dying daily to
themselves.
No comments:
Post a Comment