The Bible Front

In a post last week I talked about the reason for particular items being on the "Christian agenda". Why are we so vocal these days about abortion and homosexual behavior, for instance, when there is such greed and sexual sin and adultery around? I said it was because that's where the fight is taking place. The analogy I used was a breach in the wall. I need to point out another such breach that doesn't currently appear to be getting the battle it deserves.

In a recent Barna Group Poll they reported changes in Christendom since 1991. A repeated theme among the changes was summed up here:

The largest change in beliefs was the ten-point decline in those who firmly believe that the Bible is accurate in all of the principles it teaches. Only 43% of self-identified Christians now have such a strong belief in the Bible.

That's where we are today. Less than half of those who consider themselves "Christians" do not believe that they have a reliable source book, an accurately documented set of principles by which to live the Christian life. Is there any wonder, then, that those who classify themselves as "Christians" have such diversity of beliefs? Is there any wonder that we can hardly present a common voice in matters like abortion and homosexual behavior or marriage or even the old standby, sex outside of marriage. We have removed our basis for taking a position.

The funny thing (perhaps "funny" is the wrong word) is that this is a relatively new thing. Oh, sure, it is also as old as the earliest sin. Satan began with "Did God say ...?" But for centuries of Christendom, amidst wild and even violent disagreements, there was no question about the veracity of Scripture; just the meaning. The fight only began in the last two hundred years or so with "higher criticism". We've gone from the liberal attacks in the 19th century to the mainstream disavowal of the inerrancy of Scripture. We're reaping the rewards now.

The Reformation based its entire approach on sola scriptura, the belief that the Bible was the sole authority in matters of faith and practice. Having torn loose from the moorings of the Roman Catholic Church with its authority-base of Church, Scripture, and Tradition, we're now left with ... nothing. Tradition? Discarded. The Church? Nice to have around, perhaps, but certainly not authoritative. And now Scripture cannot be trusted. We've moved from an inerrant Bible to a Bible that contains the Word of God to a Bible that can't be trusted at all.

Scripture says, "As the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and do not return there without watering the earth, and making it bear and sprout, and furnishing seed to the sower and bread to the eater; so shall My word be which goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me empty, without accomplishing what I desire, and without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it" (Isa 55:10-11). Scripture says, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ" (Rom 10:17). Scripture says, " All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work" (2 Tim 3:16-17). Scripture, then, holds a high view of Scripture. When we surrender that high view and succumb to the Enemy's "Did God say ...?", we end up with nowhere to stand. This is a battlefront worthy of our attention.