Is it a salvation issue?
This seems to be the question of the day. But I'm not exactly sure what it means. It often comes up in discussions about worship practices.
It is more of a diversionary tactic than anything. It seems to be a way to minimize the importance of something rather than answering the question at hand.
What is a salvation issue? I think most would agree that sin has a great part in salvation. Without sin there is no salvation to be had.
So then the question becomes 'what is sin'? Sin, in the most basic definition, would be a violation of the law of God. Sin also includes doing what is not authorized by God (just ask Cain, Moses, Nadab and Abihu to name a few).
A friend once told me (I don't know if this is a quote from another source or not)
So the question should be "are we going to rely upon scriptural authorization for our practices?". Followed by "Are you willing to take the risk of apostacy?"
There are 4 combinations of answers to these respective questions when it comes to changing a worship practice:
It is more of a diversionary tactic than anything. It seems to be a way to minimize the importance of something rather than answering the question at hand.
What is a salvation issue? I think most would agree that sin has a great part in salvation. Without sin there is no salvation to be had.
So then the question becomes 'what is sin'? Sin, in the most basic definition, would be a violation of the law of God. Sin also includes doing what is not authorized by God (just ask Cain, Moses, Nadab and Abihu to name a few).
A friend once told me (I don't know if this is a quote from another source or not)
"sin takes you farther than you intended to go. You stay longer than you
intended to stay, and you pay more than you intended to pay."
So the question should be "are we going to rely upon scriptural authorization for our practices?". Followed by "Are you willing to take the risk of apostacy?"
There are 4 combinations of answers to these respective questions when it comes to changing a worship practice:
- Yes and No - Not worth the risk, then its not worth changing the practice
- Yes and Yes - Proceed with careful study and prayer
- No and Yes - welcome to the world of denominationalism
- No and No - attend a study with someone in group #2
posted by Son of Adam @ 6:52 PM
3 Comments:
At 2:59 AM,
JP said…
"sin takes you farther than you intended to go. You stay longer than you
intended to stay, and you pay more than you intended to pay."
I love this quote, well, I really hate it because of the truth it speaks. I am not sure anyone would disagree with you Son of Adam. The question though that still needs to be asked is "Are we saved by grace through faith or the works of the Law." We are all fallible people and regardless of denominational background, I believe most (hopefully) are trying to be true to the Word of God. I believe we should be strong in our doctrinal stances, however, when it comes to the "we are right you are wrong mentality", I believe we are headed for dangerous grounds. How do we know, brother, if we are being fully obedient to God plan for worship. Is there a possibility that we could be wrong in our practices.? Interesting thoughts.
At 6:53 AM,
Son of Adam said…
I don't think that the churches of christ have a corner on the market for always being right. Or being the only ones going to heaven.
I believe anytime we are making decisions about what is/isn't authorized or we just need to recognize that there are risks involved. Important risks that bear consequences.
My personal belief is that the Restoration Movement was on the right track, but got side-tracked a little over a hundred years ago. Many people believed then, and now, that the restoration of the church was completed. This is just as wrong as those that would rather divide than seek unity in truth.
At 10:28 AM,
JP said…
Could not agree with you more. I love what the Restoration Movement stands for and the plea that is being made from this fellowship. Many folks, especially the more conservative bretheren, believe the church does not need any restoring. You can ask 20 different people and get 20 different answers concerning that matter.
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