IT AIN’T OVER UNTIL IT’S OVER
In my articles this week and next, I want to address some thoughts on heresies and those who teach them. Our study of the Laodicean church prompts these thoughts because I believe it represents the condition of churches in the last days. The scriptures give a description of the church’s spirituality in those times which makes me wonder if we are not living in those days now.
Have you thought of the frequency of the mentions of the sins of Sodom and Gomorrah in the scriptures? Lot’s sojourn in Sodom is only one brief story among scores in the Old Testament, but those cities keep showing up time and time again in both the Old and New Testaments. Why in 2nd Peter chapter 2 does Peter mention Sodom and Gomorrah? He gives the reason in verse 6. He said the overthrow of those cities was to make them an example unto those who afterward should live ungodly.
First and Second Peter were written in the vein of the world’s last days. When you see the sins mentioned becoming pervasive, we must realize those days are upon us. It is notable that the last days do not describe a churchless society, but one in which churches become instruments of deception. They do Satan’s work not the Lord’s. The false church embraces the culture—not only embraces it but reinforces it. It claims the worst sins are the mind of Christ. What would Jesus do? Apparently change His mind about every moral law in scripture. Jesus came to fulfill the law not destroy it, but the Jesus preached today is busy dismantling the walls of separation between godliness and the worst perversions.
Recently, I read of a church ordaining a transsexual woman. Was it shock and horror at such a suggestion? No, there was applause for the church finally becoming progressive enough to do it. Without hesitation, I say that is not the Lord’s church and it certainly is not mine. The heresy that supports this is complete rejection of the biblical text. What I just told you about 1st and 2nd Peter must be disregarded because it doesn’t fit progressiveness.
Jude addressed the same issues. Who does he use as an example? Sodom and Gomorrah. He also said the destruction of the cities was an example adding, “suffering vengeance of eternal fire.” He said they are in the last days because he said the Lord will return to execute judgment. He said there would be mockers in the last time who walk after their ungodly lusts. He said they do not have the Spirit, they do not have faith, and they do not have the love of God. May I remind you again he is not speaking of prisoners in San Quentin? He speaks of the church! Certain men have crept in unawares denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.
How do we respond to this? We can’t clam up and be silent. We must give diligence to contend for the faith. Are you ready to do it? I saw 3500 preachers last week who were. They represent thousands in their congregations. There are many still with us. All is not lost. Christ is not here yet. It ain’t over until it’s over, and you can be sure God is on our side!
Pastor V. Mark Smith