RESPONSE TO GEORGE MARSDEN
I have to admit that the reading of your essay grieved me incredibly and it ought not to have done so, because I have been aware of the division and fighting between so-called evangelical groups for decades. The message of the gospel God proclaims in His life instruction manual is freedom, liberty, and true, deep, fellowship. Looking around society today, in any Western nation, one sees nothing but tribalism, and angry division between those tribes. In today’s ‘church language,’ I could be accepted as a fundamentalist Christian, but so could my son, who just sent me this, in an email after getting the news that his parents were going to visit him for three weeks in May this year. We live in New Zealand, and they in Texas.
We are excited to get to see you guys, and the kids were really happy when we told them you are coming. You should have seen the smiles on their faces. That being said, I remember what happened last time we saw you, and I want to make sure that we don’t have a repeat of that. I know that you disagree with some of the ways we raise our kids, and some of the things we teach our kids, as well as what we believe in terms of our faith. That is totally fine, but if you are going to be in our home for 3+ weeks and we are all going to enjoy our time, I have to ask that you please not openly criticize, or try to correct, any aspect of our parenting, our faith, our marriage, our church, or anything you hear us teaching our children during home-schooling or our family devotions. We want our time with you to be wonderful, joyful, and relaxing. We want to be able to look back on it with fond memories. Dad, you are a passionate man with strong convictions, as am I. We have a history of disagreeing very strongly and heatedly with each other, and I desperately don’t want that to happen while you are here.
That is one of the saddest things I have had to read for a long time. My son, who just over a decade ago answered a church friend’s question, ‘Who do you see as a role model to follow?’ with, ‘my Dad,’ without hesitation. Not long after that, he was conned into believing what he has told me is the most precious and important thing in his life, that he would be willing to die for, he is saved by grace, and he couldn’t possibly do anything toward that, so he could never boast, but it was a free gift. Calvinism. The ‘history of our disagreement has always been very ‘heated, and emotional’ on his part only. They, as a family, came to New Zealand to visit us so we could get to know our latest grandchild. They spent three weeks in this country, and two days with us. The rest they spent with their church peers two hour’s drive from us. That was because I would not agree to his demands of what must, or must not occur, if they were staying with us, at our home.
That, I am truly afraid, is how so-called ‘Christianity’ has evolved over time. My son keeps assuring me that I am going to hell because I ‘did something’ to earn my salvation. I am attempting to work my way to heaven, in contrast to his simply relying on God’s grace to ‘save’ him. And that is why millions of pew-warmers have vacated their pews over the past decade in America. God promises us absolute security, peace, joy, clear conscience, confidence and a very healthy self-esteem. I enjoy all of that, and much more. Anyone can debate me as often as they wish, regarding the truth found in God’s life instruction manual. In fact, I desire, and look forward to any chance of doing so. Every person I have ever discussed Christianity with, has agreed that the bible is the inerrant, Holy Spirit-inspired word of God. If that is so, then why is there such enormous division and antagonisms between denominations?
George announced some extra-ordinary study of so-called Christianity in 2022 I believe. Something to do with fundamentalism and evangelicalism etc. Just what is that going to do? Regardless of whether we attempt to co-join our faith with our politics or anything else, the basic ‘fundamental’ question is, what does God say? The bible is God’s message to us, with directions for our life here on earth, as children of His. He is all-wise, all-knowing, and compassionate, kind, and loving. I have never found anybody who disagrees with that. As a result of those attributes of His, would He offer us an instruction manual that required some specially educated theologians to decipher it for us? I have not asked many folks that, but I am sure all would agree that such s suggestion is absurd at best, and insane at worst.
If one looks objectively and open-mindedly at the bible, one would find that there is a common theme that runs from Genesis to Revelations. That theme is: obey God and live, or disobey God and die. This was promised to mankind in the Garden of Eden, and again from the Isle of Patmos where John was in semi-retirement.
The LORD God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. And the LORD God commanded the man, “You are free to eat from any tree in the garden;
but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die.” Gen. 2:15-17
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.
Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. Rev. 22:14-15
I trust you all agree John was assuring us that all who obeyed God have the right to the tree of life, when he wrote: ‘those who wash their robes.’ The bible often speaks of being ‘clean’ once we repent. That being set free from sin was the same as being cleansed. That theme was continued by the ministry of Jesus when He trudged those dusty roads of Galilee, Judea and Samaria. He assured us that it is not those who call Him Lord who go to heaven, but only those who ‘do the will of My Father.’
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The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever. 1 Jn. 2:17
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Mat. 7:21
You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Heb. 10:36
The Apostles all continued that theme in their writings as well. They teach us very clearly that it is only those who ‘do what is right’ that are accepted as righteous by God. In fact, God told Cain that same truth in Gen. 4:7
Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? Rom. 6:16
"I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right." Acts. 10:34-35
If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you do not do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires to have you, but you must rule over it.” Gen. 4:7
For it is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God’s sight, but it is those who obey the law who will be declared righteous. Rom. 2:13
Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes. Rom. 10:4 [remember what ‘believe’ means… trust, have faith in, with the implication that actions based on that truth or faith will follow]
If you know that he is righteous, you know that everyone who does what is right has been born of him. 1 Jn. 2:29
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous. 1 Jn 3:7
God “will repay each person according to what they have done.”
To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honour and immortality, he will give eternal life. Rom. 2:6-7
Paul actually taught that Christians must NOT sin. He wrote to his flock in Corinth that God has given them the guaranteed victory over all temptation.
No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.1 Cor. 10:13
He also commanded them to all come back to their senses and stop sinning. 1 Cor. 15:34 He blamed their sin on their ‘ignorance of God.’ That is interesting because God frequently informs us that we must get to know Him, and learn to fear Him. He also told us that fearing Him allows us to stop sinning. It results in ‘life.’ When God speaks of ‘life’, He means the opposite of death, [being lost, going to hell].
Moses said to the people, “Do not be afraid. God has come to test you, so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning.” Ex. 20:20
Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace and was strengthened. Living in the fear of the Lord and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it increased in numbers. Acts 9:31
Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. Acts 10:34-35
Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God, and I hope it is also plain to your conscience. 2 Cor. 5:11
Since you call on a Father who judges each person’s work impartially, live out your time as foreigners here in reverent fear. 1 Pet. 1:17
Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, Phil. 2:12
Since they hated knowledge and did not choose to fear the LORD. Since they would not accept my advice and spurned my rebuke, they will eat the fruit of their ways and be filled with the fruit of their schemes. Prov. 1:29-30
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. Prov. 3:7
To fear the LORD is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance, evil behavior and perverse speech. Prov. 8:13
Through the fear of the LORD evil is avoided. Prov. 16:6
Humility and the fear of the LORD; its wages are riches and honor and life. Prov. 22:4
The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble. Prov. 19:23
The fear of the LORD teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before honor. Prov. 15:33
Whoever fears the LORD has a secure fortress, and for their children it will be a refuge. The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a person from sin. Prov. 14:26-27
Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the LORD. There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. Prov. 23:17-18
Blessed is the one who fears God, but whoever hardens their heart falls into trouble. Prov. 28:14
LORD, who may dwell in your sacred tent? Who may live on your holy mountain? The one whose walk is blameless, who does what is righteous, who speaks the truth from their heart; whose tongue utters no slander, who does no wrong to a neighbor, and casts no slur on others; who despises a vile person but honors those who fear the LORD; who keeps an oath even when it hurts, and does not change their mind; who lends money to the poor without interest; who does not accept a bribe against the innocent. Whoever does these things will never be shaken. Ps. 15:1-5
Serve the LORD with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. Ps. 2:11
The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the LORD are firm, and all of them are righteous. Ps. 19:9
You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you descendants of Jacob, honor him! Revere him, all you descendants of Israel!
From you comes the theme of my praise in the great assembly; before those who fear you I will fulfil my vows. Ps. 22:23, 25
Who, then, are those who fear the LORD? He will instruct them in the ways they should choose.
They will spend their days in prosperity, and their descendants will inherit the land.
The LORD confides in those who fear him; he makes his covenant known to them. Ps. 25:12-14
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. Ps. 31:19
But the eyes of the LORD are on those who fear him, on those whose hope is in his unfailing love, to deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. Ps. 33:18-19
I have a message from God in my heart concerning the sinfulness of the wicked: There is no fear of God before their eyes. Ps. 36:1
The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. Is. 8:13
How telling is it that in all my decades of attending evangelical churches I have never heard a sermon on fearing God!
Paul gave us a very clear message that knowing God is essential for our salvation. In fact, Jesus told us the same truth.
Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent. Jn. 17:3
He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might. 2 Thes. 1:8-9
If somebody cannot find the message of God in those scriptures, then I don’t know what to say. The gospel that has been taught ever since the Holiness Movement died out during the civil war, has been ‘come to Jesus,’ ‘find Jesus,’ ‘put your faith in Jesus,’ or ‘trust Jesus,’ or ‘accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior,’ or say these words after me. That is nothing but semantics at best, and mind-games, voodooism, or hypnosis at worst. Not a single life has been transformed from sinner to saint due to that gospel. God made it abundantly clear that His children live like Jesus lived. They are saints, holy, blameless, righteous, pure, without stain, wrinkle or any other blemish. Jesus assures us that if we sin, we cannot be His disciples.
Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin.
Now a slave has no permanent place in the family, but a son belongs to it forever.
So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed. Jn. 8:34-36
Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey—whether you are slaves to sin, which leads to death, or to obedience, which leads to righteousness?
But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.
You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. Rom. 6:16-18
God gave us some clear tests to see if we truly belong to Him.
We know that we have come to know him if we keep his commands.
Whoever says, “I know him,” but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in that person. But if anyone obeys his word, love for God is truly made complete in them. This is how we know we are in him: Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did. 1 Jn. 2:3-6
Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.
But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin.
No one who lives in him sins. No one who sins has either seen him or known him.
Dear children, do not let anyone lead you astray. The one who does what is right is righteous, just as he is righteous.
The one who does what is sinful is of the devil, because the devil has been sinning from the beginning. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the devil’s work.
No one who is born of God will sin, because God’s seed remains in them; they cannot sin because they have been born of God.
This is how we know who the children of God are and who the children of the devil are: Anyone who does not do what is right is not God’s child, nor is anyone who does not love their brother and sister.1 Jn. 3:4-10
Very sadly, man added some extra words to that passage, in their attempt to help us ‘understand God’s truth.’ Those words have given false teachers the ability to teach Satan’s lies to their hearers. Most modern versions of the bible have those added words, but the KJV does not. I have used the NIV and omitted the man-added words.
I would love to hear from George Marsden, as to how he interprets God’s clear message of salvation. I have written a book that clearly declares God’s true gospel. “A Nation Broken’ is available from Amazon or B & N.