Though the attitudes, abilities, and traditions of society are constantly changing, we have the comforting knowledge that Jesus Christ never changes. What His abilities were in the first century, they are today; what His attitudes were toward various things, it still is; if He were here in the flesh today, He would speak the same words He spoke in the first century, because He never changes.
In Matthew 15:7-9, Jesus called the religious leaders of His day "Hypocrites!" because they claimed to be following God, but in reality were worshipping according to traditions, as well as the doctrines of men. He said their worship was "vain." His attitude toward those who do this today is the same, because He never changes.
In today's modern religious arena, nothing is counted as error just as long as one is sincere; but we must remember that Jesus does not, and will not change just to be in compliance with the trends and attitudes of society.
We don't have to wonder what Jesus' attitude would be toward all the division that denominationalism has caused. Since He never changes, it would be the same as it has always been toward religious division, because He never changes.
Since Jesus built only ONE church in the first century, then He has only ONE church today. He did not build one church in the first century, then build another in 476 A.D. that was maintained by a different doctrine, then build hundreds more beginning in 1533 A.D. with each one being governed by a different doctrine!
Denominationalism is a "kingdom" of its own; and though they may work together under the guise of "unity in diversity," still they are divided, each having their own specific doctrine. Jesus said, "A kingdom divided against itself cannot stand" (Matt. 12:25). That's what Jesus said in the first century, and that's what He says in the 21st century because He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.
On a more positive note, Jesus' ability to save today is the same as it has always been. There were many people Jesus did not save, but it was not because He lacked the desire or ability. In John 5:40, Jesus says, "Ye will not come to Me that ye might have eternal life." Jesus had the desire to save them, but couldn't because they would not come to Him. Likewise, there is no one who cannot be saved today, IF they are WILLING to come to Him.
Jesus' desire in the first century was to "seek and save the lost" (Luke 19:10). That's His desire today, and He does it through His church, which is His body (Eph. 1:22-23). You and I should find it exciting to realize that, as His body, the church, we are involved in the very same work and labor of love that caused Jesus to leave Heaven and come to earth!
Jesus has not changed in His ability to change lives. Peter was weak, impetuous, and impulsive -- Jesus changed him. Paul was a blasphemer and persecutor -- Jesus changed him. In 1Cor. 6:9-11, we find where Jesus changed the lives of fornicators, idolaters, adulterers, homosexuals, thieves, and drunkards! He can do the same today, because He has never changed!
When it comes to the plan of salvation, Jesus offers the same today as was offered in the first century. The religious world makes all kinds of changes to the plan of salvation, but still, there is only one today, and it is the same one as yesterday.
One last thing: Jesus has never changed His invitation. Matt. 11:28-30, "Come unto Me all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest..." How do you come to Him? By means of repentance (Luke 13:3), baptism (Romans 6:3-7), and faithfulness (Rev. 2:10).
- - Toby Miller
First Corinthians commentary: Get the new First Corinthians commentary from www.abiblecommentary.com. Preview the First Corinthians commentary through Google books at http://bit.ly/dfw86d. Other Bible commentary material from www.abiblecommentary.com includes a FREE on-line Romans commentary: http://bit.ly/3MRU5I
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