6/25/26 A BRIEF OVERVIEW
I have been watching Christendom morph further and further, faster and faster from its Christian origin into a sinning religion.
I am not referring to the occasional lunatic fringe folks who spring up and wither away quickly, I am referring to the larger body of the professing leaders who have had a destructive and enduring influence on modern day claimants to Christianity.
The pagan beliefs of the Roman religion from the second century and of the much-deformed sinning religion from the 1500s are now more palatable for a carnal religion than the salvation from sin that is revealed in God's word.
The line of major instigators includes Constantine, Augustine, Luther and Calvin. Though there have been false teachers, since the days of Christ and the Apostles, the most lasting and unified movements began in the second century. This was an authorized and politicized mixing of the pagan world with the Church, the marrying of Church doctrines with pagan belief systems, the reframing of old errors in the name of the reformed movement.
God is holy, God's word is holy, God's plan for His people is holy. God's salvation imparts holiness of heart and life to whosoever believes in Christ. Without holiness (the sanctification) no man shall see the Lord. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Cleanse your hands you sinners and purify your hearts you double minded. We even call the word of God, The Holy Bible.
Today there is an aggressive attack on the doctrines of salvation, and the attack is led by popular figures who claim to be God's messengers.
Sinning religion seeks to undermine the message of God's word by surreptitiously shifting the authority to teachers who are deceived and deceiving their hearers. They seek to discredit the God and the Bible, rob Jesus of His dignity, nature and saving work, salve the consciences of the rebellious rather than lead them to deliverance from sin, align the last day's church with the One World Religion.
Sin still separates people from God. This has always been Satan's plan since the Garden of Eden. The Bible tells us that DECEPTION will escalate in the end times. What we see happening in the lives of people who call themselves Christian was prophesied long ago. The good news is that faith in Christ still reconciles the sinner to God and transforms them into children of light and truth and holiness.
Hatred of the Jew (Israel as a people) and following after signs and wonders, and strict commitment to the teachings of men are all part of the end times scenario.
2 Corinthians 6:14-18 and 7:1
14 Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
15 And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel?
16 And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people.
17 Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you,
18 And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.
7:1 Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.
Hallmarks of salvation include total trust in God's word and grace, total commitment to Christ's Lordship and His will, total dependence on the Holy Spirit's presence and power.
