A CNN host, discussing the current craze to destroy monuments, made this analogy. “Jesus Christ—if you believe in, if that’s who you believe in, Jesus Christ—admittedly was not perfect when he was here on this earth. So why are we deifying the founders of this country?” (www.dennisonforum.org). What is the basis of his pronouncement that Jesus was not perfect? Essentially, growing up in a traditional Christian denomination, the CNN host found himself at odds with biblical teaching, specifically on same sex relations. He objected to Scripture stating one engaging in such practices would not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 6:10).
If one accepts the premise that Scripture is the Word of Christ (Romans 10:17) and that the teaching of Scripture condemns such a lifestyle, then, for those who accept that lifestyle, Scripture is wrong, and thus, Christ cannot be perfect. It is an intellectual exercise done to justify a way of thinking and a way of living. However, as the saying goes, wanting something to be so does not make it so.
Such is not surprising, as recent polls show that some 44 percent of American believers think that Jesus sinned (www.christianheadlines.com). The survey also revealed a dramatic decline in the number of Americans who hold to a biblical worldview. According to the survey, about 51 percent of American adults have a traditional view of God as opposed to 73 percent in 1991, a 22 percent drop from 30 years ago. George Barna stated of these results, “Tens of millions of Americans consider themselves to be Christian but do not believe that God is really in control or cares what happens to them.” He noted the shift in worldview from thirty years ago, saying that people went from “learning and thinking about God” to becoming “more self-absorbed,” rejecting the existence of absolute moral truth.
Scripture, however, offers a different view of Christ than this. Jesus was without sin and deceit (1 Peter 2:22). He knew no sin (2 Corinthians 5:21). He was tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He is holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners (Hebrews 7:26). In Him there is no sin (1 John 3:5). Of course, someone can say anything about anyone, but the testimony of Scripture has been confirmed and established time and again. The recording of history in the Bible is presented fairly and accurately. It was written when people of that time could have offered a differing view historically, but it has withstood its critics and has been verified time and again. The issue is not the accuracy of Scripture but sin in the human heart.
God’s Word has been rejected and vilified from ancient times. People have sought to minimize it and destroy it, but the Word of God still stands. Hearts can be hardened against it, but it is still the basis on which everyone will be judged someday (John 12:48). Isaiah’s statement, repeated by Peter, still endures. “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever” (Isaiah 40:6, 8; 1 Peter 1:24-25). Humanity is corrupt with the deceit of sin, which only leads to condemnation. The truth of the Gospel sets one free (Romans 8:31-32), offers an abundant life (John 10:10) and provides eternal life (James 1:25).
Who will we choose to believe? There are only two options—God or Satan. How sad to reject the truth that can save for the lie that will only destroy. The greatest challenge for us all is to be honest with ourselves and evaluate our motives. It will be too late standing before God in Judgment to change sides, to reevaluate what one believes. “Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain” (2 Corinthians 6:1).
