I recently removed myself from an email list which I had followed for several years. The list owner contacted me when he saw my unsubscription, saying he has appreciated my contributions to the list. Thinking I owed him at least a brief reason I observed that it seemed I was in a very different theological world than the one presented and assumed in the organization that sponsors that list so thought I should move on. The owner contacted me back observing that they tried to keep things broad enough to include everyone who would embrace the Gospel. Since the comments seemed to bring the conversation to an adequate conclusion I chose to let the matter rest.
This idea that by broadening our theological stances and embracing diversity we are making the Gospel something which will draw people to Christ more effectively is very dangerous. It is exactly what Paul, in today's reading, is saying not to do. Let me draw out some of the details in that statement I made.
First, we are not to broaden our theology. There is one Gospel. We are to watch out for people who are divisive theologically, i.e., those who have beliefs which disagree with the pure doctrine the Lord has given. The very reason we articulate theological stances is to make our beliefs absolutely clear and to protect God's people from a theological broadening.
Second, we do not embrace diversity, whatever that means. We pursue truth, which, wielded by the Holy Spirit is a very sharp tool indeed, moving quickly and precisely to convict of sin, bring repentance, and create faith in Christ. Pursuit of diversity leads to those flattering people Paul talks about being accepted and given a voice. It creates a message which is muddled and confusing. It makes our understanding the mediator of truth, rather than truth to be the mediator of our understanding.
Third, the Gospel is the power of God, created by God, administered by God, accomplishing God's purposes. We don't do anything to it. The Gospel itself is the power of God (Romans 1.16). God is quite able to draw people to himself through the means he has prepared and given his Church. We don't mess with the Gospel. This is more of that self-serving flattery Paul talks about.
How broad is the true Gospel? The Gospel is that Jesus was crucified, the atoning sacrifice for sin, atoning for the sin of the world, applied to all who believe How broad is that? We need not play around with the plans our Lord has given us. When we try to broaden the scope we ultimately end up with a false gospel which is culturally conditioned and which applies only to certain types of people, certain demographic groups, certain socioeconomic groups, people who engage in particular behaviors or who choose not to engage in particular behaviors.
Lord, take your Gospel. Work through us today using your Gospel, wherever we go, whatever we say, whatever we are busy doing. Use our hands, our heads, our hearts, our mouths to reveal your Gospel in this world.
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