Terry Cheek Th.D...

When we read Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Does it move your heart and soul?

For most of twentieth-century America, orthodox Christianity has been attacked by liberalism. I am speaking of liberalism much deeper than anything political. However, I will admit the devil’s smokescreen of political liberalism has taken center stage. The liberalism that should concern us most is the quiet compromise of theological liberalism. Especially as it applies to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Historically speaking, Christianity has always honored Jesus Christ as its spiritual and theological foundation. No Apostle, Theologian, preacher, or Pastor has been more essential to Christianity’s organization, history, and doctrine than the person and work of Christ. I approached this article with conviction and concern for the spiritual health of the world, our nation, and the church.

The history of theological thought has at least until the twentieth century been grounded in the biblical orthodoxy of Jesus Christ. Yes, there are struggles among sound Christians concerning doctrine. For example, the early church fathers struggled with understanding the Trinity and how God could be three and yet one. They were convinced that while God is One numerically, He subsists in three Persons, God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, each are equal in eternity, power, and glory, each possesses all the divine attributes and yet have properties which distinguish them individually. They knew it, but they also struggled to understand it. Christians today are no different. Theological liberalism has been successful, to various degrees, in turning our minds and hearts away from orthodox Christianity.

So, what is the orthodox doctrine of Christ? What is the doctrine that liberalism has sought so diligently to rewrite? The attack begins with the incarnate Christ. Early church discussion concerning the relationship of the human and divine natures of Christ can be simplified by stating Christ is 100 percent man and 100 percent God without any complication of sinful flesh. From the Holy Trinity, our Church Fathers diligently studied Christ’s work. Especially His atoning death on the cross. The objective fact is that Christ died for our sins and by this act of redemption achieved reconciliation of man to God. These convictions form the mainstream of biblical orthodoxy. The doctrine of the incarnate birth, sinless life, sacrificial death, resurrection, and ultimate second coming cannot be questioned.

Yet all the above-mentioned and the depths of their study have been questioned as early as our third century. These challenges have been met and refuted by faithful Church Fathers throughout history. In various forms, the challenge of biblical orthodoxy continues today and has influenced much of genuine Theology and doctrine.

In the early twentieth century from Europe came a challenge to the way scripture was studied. Philosophers claimed that scripture should be studied for its spiritual influence rather than literal intent. This challenge led to what we know as modern liberalism which teaches the Bible cannot be taken seriously in its historical or factual content and considers scripture only as a means of gaining philosophical insights. Today modern liberalism has broadened its reach.

Today we find ourselves two decades into the twenty-first century living with liberalism that is so destructive our society celebrates the abortion of innocent life, the perversion of genders and human sexuality, and the social engineering of attitudes and perceptions against orthodox Christianity. Like the early Church fathers, we to find ourselves in a position requiring us to make a decision, we the body of Christ can individually and collectively face this liberalism with the same Faith that our church fathers had. Or we can sit by and watch liberalism continue its destructive path into the hearts of mankind. I hope you have read the end of the Bible. Christ and His bride overcome. As I close Theological liberalism brings to mind the words of the Apostle Paul in Ephesians 6:11 “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil”.