Any casual observer can see rapid change taking place in our country and in the world. Paganism is on the rise. According to a recent USA Today survey, the fastest growing religion was no religion. Fifteen percent of Americans said they do not have a religion. Other pagan and Eastern religions were on the rise, while some Christian denominations are in decline. Anyone can go to a mall or shopping center and see people whose bodies are marked with ghoulish figures and pierced with every kind of device. Paganism is on the rise!
Certain denominations are apostatizing at a rapid rate. The Bible says that there will come a “falling away first” prior to the coming of our Lord. We are seeing this falling away before our very eyes, as pastors and churches turn from the Truth.
Last week, USA Today reported that several states passed sovereignty measures. Alaska, Idaho, North Dakota and Oklahoma voted to claim their tenth amendment rights to refuse federal intervention. Apparently, many leaders at the state level are concerned about the changing attitude of the federal government.
Even things as basic as marriage are changing. Recently in our own country, five states have voted to approved same-sex marriage.
As we think about change, the list could go on and on. Yet, I am thankful today that we have a faithful God in the midst of these changes. Lamentations 3:22–23 says, It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. In the midst of these changing time I am thankful for a few very important truths:
1. I am thankful that God’s provision is always reliable. He is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Upon giving the Great Commission, Jesus said to His disciples, “…I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world.”
2. I am thankful that His promises are reliable. The Lord promises us His strength. Philippians 4:13 says, “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” The Lord promises us His care and guidance. Poet Annie J. Flint once said, “God has not promised skies always blue, flower strewn pathways all our life through; God has not promised sun without rain, joy without sorry, peace without pain. But God has promised Strength for the day, Rest for the laborer, Light for the way, Grace for the trials, Help from above, Unfailing sympathy, Undying love.” Truly God’s promises are great and reliable to us today! I thank God that we serve an infallible [Numbers 23:19], immutable [Malachi 3:6], and eternal [Luke 21:33] God.
3. I thank God that His payment for sin is reliable. First Peter 1:18–19 says, Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; 19 But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: I thank God that the precious blood of Jesus has covered our sins. This is an exclusive promise that each of us can claim. First John 5:11–12 says, And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.
Last week, Pope Benedict XVI spoke of his respect for Islam. The Roman Catholic Church officially teaches that Muslims are “included in the plan of salvation” by virtue of their claim to “hold the faith of Abraham.” The Vatican II documents say, “God’s plan of salvation embraces those also who acknowledge the Creator. Among these are especially the Mohammedans; they profess their faith as the faith of Abraham, and with us they worship the one, merciful God who will judge men on the last day.”
One must stop and ask the question, “Is salvation available through a common faith in Abraham or an exclusive belief in Jesus Christ?” The Bible is very clear on the answer {Romans 3:23–25]. God has set forth His Son, Jesus Christ, to be the single and only payment for our sin.
In this world that continuously uplifts tolerance, pluralism, and ecumenicism, may we be ever mindful that God has an exclusive payment for our sin, and that is the blood that was shed by Jesus Christ. Acts 4:12 is clear: Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.
Yes, change is abounding, but may we cling to His provision and promises during these times. Finally, let’s thank God today for the payment He has made for our sin.
