Changing or Unchanging

Do you remember when the New Testament was viewed as inspired by God and to be taken literally? Sadly,over the past several decades,as man has increased in worldly wisdom,his view of scripture has changed.It is increasingly being thought of as something that contains instruction and mores that were relevant only for the time it was written.Not surprisingly,this opinion fits quite nicely with a culture that has become increasingly corrupt and perverse.Of course, real Christians recognize that the Bible is the unchanging Word of God,we see this clearly stated throughout the Bible.For example, in 2Timothy,chapter 3 we read,"All Scripture is given by inspiration of God,and is profitable for doctrine,for reproof,for correction,for instuction in righteousness,that the man of God may be complete,thoroughly equipped for every good work."

The reality is,if you choose to explain away or dismiss one passage in the New Testament,you can do so with any.A good example of this would be John Shelby Spong, a retired "bishop" in the Episcopal Church USA and prolific writer.In the '70's, he was known for disputing established opinion on doctrine pertaining to women and sexuality.By the 90's he evolved into someone who called St.Paul a self-loathing homosexual and denied the divinity of Jesus.The question we need to ask ourselves is,do we be believe the earlier quote from 2nd Timothy? Also,do we believe that 1st Timothy,chapter 2,verses 11 and 12,as well as Romans 1,verses 27 and 28 are still relevant? If you think these passages represent a time and worldview that has passed,than you can dismiss anything else in the Bible.

People who are truly Christian,not those who have been called the cafeteria type,those who pick and choose the portions of the Bible they wish to obey,are fleeing from churches and faiths that have departed from "the faith once delivered unto the saints."

May we remember that the Bible changes men,that men can't change the Bible to fit their needs and desires.