The Fruits of Modernism Matthew 7:15-23

Introduction We are “fruit inspectors” –U–Unable to read anyone’s heart –C–Can only judge their actions –R–Rely on God’s word as the standard

Description of A Modernist Roots in Germany in the 19 th century Rejects all that can’t be explained Accepts only parts of the Bible Has affected and infected the religion Caused problems in the church

Rationalizes The Bible Rejects what is not reasonable –Creation gave way to evolution (Genesis 1) –Parting of the red Sea was only the result of a strong wind (Exodus 14:21) –Miracles are explained as unconscious exaggerations (Acts 4:16)

Rationalizes The Bible Denies the deity of Christ –Rejects the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23) –Problem: If He were born any other way, it would not be a sign

Rationalizes The Bible Rejection of distinctive doctrines –Blood atonement (Hebrews 9:12, 23-28) –Verbal inspiration (1 Corinthians 2:9-13) –Idea of patterns to follow (Hebrews 8:5; Colossians 3:17) –Silence viewed as permissive (1 Peter 4:11; 2 John 9-11)

Rationalizes The Bible Not content with the Bible –Try to harmonize the Bible and human theories such as evolution –Emmanuel Kant: “Statutory religion is a crutch of the weak, discarded by the strong” –Soren Kierkegaard said the “greatest faith is found in absurdity”

Humanizes Christ In their view, He cannot be Savior –Deny all His miracles –He came to save man (Luke 19:10) –Took on our form (Philippians 2:5-9) –Miracles provide the evidence

Humanizes Christ “Only” a great teacher –Impossible concept since a great man would not lie –May explain why some have an interest in studying about Him

Humanizes Christ “Experiencing” Him is enough –Nullifies the need for obedience (Hebrews 5:8, 9) –Salvation is reduced to an “experience” –Carries over into modern Pentecostalism

Socializes The Church No rules once the Bible is rejected –Church becomes a glorified country club –Man’s physical welfare is promoted –After WWII, this thinking led to many unscriptural words in Europe and elsewhere

Socializes The Church Little or no concern given to eternity –Concerned about the “here and now” –Remember judgment is coming (Matthew 7:21-23) –Denial of hell as a place of eternal torment (Matthew 25:46)

Socializes The Church Impacted the church –Preaching is watered down (2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:15) –Mission of the church is all but forgotten (1 Timothy 3:15) –Told to “preach the man, not the plan”

Liberalizes Morality All manner of sin is endorsed –Premarital and extramarital sex (Hebrews 13:4) –Homosexuality (Galatians 5:19-21) –Homosexual preachers

Liberalizes Morality Standard used is situation ethics –Popularized by Joseph Fletcher, an Episcopal priest who became an atheist –Involved in discussions about abortion, infanticide, euthanasia, and cloning –Taught that there is no absolute truth –Believed that all truth is situational

Liberalizes Morality The Bible defines and condemns sin –Not just a social error corrected by education –Sin is a transgression of God’s law (1 John 3:4) –Many sins are specified (1 Corinthians 6:9-11)

Conclusion Must not be caught up in these ideas Maintain respect for God’s word Teach our children of these dangers