Guarding against religious adulteration.
Guarding against religious adulteration.
Mt 16:6,11,12.
An adulteration does not necessarily mean or translate to a complete opposite of the original. A minute or an “insignificant” deviation from the laid-out pattern is enough to adulterate or corrupt any pure compound and in our context, our religion. Two texts from the scriptures give a very clear explanation about our religion- Psalm 119:1-4; James 1:26,27. The borders or borderlines of our religion are clearly defined in these texts summarily as a blameless walk in personal integrity, law-abiding character per His revealed word, diligent trust, unquestionable dependence, and absolute submission to God’s will. So, any deviation, no matter how little or insignificant they seem from the laid down principles of Christian living will make our offering and profession of righteousness void before God.
Citing our main text, the Lord extols us to guard against the doctrines of Corruption. He references the scribes and Pharisees, the revered law keepers of His days to show us that the level of our vigilance should encompass every inch of the Christian religious circle. Paul emphasizes this in Galatians 1:8-9 But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed.
As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. This warrants that we must seek to be established in the word and precept of His divine will for our lives.
How do we guard against religious deviations? Jude 1:3-4 (KJV) Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints. For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ.
We must earnestly(diligently, consistently) contend against any sleight of doctrine contrary to the witness of the Holy Spirit in our hearts. This is enhanced by our watchful sensitivity through timeless prayers, diligent studying, and Spirit-inspired understanding of the scriptures.
