Why do people change the teachings of Christ?
Question:
Hello there!
My primary question is this: How can “Christians” claim to love the Lord and accept the Bible as truth, block out, look over, or misconceptualize truths in the Bible that cover their salvation and how to worship?
The best thing I can think of is:
- It’s so traditional that their hearts are closed to the truth of the scriptures.
- The lust of the flesh has taken hold, making their worship “feel good” or “feel right”. Or
- They leave things out of scripture or add them in for convenience's sake.
How do we reach the hearts of these people? And how can we show them the truth without it sounding like we’re condemning them (because this usually scares them off from talking again)?
Thanks,
Answer:
"Why do you call me, 'Lord, Lord,' and don't do the things which I say?" (Luke 6:46).
Many people don't accept the authority of Christ. They are convinced that his commands can be altered without consequence.
"For the time will come when they will not listen to the sound doctrine, but, having itching ears, will heap up for themselves teachers after their own lusts; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and turn aside to fables" (II Timothy 4:3-4).
People prefer what they like over the truth. In a similar vein, some don't care about the truth.
"Even he whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, and with all deception of wickedness for those who are being lost, because they didn't receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie; that they all might be judged who didn't believe the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness" (II Thessalonians 2:9-12).
Then some are more interested in power and money. Pride is the main attitude.
"If anyone teaches a different doctrine, and doesn't consent to sound words, the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is conceited, knowing nothing, but obsessed with arguments, disputes, and word battles, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, constant friction of people of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. Withdraw yourself from such" (I Timothy 6:3-5).
Realize that this has always been the case. Jesus did not convert everyone he taught, nor did the apostles. It doesn't mean they failed. The failure is in those who refuse to listen to the truth. If someone is not interested, move on to others. There isn't enough time to waste it on people who aren't interested.
