Timeless

 Given enough time, most things slip into irrelevancy. Whether the dial-up modem, the buggy whip, or the bell bottom pant, technological advancements, progress, or just plain old good taste make what once seemed indispensable necessities into nothing more than relics. They become something to be kept behind glass, something for people to gawk at and wonder how an entire generation was convinced it was a good look.

There are also things that are timeless, that will be just as important in a thousand years if the Lord would tarry as they are today. The wheel, the comb, the can, and the can opener, are among the things you can pretty much bet have staying power.

It is the way of things for everything. History, ideas, philosophies, and movements recycle themselves, repeat, and harmonize because, as Solomon said, there is nothing new under the sun. For something to be unique, standalone, and with the ability to stand the test of time, for something to be as relevant today as it was two thousand years ago is a far more difficult feat than some might think. The uniqueness of the Bible is that it becomes more relevant as time marches on. The more we see world events unfolding, the more relatable the Word is, and the truth thereof becomes undeniable.

We have a roadmap to the end of all things, and as we pass by one event after the other, we realize how close we are. It is the only book of its kind and the only faith of its kind because while other books only tell you what you should be, the Bible also tells you what will be. It not only has answers to life’s fundamental questions, but within its pages, we also discover redemption, salvation, and reconciliation with God the Father, the Creator of all that is and will ever be.

Once we allow for the possibility that this is but one of many faiths, one of many paths, one of many truths, we diminish not only the faith, the Word, but also God Himself. Jude was crystal clear in the singularity of the faith once delivered to the saints and also that it is worth defending and contending for.

This isn’t Baskin Robin’s, and there aren’t thirty-one flavors. There is no plurality to be found within the pages of Scripture when it comes to the faith; it is one, and once delivered, and for today’s church to say otherwise in an attempt at tolerance or inclusivity is nothing short of heresy.  

Yes, the Bible speaks of idols, gods, and religions but warns that they are false, for there is only one God, and He is the God we serve. We are not called to defend tertiary dogma, a particular denomination, or some pet doctrine. We are called to contend earnestly for the faith once and for all delivered to the saints.

The enemy is not divided in his purpose, but the household of faith seems to be when it comes to its purpose. We’re all pulling in opposite directions, trying to convince everyone else of issues that are not salvific. At the same time, the faith is being attacked, besmirched, beaten down, and in some cases, dismantled and reconstructed into something that bears no resemblance to the original.

If we fail to contend earnestly for the faith, will it matter who was right about wearing a wedding band or not? If the gospel presented to the world is not the gospel of Christ because those who crept in unnoticed managed to dilute and distort it, will it matter whether you pray standing or kneeling?

Theological debates and discussions are all well and good, I enjoy a spirited debate myself occasionally, but it shouldn’t take away from our contending earnestly for the faith. It shouldn’t take away from our boldly declaring the uniqueness and singularity of the Bible, the Christ, and the saving power of His sacrifice.

We’ll go to war with other believers over some denominational nuance, but we won’t go to war with the devil and darkness over the faith once for all delivered to the saints.

But you don’t understand. It’s really important that you see it my way. Actually, it’s really important that we see it God’s way, and we ought to have enough humility to submit to His authority.

Don’t make idols out of doctrines regarding which the Bible is not definitive about. Some have even gone so far as to worship the doctrine rather than God, insisting that if their doctrine isn’t true, then they want no part of Christianity altogether.

All that means is you’ve been worshipping your idol all along and had no part or portion in this matter, for your heart was not right with God.

The enemy is able to press his advantage and sway the minds of men because those who ought to be contending earnestly for the faith aren’t. We’re too busy squabbling, pointing fingers, or trying to build our brands to be concerned about bringing glory to the name of Christ, and the devil wouldn’t have it any other way.

Yes, Jesus is more important than who the antichrist will be. Yes, Jesus is more important than whether or not aliens are real. Yes, Jesus is more important than your denomination or mine. Jesus is preeminent, and knowing Him is paramount.

Matthew 7:21-23, “Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name? And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’”

With love in Christ,

Michael Boldea, Jr.