The Old (biblical) Spirituality and the New (unbiblical) Spirituality
The old spirituality teaches that man is totally depraved and he needs to repent (Romans 3:10; Romans 3:23; Matthew 3:2; Luke 5:32; Luke 13:3/5; 1 John 1:9)). Only through the precious blood of Christ shall he be cleansed from his sins (1 John 1:7; Hebrews 9:11-28). Jesus died on the cross for His own that they will be redeemed and justified and be free from the fires of eternal hell (John 3:16).
The old spirituality teaches that salvation comes only to those who receive Jesus Christ by faith, through the grace of God, and not through good works so that no one can boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9).
The old spirituality teaches that there are only two commandments: love God above all (Deuteronomy 6:5) and love others as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). There is no commandment to love oneself for we already love ourselves (Ephesians 5:29). On the contrary, Christ tells us to deny ourselves (Luke 9:23). The Apostle Paul in his second letter to Timothy, admonishes him to avoid people who will be lovers of self in the last days (2 Timothy 3:2).
The old spirituality teaches that there are only two commandments: love God above all (Deuteronomy 6:5) and love others as yourself (Leviticus 19:18). There is no commandment to love oneself for we already love ourselves (Ephesians 5:29). On the contrary, Christ tells us to deny ourselves (Luke 9:23). The Apostle Paul in his second letter to Timothy, admonishes him to avoid people who will be lovers of self in the last days (2 Timothy 3:2).
The old spirituality teaches that Jesus Christ alone is the Way to the Father (John 14:6) and there is no other. The Almighty God is Spirit and He is in Heaven and He is to be worshipped in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
The new spirituality says that there is a divinity inside of every man that makes him at par with God.
The new spirituality also says that man should love himself first in order to be able to love others. He should learn to forgive himself whenever he commits a sin for him to find peace.
The new spirituality accepts the belief that all roads lead to God; that one can worship God through different manners, images and representations, that God is the god of the other religions, Christian or otherwise.
The new spirituality says that Jesus Christ died for all, that faith alone doesn’t save but should be accompanied by acts of benevolence.
Offense
A Christian who has departed from the false religion of his birth to become a born-again believer oftentimes feels the repulsion or rejection of his own family and of those whom he considers his friends. He has become an offense to the people he grew up with, or people he got acquainted with along the way. These are the people who never really knew the Word of God, Jesus of the Bible, for they are not encouraged to read the Bible, in its pure and undiluted version. These are the people who were not taught the doctrine of man’s total depravity and his need for repentance; that by God’s sovereign grace, faith is instilled in the believer to accept Jesus Christ as his personal Saviour and Lord. They will ask him, “Why, what happened to you?” as if he has just committed a spiritual blunder or has suddenly become a religious infidel.
1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved, it is the power of God."
“If you are true Christians, you will not have the love of worldlings; you cannot have it. They will be sure to ridicule you and call you fools or hypocrites or something equally uncomplimentary. Well, then, cling the more closely to one another.” Charles Spurgeon, At the Master’s Feet
Loss of love
One of the greatest tragedies of life is the loss of someone we love. Separation because of death, sickness, misunderstanding, unforgiveness, or indifference, more than anything else breaks the heart that loves purely and completely. One deals with a different kind of grief in this kind of loss. Healing takes time but just the same, healing takes place. For the believer, there is no wound that God doesn’t heal.
Chastisement
God doesn’t allow His children to stay fallen in a life of folly and sinfulness. He is the Heavenly Father who chastens His own for their sanctification, His will and purpose for them. For every sin or disobedience, there is a corresponding punishment and discipline. Chastisement is painful; it is not an enjoyable thing to be chastised, but it is necessary. Like a bitter pill to be swallowed, like the physical pain a doctor has to inflict on the patient, chastisement is needed to heal the sick, to sanctify the sinner, to conform him to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
“For whom the Lord loveth He chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” Hebrews 12:6
The Solid Rock
Edward Mote, 1834, alt.
William B. Bradbury, 1863
Edward Mote, 1834, alt.
William B. Bradbury, 1863
My hope is built on nothing less than Jesus' blood and righteousness.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
I dare not trust the sweetest frame but wholly lean on Jesus' name.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
When darkness seems to hide His face, I rest on His unchanging grace.
In ev'ry high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the vale.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
In ev'ry high and stormy gale, my anchor holds within the vale.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
His oath, His covenant, His blood support me in the whelming flood.
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
When all around my soul gives way, He then is all my Hope and Stay.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
When He shall come with trumpet sound, oh, may I then in Him be found:
Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
Dressed in his righteousness alone, faultless to stand before the throne.
On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand.
All other ground is sinking sand.
" For God alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be greatly shaken.”
Psalm 62:1-2
