Just Jesus
Christianity is Christ. It is not a philosophy nor a religion. The natural man loves philosophy and religion (1 Cor 2:14); but the Bible assures us that he does not love Jesus, the Son of God (Jn 5:42).
The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians with a very high view of Christ Jesus the Lord. It is the exaltation of the God-man that offends the natural man, that is, the man who does not have the indwelling Spirit of Christ (Jn 14:17; Rom 8:9, 11). This apparent conflict between the kingdom of this world (natural man) and the kingdom of God (spiritual man) is actually what the Bible teaches on spiritual warfare (Eph 6:10–20).
The Christian knows from the Bible that our warfare is not against flesh and blood (Eph 6:12). In other words, the good fight of faith is different from what men of the world fight over among themselves. Our citizenship is in heaven (Phil 3:20), where Christ is seated on the throne of God at the right hand of Majesty (Eph 2:6; Heb 1:3; 8:1), having been enthroned with all authority in heaven and on earth (Ps 110; Mt 28:18). Thus, Christians are entrusted ambassadors of the King of kings (2 Cor 5:20; 1 Tim 6:15).
It is a peculiar position to occupy. As stewards of the Gospel mystery, we bear witness of both our defection from the world and our delight in our new allegiance to the Lord of lords. We proclaim Him and His excellencies (Col 1:28; 1 Pet 2:9). Jesus Christ, the King of glory (Ps 24), is superior, nay, supreme over all rule and authority (Col 2:10, 15).
Our opponents, men of the world, are inspired by deceitful spirits who advocate the doctrine of demons (1 Tim 4:1). This is a different gospel than we preach as believers in Jesus, who is Himself, our Gospel (2 Cor 11:4; Gal 1:6). Simply put, anything that is other than the Person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ is anathema (1 Cor 16:22).
The whole world lies in the power of the evil one (1 Jn 5:19), who is the father of lies, our adversary (Jn 8:44; Rev 12:9). The content of the deceiver is noted in the Bible as: worldly fables; philosophy; empty deception; traditions of men; elementary principles of the world (Col 2:8). The mantras and practices often include: prohibitions; self-abasement; worship of angels; visions; human pride; the commandments and teachings of men that have the appearance of wisdom but which conflict with the wisdom of God, who is Jesus Himself (1 Cor 1:24; Col 2:23).
The allure of man-centered theology and self-made religion is that it appeals to the flesh. It feeds the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 Jn 2:15–17). This is why the religions of the world promote the extremes of sensuality (appealing to the senses) and self-abasement (abstinence). One case example is the difference between the Epicureans (live luxuriously) and the Stoics (morbid self-denial) in Greek philosophy.
The consequence of being distracted from the truth, as it is in Jesus (Eph 4:21), has eternal consequences. It is the task of the blind to lead the blind into the pit of destruction (Mt 15:14; Lk 6:39). Religious men of every kind are nothing but blind guides (Mt 23:16, 24; Rom 2:19). They may be academics, atheists, activists, anarchists, priests, politicians, professors, professionals, or pietists. They are all antichrists if they are not “in Christ” and representing Christ in the world.
The pure devotion of the Christian to Jesus Christ cannot be diluted with competing interests in the world. We have one Lord, and those born again of the One Spirit have been set free to serve the living God (Jn 3:1–8; 8:32, 36; Rom 12:1; Eph 1:13; Gal 5:1; 1 Thess 1:9; Heb 9:14; 1 Pet 1:3).
Having left the shadows of religion behind, Christians press on with their upward call in Christ (Phil 3:14), who is the substance anticipated in the religion of the Jews. Judaism, as one of the religions of the world, looked forward to the coming Messiah through the divine revelation of Torah, the prophets, and the writings. Messiah arrived at the fullness of time, at the time of reformation (Gal 4:4; Heb 9:10). The majority of Jews did not receive Him (Jn 1:11). The remnant did receive Him (Jn 1:12–13; Rom 11:5–6); and by the will of God, He gave the remnant the right to be called, “children of God” (1 Jn 3:1, 10), those who believe in His Name, and who now refer to Yahweh as “Abba” (Father).
The children of God are the chosen people of God drawn from every nation and epoch (Rev 5:9; 7:9). Because they are given the gift of the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:38; 10:45), they live by faith not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Religionists walk in darkness, claiming they see salvation in their many and varied “good” works. God assesses the works of every man, of every philosophy, rite, and ritual — as filthy rags (Is 64:6). God searches every human heart; and He only finds that every inclination of every heart is only evil all the time (Gen 6:5; Jer 17:9; Is 64:6; Rom 1:18–32; 3:10–12; Eph 2:12).
The Gospel of salvation is a simple call for all men everywhere to repent of their sinful rebellion against God and to trust Christ (Prv 3:5–6; Acts 17:30). Preaching Christ crucified is God’s singular countermeasure against all the demonic-inspired ideas and practices of men (1 Cor 1:18, 23; 2:2, 4; 2 Tim 4:2). One truth against endless deviations. One Christ against endless counterfeits. One narrow way against endless paths leading to destruction.
“Just Jesus” is the Christian’s battle cry. There is nothing else to think, say, or do in the matter of being reconciled to God (salvation). It behooves us to come to Him, learn of Him, know Him, so we may more aptly bear witness of Him in the wisdom and power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8). God has graciously given His church the means of grace so we might know the doctrines of grace, that is, Christ Jesus and all the great things He has done for us.
David Norczyk
Spokane Valley, Washington
February 24, 2024
Colossians 2:8, 16–23
