Excuse V
Things are Different Now
Question:
Doesn’t God’s law require a different application in our contemporary secular world?
~~~
Throughout a sermon in defense of dining out on the Sabbath, one prominent COG leader worked tirelessly to prove that God didn't really mean what He originally said in the scriptures, or, at the very least, He doesn't mean it anymore. At every turn, this man paraded out a steady stream of excuses in an attempt to prove that the Holy One of Israel now approves of his people actively seeking out unbelievers, who profane the Sabbath, and paying them for the fruit of this sin. Why? Because according to him, we now live in a society where God's law cannot be administered the way it was when it was originally given on Mt. Sinai. Here is how his point was described on his church’s website. These are lofty sounding words, so take your time reading them. However, as you do, ask yourself what is meant by the words "slightly different ramifications?"
The complicated libertine Babylonish system in which we live (in contrast with the closed society of the camp of Israel) has made discernment exceedingly difficult. The application of God's Law may have slightly different ramifications in secular modern Israel, but spiritual principles guide each individual decision, providing a common-sense balance, neutralizing the pharisaical or morbidly exacting extremes.
WOW!
Although this minister’s words sound thoughtful, we’re curious, what is it about our “libertine Babylonish system” that makes him think that God now condones a practice that requires His people to proactively seek out the services of Sabbath breakers? No one is denying that our modern world is vastly different from ancient times, but how does that difference translate into embracing the profaning of what God made holy. Is there something in society today that actually mandates dining out on the Sabbath? Is there a law in some culture that preempts the fourth commandment? Or is this simply another attempt to rationalize sin?
Furthermore, although this leader cloaks his point in scholarly words, these "slightly different ramifications" are anything but "slight." Consider what he is advocating. Mind you that this is from a man who claims to worship the Lord of the Sabbath.
More Self Justification
Despite the obvious flaw in his reasoning, this longstanding servant of God continues to pursue his argument.
Regarding the Sabbath and the worship of God, everybody was doing the same thing, and when the Sabbath arrived, theoretically, brethren, nothing moved, because every Israelite and the strangers in Israel was already a "called-out" one. There should have been nothing working in Israel—no restaurants, no policemen, no electricity, no, no, no! Do you get the point? That same situation does not fit us today.
The argument this highly respected COG leader is trying to sell is simply not true. According to him God's people must adapt to the times in which they live—even if it requires going contrary to His law. What he doesn't offer is one Biblical example illustrating why this approach is appropriate. For example: The apostle Paul lived in a society infested with unbelievers as well. However, he drew a much different conclusion. This faithful servant admonished the Church at Ephesus to "have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness..." (Eph. 5:11).
Furthermore, God's servant Nehemiah also lived at a time when Sabbath breakers were a part of life in Jerusalem. And although he drove them out, he acknowledged that they still posed a real threat to God's people. His remedy was radically different than that offered by so many in God’s Church today. Notice his exhortation.
And if the people of the land bring ware or any victuals on the Sabbath day to sell, that we would not buy it of them on the Sabbath, or on the holy day... (Neh.10:31)
What the majority of God's people fail to realize is that the restaurant that serves their Sabbath meals is part of a culture that is totally antithetical to God's way—and contrary to what many Church leaders teach, the Almighty didn't decide to capitulate with it. Instead, He took a different approach. He demanded that His people COME OUT OF IT!
And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues. (Rev. 18:4)
The point we need to draw from this is that just because God's people are "IN" the world does NOT mean they should embrace it. Those who believe otherwise are in for a rude awakening.
A Real Cultural Trial
The idea that because modern culture is different God's people may now engage in activities that go contrary to His LAW is flat out wrong. Furthermore, it fails to grasp something hugely significant about our culture. The fact of the matter is that there is a part of modern life that has a far greater impact on Sabbath observance than restaurants ever could—WORK—specifically the pressure applied by employers on God's people to work on the Sabbath. And while many COG leaders have heard countless stories about members being threatened with losing their jobs if they didn’t work on the Sabbath, we seriously doubt that any of them have heard even one story of how God’s people were threatened if they didn’t dine out. The point here is that if God's people should stand on principle when it comes to their own Sabbath labor, why should it be any different when it comes to seeking out the labor of others?
A Final Thought
The harsh reality concerning this particular argument is really quite simple: there is nothing about modern culture that should ever compel God’s people to seek out the services of Sabbath breakers in reataurants. Those who think otherwise are simply attempting to manufacture an excuse to indulge their own appetite for a practice they enjoy.
Here is something this long standing minister should consider. God is not the author of our modern culture, Satan is. And while it may appear that the temptations he has flooded this world with are just too powerful to resist, there is one point that should never be forgotten. The cost of obedience may be great, but the cost of defiance is infinite.
