The word liberal is a word that brings to the mind different ideas from different groups of
people. Sometimes the word liberal is frowned upon while sometimes it is embraced with open
arms. The term may be heard today in someone's comment as follows, "He's a liberal! " This
may be used in the context of either politics or religion in our day and time.
It may surprise some but the word liberal is in the Bible. W. E. Vine's Expository
Dictionary Of Old And New Testaments Words says of the words, Liberal, Liberality,
Liberally — of one noun form: "denotes (a) simplicity, sincerity, unaffectedness...Rom.
12:8, 'simplicity:'...2 Cor. 11:3...Eph. 6:5 and Col. 3:22,
'singleness' — (b) simplicity as manifested in generous giving, 'liberality,' 2 Cor. 8:2;
9:11 (A.V., 'bountifulness'...) ...9:13 (A.V., 'liberal')."
A second noun form "is rendered 'liberality' in I Cor. 16:13, A.V.)." And the
Greek dictionary goes on to point out that the adverb for liberality in James 1:5
reveals that God Himself is the gracious and liberal Giver.
Based on the above information, if we follow God's example we will be liberal givers,
i.e., of our lives, time, finances, and influence to God's will and to Christ's cause. Jesus
teaches to seek first the kingdom (Matt. 6:33).
Vine also tells us of the word liberally in James 1:5 that: "The word may be
taken either (a) in a logical sense, signifying unconditionally, simply, or (b) in a moral
sense, generously."
Now, with reference to the common usage today of the word liberal as it relates to
the field of religion theologically we will now turn our attention. The word liberalism has
come to be used today to describe the unconditional surrender of respect for the authority
of the Bible. It is an attitude of disrespect for what God has bound on men now living and
with vain and puffed up arrogance displays itself as superior to those who believe the Bible
to be the all-inspired and authoritative revelation from God. These are very liberal in their
disdain for the miracles in the Bible, the supernatural origin and providential watch-care
over the text of the Bible, and for the strictness of Jesus' teaching in regard to various
subjects.
The following are a few of the characteristics of a modern day liberal — check these
carefully to make sure you have not fallen into the trap of liberalism. A liberal today:
- Is indifferent to personal Bible study since he reasons that God really
does not expect him to be that serious about going to heaven and being
spiritually minded (2 Tim. 2:15).
- Finds personal prayer a chore instead of a joy and a heaven-given privilege
(Phil. 4:6-7).
- Thinks that teaching a lost person about the heaven to be gained and the
hell to be shunned is to be left up only to preachers, elders and such
(Matt. 28:19-20).
- Mocks true-to-the-Book, faithful gospel preaching. The strong and sound
pulpit is not wanted by this individual and should be cast aside as a
thing of the past. Reproving, rebuking and exhorting preaching as Paul
commanded in Second Timothy 4:2-4 is really to be interpreted as
a mean ole' hateful "preacher" who is out to get someone. True, balanced
preaching (which pleases God!) is considered destructive and non-edifying
to the liberal since his very perspective is perverted being based upon
his very dislikes rather than the position of "What kind of preaching does
God want me to hear?"
- Believes that God will not really do what He said He will do, that is,
destroy in eternity those who do not obey His Son (John 5:28-29; 12:48;
Heb. 5:8-9).
- Believes that preachers are just "carried away" with themselves when they
preach that men today can really know what the Bible teaches about the
plan of salvation, what pleases God in worship and what the actual work
of the church is (and what it is not). Of course these are sure and certain
that they themselves know exactly what they are saying. Consistency means
little to those caught up in liberalism (see for reference John 8:32;
Eph. 5:17).
- Believes in the "pastor" system of denominationalism — that the preacher
is hired to do his visiting for him. A preacher will do his visiting of
the sick (and others), but because he is also a Christian. Yet, this same
individual would not believe the preacher is hired to do his praying,
giving on the first day of the week, singing, and other things for him
(Gal. 6:3-4; Phil. 2:12).
- Majors on minors doctrinally and is generally ashamed of the gospel
(Rom. 1:16-17).
- "Nit-picks" the faithful elders, preachers, and those sound in the faith
generally. This may be done out of a deep-seated hatred for the truth of
the gospel on some secret-of-the-heart issue. Yet, one who respects the
authoritative words of Christ will spend that energy (with meekness) on
those who are wayward and truly in need of correction (Gal. 6:1; Mark
16:15-16; Matt. 28:18-20).
- Will use anything that goes under the title, "Holy Bible." This is the case
though so many modern-day "versions" are no more than perversions of
the inspired text of God's Word. This person has never considered that
Satan has done, is doing, and will do all he can to mutilate, corrupt, and
misapply the text of God (Jer. 36:22-23, 27-28, 32; Matt 4:6). Is it
shocking to us that Satan will try to gain control of translators? If so,
why? The New Testament teaches us not to be ignorant of the devices of the
Devil (2 Cor. 2:11).
- The modern-day liberal will always allow in himself (herself) that which he
(she) disallows in others. For example, he judges you may not
judge (John 7:24).
He argues you may not argue and debates that
you may not debate (Jude 3; 1 Pet. 3:15; Phil. 1:17). He
criticizes the conservative criticizer for criticizing
(Rom. 2:1; 16:17). He knows that you cannot know
anything (John 8:32; Eph. 5:17). When such inconsistencies are
pointed out to such an individual he usually becomes full of wrath,
accusatory, and very little can be done with such a one.
- One who is liberal does not like any discussion which exposes him as a
liberal, that is, exposes him as someone who disrespects the New Testament
and its authority over our lives today (John 12:48; Gal. 6:2). He
will cast this tract aside as just so much flak. Yet, such a discussion is
necessary since liberalism has led men to advocate false and damnable
doctrines such as:
- Unity in diversity (The "Let's just agree to disagree" attitude,
but see 1 Cor. 1:10).
- That we are saved by grace alone or faith alone (Eph. 2:8-9; Heb.
11:8; Jam. 2:24).
- That is it not necessary to understand that water baptism is for the
remission of sins (Acts 2:38).
- That preachers who quote book, chapter and verse to prove that which
they preach is from the Bible are silly to do such — yet First
Thessalonians 5:21 teaches to "Prove all things." Inform the
liberal of this passage and he mocks further, not realizing he is mocking
God's Inspired Word (Gal. 6:7-8). Many other hurtful and foolish
doctrines could be added to the above list.
Friend, only good doctrine will please God and save in eternity (Matt. 7:15-20; 2 John 9-11;
Eph. 5:11). Liberal preachers have no authority for what they preach and do not want to be
asked to prove all things. Any wonder, then, why they poke fun at preachers who do give Bible
authority?
Those in the Old Testament who were doctrinal or theological liberals were "deeply"
religious people like Nadab and Abihu (Lev. 10:1). They offered "strange fire"
(unauthorized worship) to God. Fire from heaven devoured them. This was written for the
learning of New Testament Christians (and all others) today (Rom. 15:4).
Don't miss the lesson!! God despises the liberal attitude (theologically or
doctrinally). Liberalism (theologically) in the religious realm seeks to loose where God's
word does not loose in matters pertaining to ethics, morals, doctrine, marriage, divorce,
and remarriage, and religious practices (Gal. 5:19-21). It also seeks to persecute
all those who advocate doctrinal soundness and who take the Bible seriously. The other extreme,
of course, is "anti-ism" which binds where God has not bound. One also must avoid that extreme
(cf. Gal. 5:1; 2 John 9).
This has been only a general treatment of the word liberalism, but suffice it
to say, if you are liberal in giving to God of your life, finances, energy, time, etc., then
you are on the right track. However, if you are one who detests Bible authority and those who
advocate it, you should repent now before it is too late (Luke 13:3).
Are you a liberal? If so, what kind are you? Can you rejoice or are you in need
of repentance? "Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith" (2 Cor. 13:5).
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