This week there was another expose on television about a
cult that does not report or punish law-breakers within their membership in
relation to child abuse. I’m familiar with this cult and their attitude toward rules,
which does not jibe with the expose. Everyone is supposed to do what they say,
but not themselves?
“For even those who are circumcised do not themselves keep the law, but they desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. For neither circumcision counts for anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. And as for all who walk by this rule, peace and mercy be upon them, and upon the Israel of God.” (Galatians 6:13–16)
In New Testament times, a group of religious people
determined that a person had to keep the laws of God to be a Christian. They
focused on one ‘rule’ that in their minds was a definite must.
Rule-keeping is contrary to the Gospel but didn’t stop
them from confusing seekers and believers, including the church in Galatia. Paul
wrote to them about this matter, strongly warning them of ‘falling from grace’
and denying the power of God and salvation through faith in Jesus Christ.
The passage above strikes at their motives. They wanted
people to follow their “rules” so they could boast about them. As for the cult
mentioned, they also boast about their numbers, about all the people who do
their best to be good ‘witnesses’ for their organization. However, no one can
keep all their rules. As the expose showed, that is not reported, even some of
the most gross misconduct.
At the same time, this cult wants no drop in their numbers.
They want to appear successful so use ‘shunning’ to keep people tied to them. While
some have gone to court over the losses due to shunning, the supreme court in Canada
has just passed a new law that allows them to shun whoever they wish without
being sued.
The biblical answer to this complicated issue strikes at
the root of the problem. Faith in Jesus Christ means new life, a new way of thinking,
a change in motivation. Those who love and follow Jesus are not bound to the
laws of God, but we are bound to love one another.
We are also to not base our relationship with God on
rule-keeping. We are saved by grace. Not only that, there are grave results for
those who get tangled in law-keeping.
“For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, ‘Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law and do them.’ Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” (Galatians 3:10–11)
Paul is quoting the Old Testament to show that salvation
has always been by faith. He goes on to explain the purpose of the law (to
reveal sin and to show people they need grace). For these reasons, being circumcised
or having any sort of focus on OT “rules” will take them away from grace:
“Look: I, Paul, say to you that if you accept circumcision, Christ will be of no advantage to you. I testify again to every man who accepts circumcision that he is obligated to keep the whole law. You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit, by faith, we ourselves eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness. For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision count for anything, but only faith working through love.” (Galatians 5:2–6)
So why do cults and various other isms become so focused
on rules? They obviously do not realize that by refusing God’s gracious gift of
salvation by faith, they are also missing out on the gift of the Holy Spirit who
changes lives and gives them a deep love for one another.
If I choose to walk in the flesh rather than obey God, I put
myself in bondage, not to a cult but to the tyranny of always wanting my own
way. This is always against the way of the Lord and produces no peace and joy
in this life and no eternal results. How sad.
“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.” (Galatians 5:16–18)
^^^^^^^^^^
Oh Lord Jesus, I’m not sure why cult members or anyone
else rejects the Gospel and says, ‘No thanks, I will do it my way’ other than our
sin runs deep. Truly all need You to get us out of our unyielding pride.