Contradictions in Christianity stem from a failure to divide the Word between the two primary programs in the Bible; the prophetic Kingdom program and the mystery Grace program. The moment a person mixes these two programs, ignoring the division of these two programs and blindly assuming that everything in the Bible is about them, or in reference to them, this is where contradiction and confusion is born.
The two programs are fundamentally different from each other. One can simple look at the primary differences to notice that you cannot mix or merge them. Let us consider the following; one is about law, and the other is about grace. One is addressed to the Jews alone, the other addresses the all nations. One is about the inheritance of the earth while the other is the inheritance of the heavens. One was proclaimed in prophecy since the world began and the other was kept secret since the world began, only revealed after the Lord saved Paul. I can go on and on listing more contrasting points between these two programs, but I believe the point is made.
If you can recognize the validity of these two programs based on the proof points above, I can return to the opening question about people thinking that Christianity is contradictory. Well, the sad news is that they are right!!! Due to poor Biblical education, the majority of Christians walk around with contrasting doctrine, not only confusing each other, but the world looks on and laughs at them! These Christians have a blended version of the scriptures where they have cherry-picked the sweetest scriptures from the whole Bible and created a doctrine that is not only confusing, but blatantly false and dangerous. It’s like taking strawberries and ice cream and placing it into a blender machine to make a delicious milkshake, only to then add tomatoes, potatoes and spinach to it, further blending it into a distasteful mess that nobody will want. This is what happens when one takes content from the two programs of God’s great plan of redemption, and tries to blend it together into something that nobody can swallow.
As a quick example of what I mean, think of the concept of forgiveness. In the Kingdom program the Bible states that one had to forgive their brother in order for God to forgive them. This is ingrafted into the Lord’s prayer, “…and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us…”. However, in the Grace program, Paul clearly points out that a believer is ALREADY forgiven (due to the cross of Christ), and henceforth, we should go out and do the same. Forgiveness in the Kingdom is conditional (only if you forgive, then God forgives you), but forgiveness in Grace is unconditional (you are utterly forgiven whether you forgive or not). If one does not recognize the fact that the Bible is dealing with two very difference programs, then how does one consolidate forgiveness? The advice between the two programs is opposed to each other. Furthermore, people who are confused between the two programs; who choose to disregard law and grace, prophecy and mystery, and Jew and Gentile, then try to merge these two opposing doctrines and create shockingly false practices, like confessing to priests in cubicles, or doing rituals and personal sacrifices for forgiveness, or being under the idea that they have to constantly be asking for forgiveness for every little error they make. No wonder the world is confused if those who confess to be Christians are themselves confused.
So, what is the answer to this question?
- Recognize that there are two programs in the Bible
- Conclude that you cannot practice the doctrines of both simultaneously
- Acknowledge that mixing doctrine from these programs causes chaos
- Understand the we are living in the Grace program today
- Learn what the doctrine of this Grace program is
- Practice and teach the doctrine that has been addressed to you
When one lives by one doctrine alone, then it eliminates all confusion and contradiction. Today, we are utterly and completely forgiven of ALL our sins when we respond in faith to the Grace gospel and are regenerated in our spirit and placed into the Body of Christ. Our sinful and imperfect life is nailed to the cross of Christ and God imputes Christs righteousness to us freely and liberally and unconditionally. We become dead to sin and we are made alive in Christ. In this new found liberty, we can go out and do the same, not as a work to earn God’s favour and forgiveness, but simply because His love compels us to do it. In the same breath, the Grace doctrine applies to a myriad of other life practices. We are not under the law, but under the leading of the Spirit of Life within us. The Grace life, if lived outside of law and rightly divided, will appear attractive and liberating to the world, not confusing and contradictory.
2 Tim.2:15 Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
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