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No Dogmatism In Christianity
by Olawale Ogunsola Have you heard these words "He is a religious dogma."? To a serious Christian, these words do not apply. There is no room for anything like dogmatism in Christianity. Those who associate dogmatism with Christianity do not know nor understand what Christianity is all about. Religion is only very close to Christianity but the latter stands out, so, the former cannot be compared with it. Jesus Christ did not come into the world to add to the list of religions on the earth. He did not come to introduce another religion but He came to reconcile mankind to his Maker. He came to save humanity from his wicked ways. He came to rescue the sinking world from the river of evil acts sweeping it away. No religion has the power to do nor can ever do this! A religion is man's ways to seek and please God. It is an attempt by man to seek his Maker with whom he has lost relationship. A religious dogma may follow his leader without understanding a-z of such a religion or a religious leader. It is not so with Christians indeed. Jesus Christ as leader assured us, "Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansons; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you." John 14:1-2. KJV. Is it then "dogmatism" to follow someone who knows the way? Is it "dogmatism" to walk in the only Way that leads to a city which is one's destination? I thank God for an uncommon grace and mercy He granted me to visit the nation of Israel on an holy pilgrimage in the last quarter of year 2013. Whichever route our tour.guide, Imad, led us were followed. The man, however, did not fail to tell us that if anyone went in his own way and got lost, such a person should take a cab going to the street where the Hotel we were lodged in is located. Thanks to God, all of us were obedient and no one was lost. Is obedience to a man who knows the way dogmatism? Jesus Christ is more than a Tour.guide. He is the Way to follow if anyone really wants to reach the kingdom of God, the Father. As opposed to dogmatism, what obtains in Christianity is sonship and daughtership. This has to do with total spiritual rebirth when God becomes the Father. By such rebirth, the initial broken relationship is thereby restored. When this happens, you have an experience that you have been reunited with God, your Maker. It is a personal experience. It must be individually passed through. Whoever does not have it cannot understand it. Apostle Paul puts it this way in the Scriptures, "But when the fullness of the time was cone, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying, Abba Father. Wherefore thou art no nore a servant but a son; and if a son, then a heir of God through Christ." Galatians 4:4-7. Do you have a surname? Is it your Father's name? How are you sure your father is truly your father? If you are convinced that your is your father, are you a dogma? Let me give you an example of those who are religious dogmas. These people religiously worshipped Baal. They have their Prophets also. There was a "contest" between these dogmas and a son (Prophet) of God. Dogmas called on their god from morning until noon but there was no answer. They leaped on the altar, cried louder and cut themselves with knives and lancets until blood gushed out but no answer. This was not done on the day of contest only but this must have been their manner of worship. That is religious dogmatism! However, when a son of God, Prophet Elijah, called on God, his father, He answered by fire and it consumed his sacrifice. Apostle Paul speaks the heart of all Christians thus, "...for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have commited unto him against that day." 2 Timothy 1:12. Therefore, henceforth, there are religious dogmas but Christians are not among them. If you have seen yourself as, or have seen Christians as religious dogmas, you must have a change of heart. Christians are not religious dogmas. Stay blessed and rapturable because the Lord is coming soon. The Author is the set man of CTFM(WORLD OUTREACH)and Presiding Pastor of Christ Restland Gospel Church.He is a Poet and author of many books. Visit his blogsites www.4thlink.wordpress.com and www.peacelink.wordpress.com for more quality contents. Article Source: http://www.faithwriters.com |