Christian reform?

"A battle cry for Christian reform" blared a big headline in the Charlotte Observer. The article featured a picture of "one of the country's top 25 evangelical leaders" and carried a lengthy interview in which he answered questions about what Christians should be doing in today's world.

His responses to questions about poverty, crime, health issues and the environment revealed some stock answers given by those who espouse or promote a "social gospel"; the idea that it is the duty of the church of Jesus Christ to solve the incredible social ills and problems of mankind now, in this age.

As the article unfolded, this man's views on the validity of Scripture were very revealing. He said that the Book of Revelation is not about the end of the age, but had to do with local politics in the Apostle John's day. He also said that if Jesus came back today He would be in Darfur trying to save those people or getting killed in the process; or He would be in the inner city or with illegal immigrants, or trying to influence Congress to address the problems of our country and the world. What about it? Does this popular, well-meaning man have it right? Should we as Christians spend our time, talents, efforts, influence and money trying to fix this world's society and systems?

Reformation? Hasn't it been tried many times? Down through the centuries, individuals and groups have tried to fix the problems or change the system to conform to their view of Biblical teachings, all without success. Their efforts, however well meaning, were doomed to failure, simply because they did not understand the plain message that Jesus Christ brought. His message was not a "fix it up" plan for salvaging this world. His was a glorious message that He would return, not as a human, but in power and might as King of kings and Lord of lords to crush this world's evil ways, which have been brought about by Satan's evil influence, resulting in all the problems that you see.

The real story of the Bible is that God has a plan to install His way of life, which will encompass every facet of existence, physically and spiritually, for all mankind. It will involve a complete restoration of all things good, as it was in the Garden of Eden, before sin – which is the breaking of His law – was introduced by an evil being (Acts 3:19-21).

In what manner will the Messiah return? "For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes to the west, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be" (Matthew 24:27). Will His coming be well known? "Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him" (Revelation 1:7). Then what happens ? "The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever" (Revelation 11:15)!

Jesus Christ came to establish His Church to prepare a few people down through the ages to reign with Him at His return. Revelation 5:10 states: "…and have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth." Then He will set His hand to "restore all things…"

Well-meaning preachers, authors and organizers will continue to try to "fix" this world, but their efforts will not be successful. Christians can individually put God's way of life in to practice now and prepare for Christ's return in power and glory to proclaim His own "battle cry for Christian reform!

You can be a part of preparing for His return. Learn more about it by reading an inspiring, free booklet entitled Where Is God's True Church Today? You can order your personal copy online at https://www.tomorrowsworld.org/order-publications/?lit=CHT.

It will open your eyes.