Human beings are rather complicated. On one hand, we are built to operate socially (in groups), and yet we are unique, individual units. While some things can rightly be done as a group, there are other things that require solo action. For example, Christians become part of a group (the body of Christ), but still remain individuals. At conversion, God says "you are Christ's body, and individually members of it." He places "the members, each one of them, in the body, just as He desire(s)" and distributes spiritual gifts "to each one individually just as He wills." (1Cor 12:11,18 and 27). One's individuality is actually enhanced (by the addition of spiritual gifts) in this group. But, ... let's take another step back.
The most important, the most crucial, indeed the most non-negotiable of all solo actions, centers on the salvation issue. This matter begins and ends with the individual and the Creator. There is no activity more solo. And it puts us in the weakest of positions because "all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do" (Heb 4:13). No wonder we would rather place ourselves behind something - and push that in front of us. Ironically, what many people put between themselves and God is ... religion.
In this context, I want to look at the Christian religion.
The Christian Religion
In my mind, the Christian religion and the Christian faith are two different things. It is not imperative that you adopt my demarcation between the two, but if you think (for this moment) in the framework I am presenting, the following discussion will make more sense. When I think of religion, I think; "ceremony, ritual, dogma - and formulas for these things." When I think of faith, I think; "inquiry, study, knowledge - and persuasion of what is true."
Using this definition, the Christian religion ... is easy. Formulas are presented that lead one to salvation, then directives are clearly defined for "good" Christian living. Altar calls, confirmations, or baptisms are soon followed by church membership, tithing, and the church calendar.
It is a natural weakness for man to fall into religion. The reason is really quite simple. Religion, and its leaders, make all the decisions for the followers. The directives are not to be questioned - just obeyed - and everything will be fine. Many people feel like they have actually accomplished something by following religious orders. That often brings great comfort ... hence religion's appeal. But, that does not translate ... into life.
The Christian religion is built upon two pillars. First, the pews are populated with sheep. They must be led. Second, and quite predictably, there is another group - the leaders. They are to be obeyed. These two concepts create two huge blunders. First, calling Christians "sheep" is a "figure of speech" - not to be overplayed (Jn 10:6). Sheep are portrayed as defenseless, naive and stupid (But, they only respond to their master's trustworthy voice ... and pay no heed to a stranger's voice [Jn 10: 1-5,16,27]. People would do well to imitate this. They often follow "strange voices" ... who lead them into death). But, where does Ezekiel's verse fit in the "dumb sheep" analogy? "'As for you, My sheep, the sheep of My pasture, you are men, and I am your God,' declares the Lord" (Ezek 34:31). This is consistent with Paul's admonition to the wayward Corinthians: "in your thinking be mature ... Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong" (1Cor 14:20 and 16:13). Where is it that God calls His children - to be stupid sheep?
Secondly, this "figure of speech" is never applied to leaders of the Christian religion. They are overseers of the dumb sheep. But, they themselves ... are not dumb sheep. Probably the most heavily used verse for supporting this teaching lies here: "Obey your leaders and submit to them; for they keep watch over your souls, as those who will give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with grief, for this would be unprofitable for you" (Heb 13:17). At first blush this confirms the religion model - sheep are to obey leaders. But, a short grammar lesson will produce a different story.
This English translation (from Koine Greek) contains at least three problems.
First, in the English translation: "Obey" is a verb in the active voice. But in Koine Greek, this is a verb in the passive voice. The passive voice means the subject is acted upon - not doing the action. The actual word translated, "obey" (peitho) has several potential meanings (just as English words do). "Peitho" is a word built upon the concept of persuasion - not unquestioned, blind assent.
Second, in the English translation: "leaders" is a noun. But, this is a participle in the Greek - not a noun. A participle is a verbal adjective. There is a huge difference between "the leading ones" and "leaders." In this instance, "the leading ones" refers to the more mature Christians "of you all" (a plural genitive). They seek to persuade the less mature by instruction and example - and call for imitation. "Be imitators of me, just as I also am of Christ" (1Cor 11:1 - and this is the Apostle Paul ... to the Corinthians!).
Third, in the English translation: "to them" is a prepositional phrase. This is not in the Greek at all and should just be forgotten.
Hebrews 13:17 should be translated more like this: "You must allow yourselves to be persuaded by the leading ones of you all ... and yield." The less mature are commanded to allow themselves to be persuaded (passive) by the more mature among them - and then yield to accurate handling of the word of God (doctrine and lifestyle) - not to them. This is totally consistent with all the other foundational Biblical injunctions of the Christian faith. "Examine everything; adhere to that which is good" (1Thes 5:21). The Bereans "were more noble minded than those in Thessolonica ... examining the Scriptures daily" to see if Paul's assertions were correct (Acts 17:11). "Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves!" (2Cor 13:5).
Those who are leading must account for how they led. But, they are not responsible for wrong choices by their listeners (assuming they had led correctly). Paul was not guilty before God for the errant choices of the wayward Corinthians or the bewitched Galatians. Their choices did bring him grief ... but not guilt.
I do not know why the Hebrew passage has been so mangled by translators. If you can find a Greek scholar who can explain this - let me know ("Peithesthe" is not a middle deponent verb to be translated active either). By the way, Jesus did talk about leaders one time. "Do not be called leaders; for One is your leader - Christ" (Mt 23:10). Does He need to repeat Himself?
The Christian Faith
This arises when individual circumstances converge on a person - forcing an intense search ... for the Creator. While God may use people, or even some of the structures of religion as cited above, these things are secondary (at best). The Christian faith is the search for God. "As the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for Thee, O God. My soul thirsts for God - for the living God" (Ps 42:1,2). Furthermore, He tells us, "You will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart" (Jer 29:13). This is hard. It is doubtful any of us can know when we have sought God with our whole heart. Duplicities, known and unknown, infest us.
God calls people to the Christian faith. Of necessity, this requires spiritual independence from man. No one can get into heaven on the coattails of another. Adhering to the greatest of preachers ... will not work. Supporting, or participating in, the most fruitful Christian church ... will not move God to accept that one. Even following hard on the heels of the most devout of mothers ... will not usher one into glory. There is but One Advocate before God the Father who can make a successful case for one's inclusion into His favor (1Jn 2:1). And one must deal with Him solo. Nothing we will ever undertake is more solo - and absolutely necessary.
The crunch times of life we face alone. Our only hope is God's aid - and presence. Stephen, when exiting, needed a vibrant Christian faith - not religion (Acts 6 and 7). Our situation will be different, but the reality of need will be the same. The Christian faith is spiritual independence from man ... and total spiritual dependence upon Jesus Christ.
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