Tags
Every now and again there will be a remark made about those who are “progressive amongst us.” Who are the progressives, and exactly what is it that makes one progressive? The Scriptures teach, “For many deceivers have gone out into the world who do not confess Jesus Christ as coming in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. Look to yourselves, that we do not lose those things we worked for, but that we may receive a full reward. Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him; for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds” (2 John 7-11, NKJV).
In the context of which John speaks, a progressive is one who does not feel constrained by that which the Lord said. In other words, a progressive is one who thinks what the Lord said does not prohibit in all cases. For instance, the New Testament expressly declares that saints under the authority of the new covenant will sing with the heart (Ephesians 5:19; Colossians 3:16); there is no express prohibition to the use of the mechanical instrument of music. Progressives will assert this does not, therefore, prohibit its use in the congregational setting.
Look at what John said again; to “transgress” or “go beyond” means that one does not stay within the constraints of the New Testament. The NET reads this way, “Everyone who goes on ahead and does not remain in the teaching of Christ does not have God” (2 John 9).
Those who are progressive in religious matters can be just as sweet, courteous, genuine and have all the appearance of godliness as any, but in this mistaken approach of theirs they have put themselves in a precarious position with the Lord. What shall we do then? Let us stay within the constraints of the Lord, and encourage (insist) others do the same. Doing so, with the right heart, means we can KNOW we are right. Those who refuse (or don’t) can’t know anything; they can only THINK they are right. There is a difference. RT
etsop95 
Reblogged this on Christian Hub • for churches of Christ and commented:
Ron Thomas gets to the heart of the matter when describing progressives.
Progressives go beyond the Word of God by bringing the instrument into worship.
Conservatives go beyond the Word of God by teaching that worship with the instrument is sin.
Those who fall into either group are each inflated with pride (1Cor 4:6) because they each believe they have [complete] knowledge (1Cor 8:1-2).
So, Andrew, it is okay to use it, right? Progressives go beyond, so it’s not okay? Which is it?
Is it OK for worship? The only one who knows is God because He hasn’t told us one way or another. I don’t know where God’s decision on Judgment Day will fall. Perhaps it will fall in different places for different people.
I have my opinions on musical instruments. But I cannot say if it is OK or not unless God has said if it is OK or not.
Has God specified that by which He will judge man?
God has specified that He will judge man on a number of things. Here are a few things:
-The way we judge others (Matt 7:1-2, Luke 6:37-38, Jam 4:11-12, 5:9)
-Our fruit–words (Matt 12:33-37, Jam 5:12)
-Our fruit–works (1Pet 1:17, Rev 20:12-13)
-Either doing evil or living by truth (John 3:19-21, 5:28-29)
-Our belief (John 5:22-24)
-Jesus and His words (John 12:47-50, Heb 4:12-13)
-All sin (Rom 5:16, Jude 1:15)
-Improper eating of the Lord’s Supper (1Cor 11:27-32)
-The law of freedom (Jam 2:12)
-Our judgment will be based on Jesus Christ (Acts 17:30-31).
-Our judgment will be based on the truth and will be without favoritism (Rom 2:1-11).
-Our judgment will be based on the Scriptures (2Tim 3:16-17, John 12:44-50, Rev 20:12-13)
Since the judgment of God is based on His word, is it the case that those who go beyond that word have presumed on the Lord’s authority?
Yes, I believe they have. But in our efforts to encourage people not to go beyond God’s word, let us not go beyond God’s word ourselves.
True enough, and words worthy of hearing. Nevertheless, if they have, then presumptive actions are damning. With that said it is ALWAYS the case that the Lord will do the condemning and saving; it is our obligation to understand the Lord’s way, live it, and teach it to others.
Indeed. But presumptive actions are not always damning.
In relation to God’s expressed will, what presumptive will is not damning?
I know of two occurrences in the Scriptures where things were done with presumption. In one case, the Lord did not count it against them. In the other case, the Lord blessed the person.
This tells me that God judges presumption based on the person’s heart and their faith. Sometimes He will condemn and other times He will bless.
Perhaps we can talk about those. What did you have in mind?
Great. I will email you.