When Jesus speaks of the Father and the Son making their home in the believer’s heart, a word of caution is in place. While this is often called mysticism, it is worlds apart from the heathen kind. In one way or another New Age mystics teach that sinners can achieve an immediate or direct oneness with God—and even become God oneself as (they say) Jesus “became” God. Simply put, Christian friends, that is false teaching.
Note carefully Jesus teaches that the Father and the Son make their home with those who “keep” God’s words. Elsewhere the Savior adds: “Blessed are they that hear the Word of God and keep [treasure, obey] it” (Luke 11:28). St. Paul teaches: “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17). It’s clear that the indwelling of which the Savior speaks takes place through the vehicle or agency of the Word of God.
Jesus adds: “…and the word which you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me.” This is yet another passage which teaches the Bible is the verbally inspired Word of God. It also makes clear there is an inseparable link between that Word and true Christianity.
An instructor at a Christian college told how he was saddened by what some of his students were writing in a religion class. They would say they believe in Jesus, but not the Bible. One student wrote: “I believe in Jesus, but I do not believe the Bible is the Word of God. It is the word of man, imperfect, judgmental, and overzealous.” That’s like saying a person can pick and choose what he or she wants to believe.
Beware then of any New Age mysticism which downplays the Bible as the Truth of God, or suggests one can attain a “oneness” with God apart from Bible teaching.
O mighty Rock, O Source of Life,
Let Your dear Word, in doubt and strife,
In us be strongly burning,
That we be faithful unto death
And live in love and holy faith,
From You true wisdom learning.
Your grace and peace
On us shower
By Your power Christ confessing,
Let us see our Savior’s blessing.
(Lutheran Service Book, 913:3) |
