Timeless
Have you ever noticed that some things don’t hold up over time?
I notice this whenever I’m watching an old movie or television show. Because I speak fluent sarcasm, I frequently make smart comments during movies to point out that they are out of date.
For instance, sometimes I’ll say, “Why don’t they just call them on their cell phone? Oh, that’s right, they don’t have one!” or “You know what would have solved this problem—the internet!” (Watching tv and movies with me is fun!)
While my comments are meant to be funny, what I’m really saying is that the drama in this plot no longer rings true with the passage of time. They are not timeless.
This is one of the arguments that many in progressive Christianity give to invalidate the teachings they don’t like in the Bible. They say, “You can’t possibly expect me to base my life on the teachings of an ancient document! That book is outdated! We’ve evolved as a human race and are now more enlightened. There’s no way the teachings in the Bible can be applied today.”
Sadly, these lies lead many people away from God, salvation, and an eternity in Heaven.
The fact is that the teachings in the Bible are timeless because the state of the human condition is timeless.
“The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever.” (Psalm 119:160, ESV)
Although circumstances, methods of doing things, and technology may have changed, the human condition has not.
All men are still born sinners.
Every inclination of every man’s heart is to sin and rebel against God.
Because of sin, all men need a Savior.
Throughout time and eternity, the Bible shows us how we can experience salvation, have a personal relationship with God, and spend eternity in Heaven. That never changes. The plan of salvation is timeless.
Beyond salvation, the Bible teaches us how we can live our lives according to God’s will. This is important because, as the Creator, God knows how the world works. He understands the best way to live in the world He created. Because He loves us, He told us the secrets of His universe in His Word. It’s like an inventor writing an owner’s manual. When we read and obey the Bible, we are following the Creator’s instructions. This leads to our lives being blessed.
"Jesus replied, 'But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.'” (Luke 11:28, NLT)
When we ignore God’s instructions or warnings, we experience the painful consequences of our sins. (Galatians 6:7-8)
Because these “directions” for the universe do not change, so the God’s Word does not change. It can be practically applied at all times.
No matter how the culture changes, God’s Word remains the same. It is timeless. When we base our lives on the Bible's truths, we build our lives on a secure foundation.
Weekly Memory Verse:
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways!
You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Then I shall not be put to shame, having my eyes fixed on all your commandments. (Psalm 119:1-6, ESV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
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