First as a Secret
Posted by: forthrightmag <forthrightmag@...>
http://www.forthright.net
Going straight to the Cross
If the God's people tolerate it, the secret sin
becomes public practice.
First as a Secret
by J. Randal Matheny
"Cursed is the man who carves an image or casts an
idol -- a thing detestable to the Lord, the work
of the craftsman's hands -- and sets it up in
secret" (Deuteronomy 27:15a NIV).
When the societal climate disapproves, the sinner
practices his wrongdoing in secret. As the general
attitude loosens, the sinner becomes braver and
dares to make his sin public because he knows he
can find acceptance and support.
So the homosexual comes "out of the closet," as
gay activists put it.
The adulterer assumes leadership positions in the
church.
The scholar says all churches are pretty much the
same, just historical manifestations of human
efforts.
The preacher says all those good people who claim
Jesus as Savior are saved.
The elders say the use of instruments of music as
worship is no big deal, and people are free to use
them (except maybe not on Sundays).
The verse quoted above was the first of a series
of curses which Moses commanded the people to
pronounce on Mount Ebal. After each curse all they
people were to shout "Amen!" (see Deut. 27:14-26).
Moses was establishing what God's people would not
-- should not -- tolerate in their midst.
Maybe, just maybe, we need to brush off that list
of curses and decide what it is in the church of
God that we, by Scriptural light, will not
tolerate. Before the water gets so tepid that
anybody can jump in and do as they please.
The secrets are coming out. Will they become the
standard? Or will we say amen to God's curses on
those who snub their noses at his law in order
that his will may prevail in our midst?
"Cursed is the man who does not uphold the words
of this law by carrying them out. Then all the
people shall say, 'Amen!'"