James 1:13 Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
This passage of scripture teaches us that there is an incubation period which takes place before a person falls into open sin, and this process begins with a cherished evil desire that has never been let go, but rather has been cultivated in our hearts, waiting for the opportune time to find expression in sinful actions. As a matter of fact, sin is a disease of the mind, and a long process unknown to the world takes place in our intellect, before we commit open sin. This is what is referred to as the principle of gradualism, by which a sinful seed is sown, then goes on to germination, and then the fruit of what has been sown and cultivated blossoms into outright transgression.
This same principle is often used by the adversary of souls, who introduces us to "Cool-aid" that has been laced with just a little bit of error, and as he sees it accepted by the multitudes, he ups the ante, and increases the dosage gradually, so that the incremental effects of the deadly poison are hardly seen or felt. Then when the opportune moment arises, he offloads the full dosage, so that those who have subscribed to his methods of gradualism, are overwhelmed and overthrown, little knowing that the process of ensnaring the soul had begun long before. And after he has gripped us firmly in his coils, then his original smiling face turns to a deadly frown, for now he is sure of his victims. Let's read:
[Early Writings pp. 152>153] I was shown Satan as he once was, a happy, exalted angel. Then I was shown him as he now is. He still bears a kingly form. His features are still noble, for he is an angel fallen. But the expression of his countenance is full of anxiety, care, unhappiness, malice, hate, mischief, deceit, and every evil. That brow which was once so noble, I particularly noticed. His forehead commenced from his eyes to recede. I saw that he had so long bent himself to evil that every good quality was debased, and every evil trait was developed.
His eyes were cunning, sly, and showed great penetration. His frame was large, but the flesh hung loosely about his hands and face. As I beheld him, his chin was resting upon his left hand. He appeared to be in deep thought. A smile was upon his countenance, which made me tremble, it was so full of evil and satanic slyness. This smile is the one he wears just before he makes sure of his victim, and as he fastens the victim in his snare, this smile grows horrible.
This is exactly what has been taking place over the years in many of the protestant churches of Christendom, for paganism and spiritualism were gradually introduced to the churches under various guises such as inclusiveness, and ecumenism. And as the teachings and practices of paganism were embraced by the fallen churches, satan then increased the dosage of errors and false doctrines, to the point where many of the protestant and evangelical churches now boast of a liberal brand of Christianity, which currently has incorporated pride, rebellion, and political correctness, all in one big blend of popular theology which is neither recognized nor endorsed by God, or the scriptures.
This new theology is well tailor-made to suit itching ears, for the masses of people are willing to pay for it, and support any ministry that gives them license to do whatsoever they please, whilst claiming to be Christians. Let's read:
2nd Corinthians 11:3 But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he that cometh preacheth another Jesus, whom we have not preached, or if ye receive another spirit, which ye have not received, or another gospel, which ye have not accepted, ye might well bear with him.
For instance, the doctrine which proposes that all Christians unite under the banner of faith in Christ, and just agree to the main tenets of Christianity, is a satanic doctrine concocted in the laboratories of hell, and should be shunned like the plague, and understood for what it really is. The true people of God are described in the Bible as being a peculiar people, meaning that they should not allow the popular, majority opinion to sway their beliefs either this way or that. Furthermore, any claim to belief in Christ, which is not accompanied by obedience, and total self-surrender, is a farce, and as such will doom its subscribers to a very rude awakening, when they realize to late that the "Salvation bus" has come and left them behind.
Matthew 25:1 Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 6 And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. 11 Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. 12 But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not. 13 Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh. 30 "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Let us therefore not settle for any generic brand of Christianity that includes or fosters gradual change in favor of paganism, or which encourages us to view God's commands and warnings in a light manner, but let us rather seek to be instructed in the word of God, being enabled and led by His Holy Spirit, to walk in the paths of righteousness and peace. We therefore end with a passage of scripture which delineates the will of God in this matter, for it has always been His purpose to cleanse everyone of us from all defilement of sin. Let's read:
Ephesians 4:11 And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; 12 For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ. 13 Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ. 14 That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; 15 But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ.
May God add His blessing to the study and practice of His word. "Good night" and God bless!