THE POPE AND CHRISTIAN HUMANISM

August 2009 article by Tim Beall

Since last month’s article many things have happened which have emphasized the fact that Jesus Christ must return to the earth soon to establish God’s Kingdom. Look what Paul wrote to Timothy. Tim 3 v 1-5 “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

With this in mind consider this article found in the Daily Telegraph July 8^th. In a speech the Pope condemned the “corruption and illegality” of politicians and businesses across the world as he called for a new order based on common good. He went on to say “Progress will only benefit the world if it is based on Christian Humanism.” Humanism teaches that God does not operate in the affairs of the world. Humanism believes that man can solve his own problems and God is not required. The Pope believes that God put him in charge to direct the affairs of men. So putting himself in God’ place.

So true are the words we read in 2 Thessalonians 2 v 2-4 “That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand. Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.”

So that shows us that “the day of Christ is at hand”. So what else happened since the last article? Hundreds of millions of people watched Michael Jackson’s memorial service. It said that he was the greatest pop idol that ever lived! So what is an idol? An idol – something that is worshipped. Amazingly a recent survey showed that more young people wanted to be pop stars than anything else. So what does the Bible tell us about this? Romans Chap 1 vs 22-24 says: “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever.” Please read the rest of Romans chapter 1.

Sadly that survey went on to say that the life expectancy of those who become pop idols is somewhere between 30 and 40 years. What a contrast - those who worship the true God the Creator and sustainer of all things have so much more to look forward to.

1 Timothy 6 vs 17-19 says: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy; That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate; Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life.”

What a reward to live forever on this earth which is to be beautified and filled with God’s glory when Jesus Christ returns to judge the living and those that are to be raised from the dead.

This may sound incredible but the “signs of the times” have been given by God, in His Word the Bible, so that those who read it can see his plan for this earth working out, not vaguely but exactly as he said it would.

Jesus will return to the earth soon so we urge you to take these things seriously, read God’s word and act upon what you read.