- THERAPEUTIC GOSPEL
This is what the Lord Almighty says: “Do not listen to what the prophets are prophesying to you; they fill you with false hopes. They speak visions from their own minds, not from the mouth of the Lord. Jeremiah 23:16 NIV
Therapeutic Gospel is not really a theological term but an umbrella term for the emerging type of spirituality that focuses on emotional wellbeing and self esteem. The major error with this kind of message is that it focuses only on feeling better rather than being made new in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). It speaks of God’s love but avoids topics like sin, repentance, or hell. It often downplays the premise of salvation which is renewal through transformation (Romans 12:2). It is important to mention that this is by no means an effort to downplay the contribution of the advancements that have been made in science through psychological studies, but even though psychology can put language to some of man’s darkest sentiments and thoughts – it can never be a substitute of the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of a yielded vessel.
I say this confidently, although it is unpopular – many find in Christ what others look for in clinical therapy, self or prescriptive medication with an even higher risk of codependency and no guarantee for total recovery. I also know that some individuals have abused and misrepresented the church of Jesus Christ, even causing some of these mental challenges by abusing certain individuals through sexual or material exploitation – therein rendering this claim absurd, even insulting but circumstantial evidence does not cancel or dilute the established divine truth long before we existed to break it. If anything, let God be true and every man a liar (Romans 3:4) Selah.
- HYPER-INTELLECTUALISM
Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools. Romans 1:22 NIV
Finally, hyper-intellectualism is a kind of approach to the Gospel that appeals to the intellect. This school of thought believes that things should be explained through history, logic and science alone to be of any value. The problem with this kind of approach is that it limits God to what is humanly possible and explainable yet scripture tells us that with God NOTHING is impossible. Hyper-intellectualism has also created many apostates, who by desiring wisdom beyond what God intended for one to hold concurrently with transformation, ended up denouncing their first love.
When it comes to revelational knowledge, God does not entrust the secrets of heaven to men whose pride may make them destructive to society or apostates. He does however regard those who, with childlike faith (Matthew 18:3), handle and divide the word of truth faithfully (2 Timothy 2:15) , believe what it says (Hebrews 11:6) and allow it to do in them a work only possible by the Spirit (Romans 15:18). The bottom line is, there is nothing wrong with going for seminary education, by all means let us exercise ourselves in excellence as it relates to the things of God. However, this should never replace the revelational knowledge and meekness of the spirit when we examine divine truths.
God alone is all knowing, and in humility we acknowledge that our knowledge, whether theoretical, academic, scientific or historical, is limited and when all learning is done, let us rest our acquired knowledge on the interpretation of the Spirit who alone is able to mold and make these truths rest in our hearts as a reality.
Child of God, do not receive God’s grace in vain (2 Corinthians 6:1). When help is offered, take it. When scripture speaks on a subject do not attempt to take or add to it to suit your comfort, sit with it, meditate and allow time to be transformed by the “renewal of your mind”. Unlike us humans, God is not in a hurry because He lives outside of time, and if you truly believe in eternity with Him by reason of your salvation through faith, believe along with that – that the work He is doing cannot be rushed because it bears beyond just temporary adjustments but eternity in mind. Hallelujah!
If you have never given your life to Jesus Christ and feel that this is the right time, pray this prayer:
“Lord Jesus, I thank You because You died for my sins, and You were raised for my glory. Today, I receive You as my Lord and Savior. I am born again. Amen.”
