Resurrection Day: Now is not the Time for Compromise!

We live in a day where we see a cultural shift in every nation. In America, it is apparent that its foundational Judeo-Christian roots do not appear as strong or healthy as they once were. Pastors are now condoning things once unheard of a mere generation or two ago. In one sense, it is apparent that the change is a result of ministry leaders who have embraced a “progressive” philosophy. However, this “progressive” philosophy runs contrary to an uncompromising gospel. In another sense, this change is a result of some who believe that the church must change to remain relevant to a changing world. This too conflicts with an unchanging God and gospel. 

As we are entering one of the High Holy seasons for the Church, one pastor and ministry has come under fire for a decision made regarding how the Holy Week is marketed. The decision to not use the term “resurrection”, “blood of Jesus” and other Biblical language was deemed either offensive, unattractive, or confusing language to the “unchurched.” It’s so interesting that we’re seeing this just a few short years after many churches declared their offense at the world’s use of “X-mas” in place of Christmas. This is the clearest example of the influence the world has over the Church as opposed to the other way around. 

Depending upon which translation of the Bible you use, you will find that the word resurrection is used between 35-60 times. Jesus told his followers that he is the resurrection. This makes sense to many today, and some will justify the compromise, claiming that he is speaking to his followers. However, once you get into the book of the Acts of the Apostles, there are countless examples where the word resurrection is spoken of to those without any frame of reference for what the resurrection is or means. 

Paul would say, “If anyone comes to you proclaiming any other gospel, let them be accursed (Galatians 1:8&9).” Watering down the gospel or its language is not the way to draw someone seeking a loving God and savior. It’s a sugar-coated compromise. It’s fishing with a rusty hook. 

There must remain a standard for God’s people and the gospel. If we compromise language to become “attractive” or “unoffensive,” what are we communicating about the power of the gospel? The gospel is a sword that cuts. A sword that has lost its edge is ineffective and unfit for use in the same way that salt that loses its savor and is only fit to be trodden underfoot (Matthew 5:13). The gospel is meant to be a light that draws people out of the darkness but if the light is not allowed to be fully illuminated, who can find their way out of the darkness (Matthew 5:14-16)? 

The Holy Week is when the world should know that a loving God gave all and came out victorious, defeating death, hell, and the grave. His sacrifice paved the way so that we too can experience and know the power of resurrection. Yet, if we are afraid or unwilling to speak of it in the fullness that Jesus himself did, how can we hope to see transformation in the world we claim we want to see changed? 

Now is not a time for compromise. Now is the time to be salt and light. Just as there is power in the blood, there is power in the word and language we use. Let us shore up the foundations so that the church remains strong and an example of an unshakable Kingdom.