Biblical Beliefs Declining

This was Sunday’s headline in the Christian Post:

60% of adults under 40 say Jesus isn’t only way to salvation;
equal to Buddha, Muhammad

In a recent study of so-called “born again Christians” in the US between the ages of 18 and 39, more than 60% said they believed “that Buddha, Muhammad, and Jesus are all valid paths to salvation.”

The same study found that over 30% believed that “Jesus sinned just like other people when He lived on Earth or aren’t sure.”

The study detailed a “striking decline” in evangelical circles regarding religious beliefs and practices in just the past 10 years. This includes a Biblical understanding of the nature of God, the accuracy of the Bible, the reality of Satan, and objective morality.

They cited a “startling degradation” of a basic “Biblical world view” among professed “Christians” in the past 10 years. Not surprisingly, the drop-off has been greater among the general population.

Kerby Anderson, president of Probe Ministries, attributes the decline to the “continual and growing influence of media.”

Anderson further suggests that church leaders are just assuming that their members have a Biblical worldview and are failing to teach and preach basic Biblical doctrines.

Knowing the majority of our reader base, you may be thinking, “Well, that’s not a problem among us.” However, we may be surprised, especially among the under 40 age group.

In recent years, we have seen young people from that demographic reject the Christian beliefs taught by their parents, leave the church, and renounce fundamental Bible teaching. Many have turned to an ecumenism that is less restrictive and satisfies their personal wants, wishes, and desires.

While it is true that some will fall away from the faith regardless of how well-grounded they once were by solid, sound, Bible teaching both at home and in the local church, isn’t it fair to ask, “Are we emphasizing Bible basics to a young generation?’

With so many “hot topics” that address “relevant needs” in our culture, it may be tempting to neglect age-old subjects that are fundamental to Christian growth and maturity.

• The nature, characteristics, and personality of God.
• The deity of Jesus.
• The work of the Holy Spirit.
• God’s plan for man’s salvation.
• The work, worship, and organization of the New Testament church.
• The authority of God’s Word.
• Evidences for our faith.

You can probably add to this list of important, vital topics necessary to grow a strong faith.

A biblical worldview that filters our education, vocation, morality, relationships, citizenship, and home life through the lens of God’s Word is essential. This view is founded on these basic beliefs:

• God is the Creator (Gen. 1-2)
• Jesus Christ is the Son of God and is the only way to the Father (Matt. 17:5; Jn. 14:1-6).
• The Bible is the inspired Word of God revealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 3:1-5).
• Truth is absolute (Jn. 8:32; 17:17; 2 Tim 3:16-17).
• Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus alone (Ro. 5:1-2; Rom. 6:1-23; Eph. 2:1-10; Ax. 4:12).
• Morality is defined by God, not culture or circumstances (Rom. 12:1-2; Gal. 5:16-26).

Furthermore, these fundamentals must be expressed in word and in deed by the Golden Rule and the two great commandments.

Treat others as you want them to treat you (Matt. 7:12, CEV)

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:37-40, ESV).

Parents, preachers, pastors, and churches all need to be teaching these fundamentals to the next generation. And living according to them ourselves. Doing so will make a difference in our homes, churches, and the world around us.

“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman