The Controversy of the “Wheat & the Tares” No other parable of Christ has caused such controversy in the church. (Matthew 13:24-30) How do we reconcile Jesus’ caution to allow the tares to grow side-by-side with the wheat “lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them” with His own actions against false brethren, religious hypocrites and Spiritual tares ? This lone statement (Vr. 29) seems to contradict countless scriptural examples of Godly men doing just that? How do we reconcile this statement with the actions of the prophets, Jesus, the apostles, church reformers and countless men and women of God who took a stand against spiritual hypocrisy, false teaching and false teachers in the church? How do we reconcile it with many passages that exhort us to do just that? Occasionally I hear this passage trumpeted by those who oppose any attempts to reprove, correct or expose false teachers, spiritual darkness and falsehood within the church as being negative, harmful and counter-productive. On the surface, their objections seem like a simple, “shut and closed’ case against any form of interference with the tares. By their interpretation, we would have to avoid doing anything harmful to the tares lest we damage the wheat in the process - we would have to reject any form of correction or reproof or warning or judgement in the church. We would have to accept a prohibition against church discipline. We would have to peacefully “co-exist” with them with a “hands off” attitude of passive acceptance and tolerance. But, in order to do so, we would have to casually ignore and even contradict countless scriptural and biblical examples to the contrary. Scripture cannot contradict Scripture; even a simpleton realizes this and the fact that God cannot contradict Himself. So where does the truth lie? First of all, let’s make this absolutely 20/20 clear as crystal clear! Highlight it; underline it; print it out in big, bold face letters; “The “Field” in this parable is not the “Church” - it is the world.” (Vr. 38) A failure to recognize this essential point is where much of the problem begins. Secondly, the tares are not fellow believers; “they are the children of the wicked one.” (Vrs. 38) Paul made it clear that our judgement is not against this world but reserved for those within the church “for those who are outside God judges.” (I Peter 4:17 & I Corinthians 5:12 & 13) This parable gives instructions for the church living in the world. We live, breath, and share the world with unbelievers, but we are not to rid the world of unbelievers or any of those “rotten sinners.” Our battle is not to root out the evil from the world whether it be men, institutions or ideaologies. Our battle is not against “flesh & blood” or the evil tares of this world. We have not been called to force our political agendas (whether it’s the papacy or the “Moral Majority”), foment Christian jihads, legislate morality, kill unbelievers in the name of God or “calling down fire from heaven” on those who persecute us. Historically, we have many examples of the church doing this (Think; the Inquisition, papal politics, witch hunts, crusades, holy wars, pogroms, church and state religion, Christian politics etc.) The churchs mission is not political - believers are not called to destroy anything. Our realm of responsibility is not in the political or governmental arena. We are not called to be political “rooters” or social reformers. Historically, when the church has gone on one of its moralistic crusades against the world, inevitable confusion, wars, murder, oppression, chaos, bloodshed, hatred and the distortion of the gospel resulting in the detriment of the church and its real mission in the earth. His kingdom is not of this world and our battle is not against “flesh & Blood” or the institutions of this world. If it was, Jesus would have done things very differently. Quite the contrary - We have been given many examples of taking a stand against evil in the church, and even “rooting it out” if you will. We have been repeatedly warned to have nothing to do with false teachers and those who corrupt other believers. This “rooting of the tares” within the church comes in the form of warnings, dis-fellowship, correction, reproof and rebuke: Indeed, we are commanded to; “CLEAN OUT the old leaven so that you may be a new lump, just as you are in fact unleavened.” (Vr. 5:7 ) Then, when referring again to the incestuous Christians Paul adds; “Therefore PUT AWAY FROM YOURSELVES the evil person.” (Vr. 13) ☛ And I will keep on doing what I am doing in order to CUT the ground (Gr. ekkopto: to cut or strike out) from under those who want an opportunity to be considered equal with us in the things they boast about. For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, masquerading as apostles of Christ. And no wonder, for Satan himself masquerades as an angel of light. It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness.” ☛ “Now we command you, brethren...that you WITHDRAW from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us.” (II Thessalonians 3:6) ☛ “And if any man obey not our word...note that man, and HAVE NO COMPANY WITH HIM that he may be ashamed.” (II Thess. 5:14) ☛ “If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which accords with godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing...destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. FROM SUCH WITHDRAW YOURSELF.” (I Timothy 6:3-5) ☛ “But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come; For men will be lovers of themselves....lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God, having a form of Godliness but denying its power. AND FROM SUCH PEOPLE TURN AWAY.” (II Timothy 3:1-5) ☛ “REJECT a divisive man after the first and second warning, knowing that such a person is warped and sinning, being self-condemned.” (Titus 3:10 & 11) ☛ “For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of the Lord.” (I Peter 4:17a) ☛ “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, DO NOT RECEIVE HIM INTO YOUR HOUSE (speaking of early church meetings) nor greet him; for he who greets him (welcomes and embraces him to fellowship) shares in his evil deeds.” (II John 2:10 & 11)
Posted on: Mon, 08 Dec 2014 05:55:28 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015