People Aren't Saved by Making the Gospel "Popular"

The Bible is God's message to mankind. It’s divinely inspired (2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21; 2 Peter 3:15-16).

We must never accept anything that alters, redefines, or misapplies God’s Word. 

God's Word is perfect. But that doesn’t mean it’s popular. It always has been and always will be rejected by the majority. 

Yes, large crowds followed Jesus on earth. But He explained that most of them did so for selfish reasons, and, in the end, most people rejected Him—not just Pharisees (John 6; John 7:1-5; John 15:18-21). 

When we know Jesus, we can't help but love Him wholeheartedly, but it should never be our goal to make Him popular with culture. Instead, we must present His character and His gospel accurately, carefully, fully, and without altering it in any way. 

Anyone who changes the slightest truth in God’s Word does so in disobedient pride. We should judge every teacher, preacher, book, and gospel presentation according to biblical accuracy, not popularity. In fact, popularity is sometimes a sign of error.

Ponder the passages below.

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See 10 Facts about False Teachers.

False teachers have always attempted to make the gospel attractive to the world:  

"For such people are false apostles, deceitful workers, 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 also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve." 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

We shouldn't be surprised that people are attracted to slightly altered gospel presentations, especially when those presentations present a false Christ who affirms people instead of calling them to repentance:

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear." 2 Timothy 4:3

No Bible teaching should add beliefs to God's Word or deny beliefs in God's Word. The book of Revelation ends with a strong warning not to add to or subtract from the prophecies presented in Revelation, and while this command specifically addresses Revelation, it's a principle that applies to all things in God's divine Word (Revelation 22:18-19).

Bible Love Notes