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"Changing Popular Misconceptions"

Jarrod Jacobs

Someone once said, "There is no task more difficult than that of changing a popular misconception." This is certainly a true statement. Humans are so geared toward routines, that when someone comes along and challenges what has been universally accepted, most people tend to continue in what they are doing. This is because it is easier to continue what you are doing (right or wrong) than it is to change. Truly, "there is no task more difficult than that of changing a popular misconception."

The Birthday Of Christ

Consider for a moment the popular misconception that Jesus was born on December 25th. This is almost universally accepted by many "religious" people. Why is this? Because it is a popular misconception in our society. The birthday of Christ has been ascribed to every month in the year over the past 2000 years. Still, no one knows when it was. Some may rationalize that it is "fun" or some kind of "spiritual" act to celebrate the birthday of Christ. Nothing could be further from the truth. There are many misconceptions associated with this event:

1) That Christ was born on December 25th. Based on Luke's account, it is more likely that Jesus was born during the spring or summer months (Lk. 2:8).

2) That the shepherds followed a star in order to find the baby. This is also not true. The sign they looked for was a "babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger" (Lk. 2:12). The wise men only followed the star (Matt. 2:2).

3) That the wise men visited and worshipped Christ on the day of His birth, and that there were three of them. We do not know the number of men there, nor could we begin to know their names. The wise men first came to Jerusalem (Matt. 2:1), and when they could not find Him, went to Bethlehem (Matt. 2:4-5). As a result, Herod decreed that all baby boys up to age two be put to death (Matt. 2:16). Why do this if the wise men came the night of the Lord's birth? Herod, as well as the others, would know that any two-year-old boy would be too old! Matthew 2:11 says the wise men came "into the house." Joseph, Mary, and Jesus were not in the stable as they were when the shepherds came (Lk. 2:15-16). By the time the wise men arrived, Joseph and Mary had Jesus circumcised, had been to Jerusalem to offer a sacrifice, been blessed by Simeon and Anna, and now had returned to Bethlehem (Lk. 2:21-38).

4) Another misconception lies in the belief that Jesus ever wanted men to celebrate His birth. Throughout the New Testament, continued emphasis is placed upon His death, not His birth! When Jesus instituted the Lord's Supper, it was to "shew the Lord's DEATH till he come" (I Cor. 11:26). If Jesus had died of old age, His birth would have meant nothing. It was the fact that He died that sacrificial death on the cross for the sins of mankind that gives His birth meaning. We are to remember his death through baptism (Rom. 6:3-4), through our partaking of the Lord's Supper (Matt. 26:26-28), and in our preaching (I Cor. 15:1-2). We live for Christ because He died for us (II Cor. 5:14-15). This is what needs to be emphasized in our society, and not His supposed birthday.

All Churches Are Alike

This is another misconception among many. Some have the misconception that as long as one is a part of some kind of "church" then they are pleasing in the sight of God. I have heard more than one preacher on TV speak in high tones of "diversity" and how each church gives the Lord's church a unique flavor. Maybe they like their spiritual poison with a "flavor," but I do not want it in any form!

When the Lord talked about churches, He spoke of only one -- His church! He promised to build His church in Matthew 16:18. When the gospel was preached on Pentecost, those who responded to the gospel were baptized for the remission of sins (Acts 2:36-41). The Lord then added these people to His church (Acts 2:47).

When the apostle wrote about the Lord's church, he said, "For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church: and he is the saviour of the body.... the church is subject unto Christ .... Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish" (Eph. 5:23-27). Notice the singular nature of the Lord's church. He died for and established only ONE! Paul compares Christ and the church to a husband and wife. Now, if one says that Jesus is pleased with, and has established many churches, then could we not also say that a man has the right to multiple wives? If not, why not?

In other places, Christ and the church are compared to a man's head and his body (Col. 1:18, 24; Eph. 1:22-23). There is only one body (Eph. 4:4), and only one head (Col. 1:18). To say that Christ is head over a multiplicity of churches is akin to saying that one head can control multiple bodies! Have we seen anyone that had their head attached to two or more bodies? Ridiculous, isn't it?

Now, which church did Christ establish, did He die for, and is one day coming to receive? It is the church of Christ (Rom. 16:16). The church which belongs to Him! Seeing that this is true, let us not be fooled by the popular misconceptions in our day, but follow the truth, God's word, that tells us which church is pleasing in God's sight (Jn. 17:17).

God Will Save All Who Are "Good."

In other words, so long as one is morally pure, and adheres to the laws of the land, most people think such a one will go to Heaven. This is not true. In the Bible, there was someone who was a moral, upright man in the community. Yet, God looked upon him as being lost. In fact, not only did God consider him a lost man; but he also realized that he was lost! (A rare thing these days.) This man was Cornelius.

Cornelius was described as a "devout man, and one that feared God with all his house, which gave much alms to the people, and prayed to God alway" (Acts 10:2). Yet, in spite of his goodness to the community, his being a devout (reverent, pious, godly) man, God told him to send for Peter. The reason: "He shall tell thee what thou oughtest to do" (Acts 10:6). Cornelius needed to know what to do to be saved, and Peter was going to tell him. When Peter arrived, Cornelius was told, "In every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him" (Acts 10:35). Cornelius was told "the word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all)" (Acts 10:36). Cornelius was taught that Jesus died on the cross, was buried and arose the third day (Acts 10:38-40). He was taught the necessity of believing in Christ as the son of God, and was commanded to be baptized (Acts 10:48).

Cornelius and his household (Acts 10:24, 33) consented, and after doing these things, they were saved. Peter at no time told him that he was secure in his present condition. Morality alone will not save. It takes the shed blood of Christ to save men (Matt. 26:28; Eph. 1:7; Rev. 1:5). One is cleansed by the blood of Christ when he is baptized for the remission of sins, having believed on Christ as the Son of God, repented of his sins, and confessed Him before men (Acts 22:16, 2:38; Jn. 8:24; Lk. 13:3; Matt. 10:32; I Pet. 3:21; Rom. 6:3-5, 16-18). This is what it takes! Regardless of what the people of this world might or might not say, let us follow the Lord's will. Let us be found changing our attitudes for the better that we might be found pleasing in the sight of God!

Misconceptions Concerning Sin

There are many misconceptions about sin today that must be changed. Some seem to think that: 1) It is not sin as long as no one knows it. 2) It is not sin if everyone else is doing it. 3) It is not sin as long as it is "legal." 4) It is not sin if you know someone who does "worse." 5) It is not sin as long as no one gets hurt. 6) It is not sin if it is "fun."

Actually, nothing could be further from the truth. Sin is a transgression of the law (I Jn. 3:4). Even if no man sees us, God has seen our deeds (Prov. 15:3). Just because man legalizes sin does not justify it (Acts 5:29)! Unfortunately, we have a generation of people who are confused about this. Sin is a terrible, horrible thing which will ultimately send one to an eternity in Hell if they are not forgiven by God. Regardless of man's idea of of sin, God sees all sin the same, and sin in our lives will spiritually destroy us (Rom. 6:23). Therefore, it is our responsibility to turn to God and follow His word before it is too late (II Cor. 6:2; Acts 22:16). Let us not being misled by the false doctrines and opinions of men! Let us follow God's will alone!

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