In Acts 5, we read of a man named Gamaliel, a Pharisee on the Jewish council, that stopped a near mob scene that could have resulted in the death of the apostles. The council had just been "cut to the quick" (Acts 5:33) by the apostles' inspired message and wanted to kill them on the spot. However, Gamaliel stood up at the time, and commanded them to put the apostles outside for a little while (Acts 5:34 NKJV). What did Gamaliel say to prevent the council from acting on its rage?
He gave two examples of how certain movements died out because the leaders of such were killed. "And now I say to you, keep away from these men and let them alone; for if this plan or this work is of men, it will come to nothing; but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it—lest you even be found to fight against God" (Acts 5:38,39). This was a wise and logical argument, and is certainly true. The doctrine of the apostles was from God and endures to this day, and will never pass away (Matthew 24:35). However, some take this argument and try to apply it to others things that are not true. They may say that God must be okay with the Muslim religion of Islam because it has been around since A.D. 600. Or that God accepts religious denominational organizations because they have been around for about 500 years, and both show no signs of ceasing.
Although what Gamaliel said was true about Christianity, that argument cannot be equally applied to all things. If such were the case, then one could say that God is okay with the devil because he has been around since the creation of the world. But Scripture tells us that God will punish the devil in everlasting fire (Matthew 25:41). One cannot say that God accepts denominationalism because His word condemns it: There is one body (Ephesians 4:4a), not many. Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them (Romans 16:16). Since denominations teach different doctrines, we are not to have anything to do with them. Furthermore, one cannot say that Islam is "of God" since it denies the deity of Christ. And every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist (1 John 4:3a).
The fact is God is longsuffering with people. Because He loves everyone, He does not want any to perish; rather, God wants everyone to live with Him in heaven forever! The apostle Peter noted God's patience when scoffers were saying, "Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation." Peter answered saying God will indeed come and judge the world just as He did in the days of Noah, when He brought a flood upon the ungodly. The scoffers thought they could keep living as they were because God had let things go on for so long. But Peter said, The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Therefore, people cannot assume that God approves of their sinful lifestyle since they have lived in such a way for a long time. No, God is longsuffering, and every sunrise is another opportunity he gives men to repent and do His revealed will. God's patience is not consent as some may think: Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil (Ecclesiastes 8:11). May we have a heart to teach what is and what is not of God so that others can know the truth. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32).
Brotherly, Jamie
