Truth in Heresy?

So I am studying some things, looking at Christians Behaving Badly. I find there’s a web site or two, of course, where they track things like this. Now it would be easy to follow such things when I’ve had those experiences and thoughts myself. But I see the same people taking what may appear to be liberties with interpretations of the Bible. I won’t give you the web site, because I don’t want to falsely imply that it could in any way be credible. But I will discuss the dilemma because it’s relevant to the cause.

• The writer said, and I’m paraphrasing here, that “The institution of the church will slowly deteriorate until it becomes completely ‘leavened.’” He called this something tantamount to “ordained condemnation” of the church as a whole. He pointed to Matthew 13:33, 1 Corinthians 5:8 and Luke 12:1 as the Scripture to back up this claim. You can read it for yourself. I did. I don’t draw the same conclusions.
• The writer continued in this way saying that “The official church will become so corrupt that it will be beyond reformation.” He cites Luke 6:43 as the source of this conclusion. Again, I don’t see it there, even though I look at many translations. Perhaps one has to jump to the seven letters to seven churches found in the book of Revelation. Those churches have some serious issues. It would seem that they are pretty far gone. But beyond reformation? That’s a pretty strong statement.
• The writer concluded his thoughts by pointing to 2 Corinthians 6:14 and Revelation 18:4. He says that through these verses, “God instructs His faithful servants to ‘come out of her’ versus stay and be overcome due to being unequally yoked.” I have to confess that this was less of a stretch than his first two points. But still, not quite the context that I can find in most Bible translations.

So what’s the point? If this isn’t quite lining up with Scripture, why would I even want to discuss it? Well, like most stretches of Scripture, there is some basis of truth. In this case, I think it’s probably found in 2 Corinthians 6:14-18. It’s Paul, admonishing us about the sinful ways of the world that can infect our churches and our lives. Listen to what he says. “Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can goodness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the Devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever? And what union can there be between God’s temple and idols? For we are the temple of the living God. As God said, ‘I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God and they will be my people. Therefore, come out from them and separate yourselves from them,’ says the Lord. ‘Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you. And I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters,’ says the Lord Almighty.”

This is really cool. What does it really mean? Paul is urging believers to not form partnerships with unbelievers. Earlier (in 1 Corinthians 5:9-10 and 7:12-13), Paul told us not to isolate ourselves from unbelievers or to separate from unbelieving spouses. But he is telling us now not to lock ourselves into personal or business relationships that could cause us to compromise our faith. For those who have discovered God’s light, there can be no fellowship with darkness.

So if we’re dating someone who doesn’t share our beliefs, God says no. If we’re getting into business partnerships with someone who doesn’t share our beliefs, God says no. If our church is becoming corrupt and tolerant of sin, God says no. Isn’t that the point all of us need to take?