Is religion a theory?
What is a theory? There are several definitions. The one we may be most familiar with is that a theory is a speculative idea as opposed to a factual one. Going one step further, a theory is a proposed explanation which needs to be proved by experimentation; and thus, by this method, it can be proven as to whether it can be regarded as a fact, such as scientific theories.
However, there is a third definition, one which we will focus on in this article. It is: a particular conception or view of something to be done or of the method of doing it. Basically, it can be described as a system of rules or principles.
Ellen White wrote about two theories of life. Only two. And this includes the entire world. She used two very familiar people in the Bible to describe these two theories.
“Paul and Nero face to face!–the youthful monarch bearing upon his sin-stamped countenance the shameful record of the passions that reigned within; the aged prisoner’s calm and benignant face telling of a heart at peace with God and man. The results of opposite systems of training and education stood that day contrasted,–the life of unbounded self-indulgence and the life of utter self-sacrifice. Here were the representatives of two religions,–Christianity and paganism; the representatives of two theories of life,–the simplicity of self-denying endurance, ready to give up life itself, if need be, for the good of others, and the luxury of all-absorbing selfishness, that counts nothing too valuable to sacrifice for a momentary gratification; the representatives of two spiritual powers,–the ambassador of Christ and the slave of Satan. Their relative position showed to what extent the course of this world was under the rule of the prince of darkness. The wretch whose soul was stained with incest and matricide, was robed in purple, and seated upon the throne, while the purest and noblest of men stood before the judgment-seat, despised, hated, and fettered.” –Sketches From the Life of Paul, p. 312–313
There is a powerful contrast in this quote. Each person is either an ambassador for Christ or a slave of Satan. Although Satan claims to have a better system of government, we are shown the depths of depravity that people end up in when they choose to become his slave.
The word, “theories,” used in this quote, clearly are not speculative theories. They are factual theories; two opposite systems of principles and rules, which is consistent with the third definition mentioned needing scientific experimentation to prove them to be true.
Last Sabbath, in the divine service, Brother Evald Pedersen made mention of Alexander the Great and what he accomplished in life and what a miserable end he had after the short life that he lived. He compared Alexander to another Man who also lived nearly the same amount of years on this earth, but had a completely different theory on life. This man was Jesus.
The two theories on life resulted from two different upbringings. Alexander was raised surrounded by wealth as was Nero, but they were also surrounded by corruption. Their lives were filled with pride, anger, and hatred. Alexander had gained the world, but none of his children benefitted from his wealth. Wherever he went, he was feared. He conquered the world through force, evil, and fear.
Jesus was born in poverty. He worked hard every day during his childhood in the carpenter’s shop. His life was quite different. It was filled with joy, love, and peace. He did not seem to gain the whole world politically, but He was able to win the heart of man and set up His kingdom there by using only love. He conquered through love.
However, it has been proven over and over again that a person can change and not remain as a product of their upbringing (whether evil to good, or good to evil). There are two great powers working behind the scenes a person can decide to move from following one leader to the other any time, although the change may not be easy as Satan does not give up his prey without a fight.
The two theories of life mentioned in the above quote are described as “Christianity and paganism.”
In the Old Testament the two theories were Jew or Gentile. In the New Testament, nearly the same, but called Christianity and Paganism. What about today? Is there only two?
When Ellen White wrote the statement there were multiple Christian churches existing with a variety of standards and there still are today. But, there is still only two theories in life—genuine Christianity, and all else is pagan, regardless what name they call themselves.
The dictionary describes a Pagan as: “relating to the worship or worshipers of any religion that is neither Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim.” https://www.dictionary.com/browse/pagan
Interesting. So how do we reconcile this definition with what Ellen White said that there are only two—Christianity and Paganism? Are Jews or Muslims not pagan? These three religious groups claim to be worshippers of God. However, not all adherents are understanding the true theory of salvation.
In Romans 2:28–29, the apostle Paul gives a definition of a true Jew. “For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh: But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.“ Also, “they are not all Israel, which are of Israel.” Romans 9:6. Being a true Jewish person has nothing to do with bloodlines. It has everything to do with Christ living within. “Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27
Although the Muslim religion has many things wrong that they have extracted from the Koran, the basic principle of their faith is absolute submission to a unique and personal god, Allah, who to them is the supreme being; God.
Anyone who serves God, sincerely and wholeheartedly, according to Biblical principles, is not Pagan. We could add to the dictionary definition and state that a pagan is a worshiper of any religion that is neither true Christian, Jewish, nor Muslim. Any sincere follower of God will be led into the full truth. They will not be left in darkness in a fallen religious body. When convicted of the truth they will leave their fallen religion and will be led into contact with God’s church. Thus, anyone who does not put God first in their lives is Pagan, regardless what religion they belong to even if in God’s church.
Here is a clarification about the two theories of Life: “There are only two classes in the world today, and only two classes will be recognized in the judgment–those who violate God’s law and those who obey it. Christ gives the test by which to prove our loyalty or disloyalty. ‘If ye love Me,’ He says, ‘keep My commandments. . . . He that hath My commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me. And he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him. . . . ’ John 14:15, 21.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 283
Simply said, the one class obey the law of God through a genuine motive of love. The other class do not keep the commandments. Those who outwardly obey, grudgingly, are being disobedient. “For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments: and His commandments are not grievous.” 1 John 5:3
You can go on the Internet and find a multitude of Christian theories regarding salvation. They each teach different theories, and have different standards, but all claim to lead you to heaven. They all use the same Bible to develop their theories. Many misinterpret the scriptures. However, any theory that is not 100% Biblical based, we can state is pagan, as it is false religion.
Other religions do not have so many variants (Hindu, Muslim, Buddhist etc.) as does Christianity—from one Bible. Satan leaves them alone in their darkness and has sought to create confusion in any religion that claims to be based on Christ—Christianity.
Here are two common false theories in the Christian world:
“Satan deceives many with the plausible theory that since God’s love for His people is so great, He will excuse sin in them; that while the threatenings of God’s Word are to serve a certain purpose in His moral government, they are never to be literally fulfilled.” But the truth is, “In His dealings with His creatures, God has maintained the principles of righteousness by revealing sin in its true character—by demonstrating that its sure result is misery and death. The unconditional pardon of sin never has been
and never will be. Such pardon would show the abandonment of the principles of righteousness that are the very foundation of the government of God.” –Christ Triumphant, p. 139. While we understand this is incorrect, have we ever thought this way? God understands my weakness and will forgive even if I sin over and over again? Be careful to search your own heart before you condemn others.
One of the strongest false theories circulating in false Christian circles is that the law of God has been done away with, or has been altered. Some have added multiple man-made rules to the law, while others state it is no longer binding. “Satan has been persevering and untiring in his efforts to prosecute the work he began in heaven, to change the law of God. He has succeeded in making the world believe the theory he presented in heaven before his fall, that the law of God was faulty and needed revising. A large part of the professed Christian church, by their attitude, if not by their words, show that they have accepted the same error.” But the truth is, “if in one jot or tittle the law of God has been changed, Satan has gained on earth that which he could not gain in heaven. He has prepared his delusive snare, hoping to take captive the church and the world.” Thankfully, “not all will be taken in the snare. A line of distinction is being drawn between the children of obedience and the children of disobedience, the loyal and true and the disloyal and untrue. Two great parties are developed, the worshipers of the beast and his image, and the worshipers of the true and living God.” –Manuscript Releases, vol. 17, p. 8–9. Again, only two parties exist on this earth, the worshipers of the beast and the worshipers of God.
I ask you to consider your thoughts. Do you think that there are teachings in your local church that you believe are faulty and need revising? Do you feel they are too strict and old fashioned in their interpretation of the law, and need to be updated to keep up with the times in which we live? We are not exempt from attempting to create different theories in God’s church either. It is in God’s church that Satan is making his greatest attacks, trying to create the greatest confusion. And, although we may outwardly agree with, and comply with, the standards of the church, what is it we do in secret? What is the thought process in our hearts and minds?
TRUE THEORY OF SALVATION
We need to understand the true theory (system of rules or principles) of salvation. Although, as was mentioned, in the world there are only two theories of life—Christian and Pagan—in Christianity, and even in the church of God, you will find two theories of servitude.
They are:
1) What do I have to give up if I follow Jesus? (The burden of service)
2) What will I gain if I follow Jesus? (The joy of service)
In the first, the main focus of their faith is on all the things that they have to give up, to deny themselves in their religious walk. Little talk is mentioned about the love of Jesus, and they view the standards as a necessary burden for salvation. Some have little joy and are always moaning and groaning about their hard lot in life, while others are boasting about their goodness and the denials they made in order to live up to the standards (as did the Pharisee in the temple in Luke 18:10). In the second, the focus is on what we gain. We gain much and the standards are a joy to keep as we can see how the standards are meant as a blessing. From the false theory (#1) man has created many more theories resulting in many different Christian organizations to suit any lifestyle a person chooses to live.
What question did you ask yourself on your baptism day? What thought predominates your life now? I am a Christian, so I do not do this, or that. I do not drink, smoke, eat meat, dress immodestly, break the Sabbath, etc. Or do we think of, and talk a lot about, what I gain—peace, happiness, health, salvation? The joy of salvation is understanding that the things we are asked to give up are really not good for us anyway, and thus are given up with joy.
Both groups give to Jesus and serve Jesus. The first one gives and serves grudgingly, doing as little as possible, as little as they think will suffice for them to gain salvation. The second one gives and serves joyfully, doing as much as possible and they give all, and still do not think they have given enough.
The first group gets anxious and blames God when things go wrong. The second group can be like Job, and praise God at all times, even when things go wrong. “The LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” Job 1:21. We ought to pray for the Lord to help us in every trial because He may not remove the trial. The trial may be for our benefit.
When the apostle Paul asked the Lord to remove the thorn in his flesh, the Lord answered, “No”; and then went on to say, “My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” 2 Corinthians 12:9. Then Paul added, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” –Ibid.
“If we love Jesus, we shall love to live for Him, to present our thank offerings to Him, to labor for Him. The very labor will be light. For His sake we shall covet pain and toil and sacrifice. We shall sympathize with His longing for the salvation of men. We shall feel the same tender craving for souls that He has felt.
“This is the religion of Christ. Anything short of it is a deception.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 49–50
THEORY AND PRACTICE
Correct theory is important; however, theory without practice is useless. The correct theory (Joy of service), will always lead to correct practice. The incorrect theory (Burden of service), may be profession only or outward compliance with no inward heart change. “No mere theory of truth or profession of discipleship will save any soul. We do not belong to Christ unless we are His wholly. It is by halfheartedness in the Christian life that men become feeble in purpose and changeable in desire.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 49–50
“If parents desire their children to be right and do right, they must be right themselves in theory and in practice.” –Child Guidance, p. 218. Children often will notice more your actions than your words. They will copy you. Do not do anything that you do not want them to copy. Do not say anything you do not want them to say.
The correct theory will improve practice. If there is no improvement in the life, the true theory is not understood. Examine your own heart. “As long as individuals are content with a mere theory of truth, and are yet lacking in the daily operation of the Spirit of God upon the heart, which is manifested in outward transformation of character, they are cutting themselves off from the qualification that would fit them for greater efficiency in the Master’s work.” –Christ Triumphant, p. 371
“Without the Spirit of God a knowledge of His word is of no avail. The theory of truth, unaccompanied by the Holy Spirit, cannot quicken the soul or sanctify the heart. One may be familiar with the commands and promises of the Bible; but unless the Spirit of God sets the truth home, the character will not be transformed.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 408. Outward compliance to rules is possible without an inward heart change. Man can serve through selfish motives. “Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left.” Matthew 24:40–41. Outwardly these people looked the same; however, one will be saved and one lost.
“It is not enough for us to believe that Jesus is not an impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. We may believe that the name of Jesus is the only name under heaven whereby man may be saved, and yet we may not through faith make Him our personal Saviour. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth. It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll. . . . Whatever our profession, it amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righteousness.” –Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 312–313
In the letter to the church in Ephesus which John wrote, describing the condition of the church shortly after Jesus’ ascension (Revelation 2:1–11) the church is described as being on fire for the truth. Yet, they did not remain that way. Unfortunately, they lost their first love. Initially, they were following the correct theory of salvation, but after some time, they began to adhere to an incorrect theory. How did that happen?
“After the descent of the Holy Spirit, when the disciples went forth to proclaim a living Saviour, their one desire was the salvation of souls. They rejoiced in the sweetness of communion with saints. They were tender, thoughtful, self-denying, willing to make any sacrifice for the truth’s sake. In their daily association with one another, they revealed the love that Christ had enjoined upon them. By unselfish words and deeds they strove to kindle this love in other hearts.
“Such a love the believers were ever to cherish. They were to go forward in willing obedience to the new commandment. So closely were they to be united with Christ that they would be enabled to fulfill all His requirements. Their lives were to magnify the power of a Saviour who could justify them by His righteousness.
“But gradually a change came. The believers began to look for defects in others. Dwelling upon mistakes, giving place to unkind criticism, they lost sight of the Saviour and His love. They became more strict in regard to outward ceremonies, more particular about the theory than the practice of the faith. In their zeal to condemn others,
they overlooked their own errors. They lost the brotherly love that Christ had enjoined, and, saddest of all, they were unconscious of their loss. They did not realize that happiness and joy were going out of their lives and that, having shut the love of God out of their hearts, they would soon walk in darkness.” –The Acts of the Apostles, p. 547–548. What is it that resulted in their decline? They “began to look for defects in others. . . . Dwelling upon mistakes. . . . ”
While believing the correct theory is extremely important, a religion that focuses only on theory, without Christ, is not a happy life. They found that the “joy and happiness were going out of their lives, . . . and would soon walk in darkness.” Remember, it is not your profession, but your heart and your motives for action.
“Many people have been getting the idea that if they get out of the Methodist Church, or the Presbyterian Church, or the Catholic Church, and get into the Seventh-day Adventist church, then they are out of Babylon. No; that is not enough, unless you are converted; unless you are separated from this world; you are not out of Babylon, even though you are in the Seventh-day Adventist church . . . ‘Having a form of godliness; without the power,’ is simply another expression which describes Babylon and her condition in the last days. That being so, if I, a Seventh-day Adventist, have the ‘form of godliness without the power,’ I belong to Babylon; no difference what I call myself, I am a Babylonian; I have on the Babylonish garment; I bring Babylon into the church wherever I go.” E.J. Waggoner. –The General Conference Bulletin, February 13, 1895. You could substitute “Seventh-day Adventist Church,” with “Seventh-day Adventist Church Reform Movement” in the above quote.
“There have ever been two classes among those who profess to be followers of Christ. While one class study the Saviour’s life and earnestly seek to correct their defects and conform to the Pattern, the other class shun the plain, practical truths that expose their errors.” –Christ Triumphant, p. 321. The examples of Judas Iscariot and Ananias and Sapphira were given in this quote.
Ezekiel was given a vision of dry bones in a valley (Ezekiel 37:1–12). These bones represent those that are out of harmony with God, those following the pagan theory of life; and they may include those in God’s church.
“But not only does this simile of the dry bones apply to the world, but also to those who have been blessed with great light; for they also are like the skeletons of the valley. They have the form of men, the framework of the body; but they have not spiritual life. . . . Many who are without spiritual life have their names on the church records, but they are not written in the Lamb’s book of life. They may be joined to the church, but they are not united to the Lord. They may be diligent in the performance of a certain set of duties, and may be regarded as living men; but many are among those who have ‘a name that thou livest, and art dead.’” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 4, p. 1165–1166. Examine your life and compare it to the life of Jesus and to His law. Are you dry bones?
The apostle Paul discovered and obeyed the true theory of life—of salvation. (as mentione din the beginning). He had a living connection with Jesus and stated, “‘I know whom I have believed.’ He [Paul] does not live under a cloud of doubt, groping his way in the mist and darkness of uncertainty, complaining of hardship and trials. A voice of gladness, strong with hope and courage, sounds all along the line down to our time. Paul had a healthful religious experience. The love of Christ was his grand theme, and the constraining power that governed him.” –The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, p. 917
Dear Reader, what theory of life have you chosen? The same as Nero? Or the same as Paul? In the end it was Paul wo was stated to have had a healthful religious experience, and a life filled with peace, happiness and joy. It is my prayer that each one of you also have a healthy religious experience, that is based on correct theory, that is put into practice with the correct motives. Amen.
Wendy Eaton
(emphases in all quotes added by author)