Social Gospel

Rev 2:18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write,'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'-- as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

What does God think about the so-called ‘social gospel’ which is so prevalent in the church and in the world today? (This is the gospel of helping others less-fortunate than ourselves, with our goods, and with our time.)

The Church in Thyatira, among other things, is an example of this social gospel in action. To this church, Jesus comes as Judge. It is very interesting this is the only church to which Jesus refers to Himself as, “The Son of God.” And His mode is of judgment, as for this church He has, “eyes like a flame of fire,” and, “feet like fine brass.”

The overall message we can understand is if your salvation is to be by works, than your judgment will be according to your works.

Works are a fine reflection of a personal relationship with Christ - as an outward manifestation of the New Man living within - but they are no basis whatsoever for any hope of salvation.

While doing good things for your fellow man is commendable, (and Jesus does commend them,) it does not meet the need of the person being served. It only presents a sham of the true potential for the development of culture.

Of course, we all feel better about ourselves when we help each other out. It is part of how we are designed. We resonate with, (as Jesus said,) “It is better to give, than it is to receive.”

The problem is, what is the need being met? If a person is well-fed and well-clothed, sheltered, no longer an alcoholic or drug addict – and is bound for an eternity in hell; have we served their greatest need?

-Pastor Bill