Christian and the Self-Centered Church

"CHRISTIAN: I know what I want to obtain, and that is relief
from my heavy burden
WORLDLY-WISEMAN: But why do you seek to ease your present 
condition in a way that involves so many dangers? I will advise you how 
to obtain what you desire, only without the perils that you are certain to 
encounter. Besides, I will offer yet more, for instead of dangers you will 
meet with much safety, friendship, and contentment.

CHRISTIAN: Sir, explain to me this secret.
WORLDLY-WISEMAN: Why a short distance away is Morality Village, 
in which their lives a gentleman whose name is Legality." 
John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress 


Worldly-Wiseman is continuing to encourage Christian to remove his burden, that was placed upon his back by conviction of sin, in an easier way than the cross. He is like a mega-church pastor that wants to make the sinner more comfortable. He is creating a non-threatening atmosphere by keeping his message positive. He makes sure to mention where Christian should go instead of the cross. Most likely he has gotten many to turn this way. Many church services have become narcissistic infomercials.


"There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death." Proverbs 14:12


The problem with what Worldly-Wiseman, and others like him are saying is that it won't work. Christian's burden will not be removed, but increased. It is only the death of Christ on the cross that satisfied the Father's wrath. People cannot satisfy His wrath. Good works, personal fulfillment, finding a purpose, nor defining boundaries will remove the burden of sin. All of the these are self-centered not God-centered.


"For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—   not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." Ephesians 2:8-10 

Sola Fide       Sola Gratia        Sola Christi