What prompted this post are the accusations over the course of the past year that the church of Jesus Christ is responsible for present day cultural evils. This accusation runs the range from subtle, "the church has come up short," to incendiary, "The Church Led us to Transgenderism." The progression has moved from the church failing—to the church being the source of perversion.

Much of this comes by way of social media. The genre of some internet programs, I suspect, where lobbing inflammatory comments is done more for "likes" and increasing their listener/viewer base than for serious, intelligent and Biblical conversations. The internet thrives on over-the-top bombastic verbiage. The rhetoric, and even silly flogging of the church is troubling—with much of it coming from those who claim to have a positive eschatology. Even the more subtle finger pointing is occurring often enough to be troubling. Such accusations directed towards the church begs the question: Exactly how is the church responsible for individuals and governments idolizing and practicing perverted behavior?

The Church and Her Mission

It seemed best to begin with a concise answer to this question: What or who is the church and the mission she is called to? Jesus succinctly states, "upon this rock I will build My church" (Matthew 16:18). The church is His, His body, made up of people He redeemed and built on the Rock (Himself). Regarding the calling of the church, Jesus exhorts in Matthew 28:19 to be proactive, "go" to the "nations" and "make disciples." Also, Matthew 5:13a-14a from the Sermon of the Mount: “You are the salt of the earth ... You are the light of the world." The church is to reach out, "go" to the nations and proclaim/instruct them in the Word of God, "teaching them to keep all that I commanded" (Matthew 28:20).

To this day, Christ's church and her mission has impacted the world and will continue to impact the world in a way that is truly beyond measure. Throughout history to the present day, evidence of Jesus' advancing of this mission is plain to see. Nevertheless, in giving such a commission, Jesus knew his disciples would at once exhibit great courage and human weakness: "When Jesus commissions us, he knows we can disobey" (Matthew 28:18, ESV Expository Commentary Series - ESVEC). Jesus also knew His commission would succeed to its final consummation solely by the Father's mercy and grace.

Commenting on Matthew 28:17, the Reformed Expository Commentary (REC) makes an important point: The disciples' "hesitation reminds us that the journey towards mature faith is difficult. Even believers hesitate at times. No one understands everything right away, not even the original disciples. We all must grow into maturity. Still, Jesus did commission them and he does commission us."

Even today as the war advances, we have no idea what it will cost us, we do not know when the battle will turn or when the next battle will be launched. Nor do we know exactly what the next assault will look like. The battlefield is dynamic with ever changing issues. Add to this, fleshly, immature and downright sinful believers, and the commission at times seems doomed to failure.

This raises another question: "Is anything too difficult for Yahweh?" (Genesis 18:14). The obvious answer is "no". The success of Jesus' commission is not dependent on man. In Jeremiah 31:33 God pronounces a decree, with a four-fold promise "I will." God will cause the commission set forth by Jesus to advance towards a complete and total victory (cf. Philippians 1:6). In other words, the great commission will succeed by His might, by His grace, through an imperfect redeemed people.

"Not to us, O Yahweh, not to us, but to Your name give glory, Because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth ... our God is in the heavens; He does whatever He pleases" (Psalm 115:1, 3). This is one of the great testimonies of God's sovereignty. From the first page to the last, Scripture tells the story of how God's perfect plan and purpose, with certainty, will be accomplished by and through an imperfect, weak and sinful people.

Is this too simplistic? Is there not the visible church, the invisible church, the professing church, the local church, the universal church, etc? In my opinion, there is a place for such terms; however, the various categories can and do add confusion—which I believe to be part of the problem. When Jesus said, "I will build My church," His words echo the Father's and define what/who the church is: His redeemed people. For the purpose of this article, the "church" means blood bought, Holy Spirit indwelt, redeemed people.

Is The Church to Blame?

Is the church to blame for the degradation of culture, e.g., abortion, LGBTQ+, transgender and the like? Is the church "culpable" regarding the sins of others? Does the culture take its cue from the church regarding what evil to commit? To sharpen the focus; is Christ and His body of believers truly at fault for the sin of others? Is such a reproach even remotely valid? At various times when the church is deficient regarding her mission, does this excuse the sin of others?

The answer to these questions must begin with this understanding: People live under a common curse, because of sin (Genesis 3). There is no escaping this truth. "Every element of human nature is thoroughly infected with sin" (Gregg R. Allson, The Baker Compact Dictionary). This must be the baseline starting point to rightly answer the question, "Is The Church to Blame?" The answer is a resounding "No!".

Romans provides a summary and the root of what unredeemed people do in their natural state: "They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen." (Romans 1:25). Paul, using few words, describing man's current condition seen by his actions - sin is a willful act committed by individuals in spite of clearly revealed knowledge of "truth." Later Paul continues, "just as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men, because all sinned" (Romans 5:12), and, "For as in Adam all die" (1 Corinthians 15:22a).

These are all inclusive truths. Then looking to the book of Numbers which identifies who is responsible for committed sin: "The person who does anything with a high hand, whether he is native or a sojourner, that one is blaspheming Yahweh; and that person shall be cut off from among his people" (Numbers 15:30). To continue with Paul's description of a believer's past life: "Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest" (Ephesians 2:3).

It is interesting to add to the above, the words of Ezekiel: "The son will not bear the iniquity of the father" (Ezekiel 18:20). Also, “Fathers shall not be put to death for their sons, nor shall sons be put to death for their fathers; each shall be put to death for his own sin" (Deuteronomy 24:16).

Did Cain have grounds from which to blame his parents for the murder he committed (Genesis 4)? As Calvin noted: "Let the impenitent and unreformed therefore thank themselves if they fall under it." How then, is the church responsible for the sins of unbelievers? She is not. Each person is irrevocably corrupt from their first breath on.

Who Is Responsible?

Time and again Scripture states that sin is embedded in the individual, and that person is responsible for their own sin: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them" (Romans 1:18-19). The conclusion has to be that each and every person individually is accountable to God for the "truth" that is "evident within them."

The actions of the ungodly demonstrate they alone are culpable, they are to blame, because as unregenerate they "suppress" the truth: It is intentional, forcibly put aside, an overt act emanating from a stony (wicked) heart. All men then, are guilty! Calvin stated that man "by transferring to himself what belongs to God, unjustly deprives God of his glory." As the ESVEC Commentary points out, Romans "paints a dramatic and vivid portrait of people wallowing in self-willed degradation." Even when the church, for a time, is no more than tasteless salt or a hidden light, men willfully continue in their natural state as slaves to sin (cf. John 8:34). Salt prevents decay, it is not the cause. Light displaces darkness, it does not advance it. These are obvious, intrinsic axioms.

Within the context of Romans, the individual is clearly in view. Does Paul provide any evidence that such ungodliness and unrighteousness comes from the church? Even if she falls short in her mission? Of course not! Sinful behavior is the result of guilty men. You cannot simply assume and conclude that when the church is not salty or her light is dim, she is then promoting and therefore responsible for evil. That responsibility rests completely and solely with each individual, unrepentant sinner. "They were judged, every one of them according to their deeds" (Revelation 20:13), not for someone else's.

What About Sin In The Church?

There is ample evidence that the church at times has and will miss the mark regarding her mission. Even a limited survey of such situations found in Scripture yield some important information. Looking to Acts, Corinthians, Galatians and Revelation, all reveal sin issues in the church. Some sins were quite serious. But what is not seen in the rebuke and correction given to the churches, is blame for unbelievers' sin. Put another way, sin within the church is not causing unbelievers to sin or resulting in culture's pursuit of greater perversion.

When Jesus addressed the seven churches directly, He does not place the responsibility of sinful unbelievers at the feet of the church. Even to the most corrupt church, Jesus does not rebuke or blame them for culture's depraved behavior.

The church is to be advancing Christ's kingdom with the Word that will free people by making disciples. When the church does not move forward in this mission, instead of helping people out of slavery to sin, it leaves people in their natural condemned state. Disobedience in the church is certainly a sin. But this is far different than being the promoter or cause of sinful evil behavior.

What is instead made evident is that the culture of unbelievers was allowed to influence the church. In the case of the Corinthian church, they were guilty of compromise on a number of fronts. 1 Corinthians 3:19 states: "For the wisdom of this world is foolishness."

Herein lies the sin, that those in the church embraced such foolishness. Paul in his letter does not hold the church responsible for culture's corruption. Rather, the world's "foolishness" was allowed into the church. This is opposite of what is being alleged in our current day

Blame Shifting

Why is it necessary to excuse the evil behavior of God haters by shifting blame to the church? Here is a question that must be addressed: Are the actions of the wicked excusable? The wicked cannot point the finger at the church and claim she is to blame for their sinfulness: "The church did not do what Christ commanded and the church failed to tell me killing my yet to be born baby is wrong. Therefore, I cannot be justly condemned."

This on its face is absurd. Adam and Eve both tried to shift blame - Eve was blamed, the serpent was blamed, even God was blamed (Genesis 3:12-13). Evil people will do what evil people will do. Romans 1:20b states with no ambiguity, "they are without excuse."

Final Thoughts

Let me stitch together a few thoughts regarding accusations against Christ's church. First and foremost, as one writer put it, we need to "avoid unsound ideas of Christian thought." I am beginning to suspect a troubling underlying theology that is driving such accusations. The church belongs to Jesus Christ. He died for His people, He paid the blood price, He conquered death, He is therefore the head the Church, the body of which is made up of His redeemed elect people. Jesus built the church. He owns the church.

Meaning, these are forgiven people, adopted and sanctified while yet reforming. As children growing up, they will in time disobey. Nevertheless, this is within God's providential plan. To accuse the "Church" of being the cause of evil in the world is nothing short of accusing Jesus himself (cf. Acts 9:5).

It is time to stop referring to various groups that do endorse and promote perversion as the "Church."

Just because the names of these groups are listed in the Yellow Pages under "Churches" means nothing. Groups of people meeting in a building with a cross hanging up front, sing hymns and may even refer to the Bible now and then, does not mean they are part of the "Christ's Church." No more than the Mormons who do exactly the same thing. They are fake, a counterfeit meant to deceive - even when they claim to be reformed. "I know your deeds, that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead" (Revelation 3:1).

Distinct lines must be drawn between the truly alive in Christ and those who are dead. This is imperative in order to avoid confusion and unnecessary offense.

There are many doctrinally weak churches I do not believe they should be considered in the above group. I myself am a product (if you will) of such a church. This is purely an act of a sovereign God who declares "I will." Faithfulness can be found even amongst non-reformed, immature churches. They too advance the kingdom by turning defeat into glory—in desiring and actively seeking to set slaves free. They themselves are no less forgiven and no less part of the body of Christ, nor are they responsible for the sin of others.

Like Paul, we should "rejoice" that Christ is proclaimed (cf. Philippians 1:18). I do recognize that some of such churches are dangerously close to complete failure. If they do fail, they will cease to be a church and will fall into the above group. Rebukes then, must be focused.

Sweeping generalizations must stop. Using a shotgun to blast other brothers with baseless accusations may be popular in the internet world but is not profitable. It demonstrates a lack of discernment and maturity. It certainly lacks an understanding of Scripture and the seriousness of the battle we must fight. Biblical precision is never an option. Popularity should never be at the expense of accuracy and is a poor gauge with which to measure. In doing so, error is close at hand.

We must recognize that on this side of eternity, there is no such thing as a perfect church, because there are no perfect people. This spectrum runs the gamut from the overtly disobedient to the faithful. This is why we must always hold to, "Semper Reformanda." Our sanctification is progressive. The finish line is before us and we must press on.

Nevertheless, there are some complexities as we observe the world in which we live that are beyond our ability to fully understand and must by faith leave to God. We may attempt to understand (and we should), while at the same time recognizing our human limitations.

There are some men gifted at discerning the times and trends—yet no man can see the future. Now as in the past, the church must respond to the latest assault against Christ's Church regardless of what corner that attack comes from. This is a reaction to and a defense of, i.e., the church must react to error and defend with Truth. This moves the kingdom forward and is a normal function of the church. I recognize that at times the church is slow, even very slow to react, but faithful churches do respond with a counteroffensive. Admittedly, slowness is subjective. But is slowness a failure?

The past couple of years brought us many difficult issues that called for a Biblical response. However, this fact cannot be ignored: Assessing, studying scripture, praying for insight and understanding, and for wisdom in order to rightly respond takes time. Social media is rife with immediate knee-jerk responses. A prayerful, prudent and Biblical response is always preferred. Even many immature churches take courage from the response of those mature churches that are closer to the frontlines.

To conclude, since the power of the Word of God was capable of creating the world out of nothing (cf. Hebrews 11:3), it is certainly sufficient and capable to address any and all matters of life. Paul's admonition was founded on this truth: "My message and my preaching were not in persuasive words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith would not rest on the wisdom of men, but on the power of God" (1 Corinthians 2:4-5). Theses verses are inclusive in their scope.

The Word of God must always be central and foundational. The validity of every observation, argument and accusation must be held up to the Word as the only standard, for nothing other than the Word can provide what is needed for life and Godliness (cf. 2 Peter 1:2-3). Any analysis of the church or diagnosis of the world we live in must begin and end with what God says.

In closing, the Word of God alone defines who and what makes up the "Church," how and what the "Church" is to communicate to an insane culture, and the truth we must remind each other: That salvation was by grace, is by grace and will be finished by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. It is His finished work, His sacrifice. It is He who was raised to life and it is He who advocates at the right hand of the Father on our behalf that achieves and secures our forgiveness and our place in the family of God.

Keeping this truth central in all our thinking and resting in what God says He will do by His Word—this is the lens that will provide a clear view of the church and her role in culture and the world we live in.

Jesus loves His church. He died and shed His blood that washes and cleanses His people white. His church must be highly esteemed and cherished. She belongs to Christ who gave everything He had for her.

Great caution then, needs be exercised when critiquing Christ's church. Measured admonishments and rebukes at times will be necessary, while remembering who we are talking to. Blaming Christ's people as the cause for worldly evil is unfounded and certainly could be categorized as sinful and an affront to Jesus himself.

From heav’n He came and sought her

To be His holy Bride;

With His own blood He bought her,

And for her life He died.

 Samuel John Stone