” . . . And on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it,” (ESV).

I suppose that resistance to “organized religion” has probably been around since the Fall of man in the Garden of Eden.  The hue and cry is, “You cannot trust the establishment/you have to do your own thing.”  One of the big problems with this (very arrogant) approach is, that those who “do their own thing” are no better than the established church and clergy (with regard to our particular discussion here).

Someone might say, “Yes; but do you not know that theologically-‘liberal’ intruders (for example) have ‘taken over’ much of the system of ‘organized religion’–and hence, none of it can be trusted, or relied upon?”  This question’s statement is factual in one sense; but it goes too far in another sense.

We should not be surprised that Satan plants his “weeds” amongst God’s good “wheat” (Matt. 13:24-30); and our reaction to this is not to be panic, innovation, or self-righteousness.  Instead of “re-inventing the wheel,” we are to stay faithful in the “system.”  By “system,” I mean the established church and pattern that God has set up in His world.  The historically faithfully-Reformed church is the glory of this “system” of His; and it is, very-understandably, the target and object of Lucifer’s fiercest assaults.

Alternatives to “organized religion” are much worse than the “establishment.”  Theological renegades are the epitome of doctrinal “kook-balls,” who proudly and pompously lead foolish and ignorant people astray.

Now, it is true, that the faithful members of the “establishment” need to be especially-humble, gentle, secure, and persevering.  Where many others all around us are “jumping ship,” and “throwing in the towel,” we need to stay committed and consecrated to our Lord Jesus, His church, and His gospel in the world.

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