What is difficult?

I encounter such a statement again and again: “What you say here is too difficult”. The background for such a reaction is always the confrontation with some Christian tradition. “Difficult” comes when a tradition (whatever it may be) is questioned. “Unbearably difficult” it becomes when I point out that this or that view is genuinely nowhere in the Bible.

Want an example? There are many dogmas and teachings that are not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. For example, a Trinity, original sin, absolute free will, an immortal soul, or the doctrine of hell. Surprisingly, it is often these concepts that people choose as the basis of their faith – and so it is encouraged in communities. Anyone who doubts just one of these subjects is immediately suspected of being a heretic – even though neither Moses nor Jesus nor any of the apostles ever spoke of them. Those who do not believe these dogmas cannot hope for any position in a church or free church. The idea of what is “biblical” and what is not is completely divorced from a biblical rationale in many circles. This is neither a heretical statement nor an accusation, but a sober observation.

On the other hand, there are expressions that are very much in the Bible but are vehemently rejected, such as the “reconciliation of the universe” (Col 1:20), a salvation by faith alone (Eph 2:8-10), and other issues.

What is difficult now?

Rethinking is difficult

In particular, the doctrine of hell is deeply ingrained in many people. Unfortunately, this leads again and again to fear, to rejection of the God of the Bible, to stressful uncertainty about salvation and these things more. A serious conversation about heaven and hell inevitably leads to the examination of this doctrine. If you then show from the basic text and the context that there is nothing to it, then that can cause fear. What is “difficult” is not the statements themselves. It is difficult to come to terms with one’s own image of God, with one’s internalized beliefs.

Rethinking is demanding.

It’s all very simple

The truth is that the Bible or the Gospel are not difficult. It is quite simple:

• God is for you, not against you (Rom 8:31)
• God reconciles enemies, not perfect Christians (Rom 5:8)
• God saves all people and specifically believers (1Tim 4:9-11). He not only wishes for it, but He also does it. This is to be taught in the church, Paul says.
• God becomes all in all, and not just something in a few (1Cor 15:28)
• God reconciles all (everything, the all) to Himself, making peace through the blood of the cross (Col 1:20)
• God includes all in unruliness so that He may have mercy on all (Rom 11:32)
• Everything is of Him, through Him and to Him (Rom 11:36)
• God is love (1Jn 4:8)

Isn’t that easy? It is a wonderful testimony. Christ is central. Different aspects can be explained with a single sentence. This is much simpler (and better founded, to boot) than the lure of the heaven and hell doctrine: “Whoever does not believe in Jesus will burn in hell for eternity.” Explain that one time!

A new horizon

Why do I mention these things? Well, it’s not simply a matter of arguments for or against. It is about an understanding of God’s nature and work. It is about how we experience and encounter God in our everyday lives, in our circumstances, in our churches and in the community. Thus our thinking is central and it is about the alignment of our expectation.

The gospel as preached according to a heaven and hell doctrine is not “simple.” It is highly problematic. The reasons why people reject a good outcome of God’s work are also problematic. That has to be put on the table first. Marauding doctrines are to be exposed without arrogance and condemnation. It is not about the teachings, but it is about how we come to know our God and Father better. It is about a healthy foundation for our faith. What is not right simply has to be called by its name, just like the good things.

Imagine

The only thing that is difficult is the unknown. God’s work is good news for this world. It builds on the Tenach (Matt. 5:18), is fulfilled in Jesus for Israel (Matt. 15:24; Rom. 15:8), finds expansion in Paul for the nations (Rom. 11:13; Eph. 3:1-2), and in all its variations is backed by a loving God working toward His goal (Eph. 1:11; Eph. 1:22-23; Eph. 3:11). It is not difficult, but it is usually more varied than what is preached on Sunday.

Imagine that there is a change of thinking in your community, that people begin to explore the biblical message soberly and with many questions.

Imagine that you are at home in a community where your own thinking is encouraged, where questions are answered with counter-questions, where week after week and year after year small building blocks for a new vision are created.

Imagine that you are at home in such a community. Then, how might a conversation about God’s nature and work go today and even a few years from now?

It is about a viable vision, anchored in Scripture, for sustainable community development, supported by mature people. It’s challenging, but it’s not difficult. What it does take, however, is the courage to keep embracing new things.

Deepening

• Is it troublesome to find your way around new thoughts?
• Do you have to be able to explain everything until something is “simple”?
• What is “difficult” for you about the Bible?
• What does it take in a community for the freedom of Christ (Gal 5:1) to arise in thought as well?
• Paul writes: “be transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Rom 12:1-2). Why is he writing this to a church in particular?