The Dangers of Syncretism and Presumption
Using Christmas as an excuse, many have combined pagan beliefs and practices with Christianity without considering God’s approval. They have added foreign elements to the worship of God the Father and Jesus Christ, blending ideas that are not biblical with their faith.
This syncretism and presumption are evident in how Christmas has become a practice in modern Israel. The Israelitish people, especially the sons of Joseph, are known for their zeal for knowledge, but sometimes this zeal leads them astray. Instead of seeking God’s truth and adhering to His commands, they have allowed their misguided zeal to steer them towards blending pagan customs with their Christian celebrations.
However, the Bible warns against presuming in worship and adding to God’s commands. God clearly commands us not to add or take away from His instructions. Yet, in the spirit of sincerity, many have gone to great lengths to please God without seeking His permission. They assume that their sincerity in worship justifies adding practices that are not in alignment with His Word.
| The Dangers of Syncretism and Presumption: |
|---|
| Syncretism: Blending pagan beliefs with Christianity without God’s approval. |
| Presumption: Assuming that sincerity in worship justifies adding practices not commanded by God. |
| Zeal for Knowledge: Israel’s characteristic of misguided zeal often leads them in the wrong direction, hindering them from true righteousness based on faith and submission to God. |
Christmas as a Snare
Christmas is a vivid illustration of the world’s power of attraction, luring people into a trap that distracts them from true worship of God. It plays upon all of a person’s senses with pleasant music, lights, colors, foods, clothes, gifts, and parties. Though it is a very attractive trap, it nonetheless ensnares the person into destruction. By itself, it does not destroy the person—it is the snare, the trap!
Anyone who has ever hunted a wild animal like a deer knows that one cannot bag his prey by blundering through the woods making noise and leaving his scent everywhere. Instead, a hunter makes himself as invisible as possible so that the deer wanders under his stand where he can shoot it. The same holds true with trapping smaller animals. A successful trapper makes a trap that will entice the animal in without letting it know that it will be caught.
Christmas is a well-laid trap. In celebrating it, the people of the land honor, worship, and glorify a god, but not the God of the Bible. It is appealing and attractive with all the ornamentation and catchy music. There is also an appealing baby, born to be the King of kings, and his lovely mother radiant in her motherhood. In addition, what could be better than giving gifts? Certainly giving is Christian. And what about decorating evergreen trees, hanging mistletoe and holly boughs, caroling, stuffing stockings, and burning Yule logs? Everything just seems to go so well together. Nevertheless, it is a trap because it is not true.
In all sincerity, men and women have gone to great lengths to try to please God. Without seeking His permission, they presume to add things to the worship of God because they are attractive and have a vague attachment to the One whom they look upon as their Savior. They think their sincerity in worship is more important than the truth.
But God thinks differently: “Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it; you shall not add to it nor take away from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32). Christmas is a festival that has been added.
It is syncretism, blending a practice from paganism into the stream of Christianity. Only the revelation of God shows how He will be worshipped, and He will not be served in imitation of other gods. God’s way cannot be “improved” by human sincerity.
| Attitude | Christmas | False Gospel | Knowledge | Pagan Holidays | Paganism | Presumption | Syncretism | Worship | Zeal |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas | X | X | X | X | X | X | X |
This means that Christmas is associated with:
- False Gospel
- Pagan Holidays
- Paganism
- Presumption
- Syncretism
- Worship
- Zeal
God nowhere speaks of making Christmas a part of Christianity, nor does He say to celebrate His Son’s birth. He does tell us, though, not to add to His worship anything that is a tradition of the heathen. Such additions hinder rather than enhance our journey to God’s Kingdom.
What are the fruits of keeping Christmas? Has Christmas helped to glorify God? Has it clarified and aided man’s spiritual life? We have a record of the fruits of the Jews’ additions. Their intent may have been better than those who accepted Christmas into Christianity, since they at least attempted to obey the law of God. Still, when Jesus walked among them, they did not recognize their own Messiah! Adding to and subtracting from God’s Word changes God’s intended focus.
Christmas is no better. When the so-called Christians added Christmas to Christianity, it had nothing to do with true Christianity at all. It was a ploy to win converts from paganism. It was a deliberate grab for power. From the beginning, Christmas, rather than promoting the true God and His way of life, has only led people away from the truth.
| Apostasy | Christmas | False Christianity | Pagan Holidays | Paganism | Sincerity | Syncretism | Truth | Worship |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas | X | X | X | X | X | X |
This means that Christmas is associated with:
- False Christianity
- Pagan Holidays
- Paganism
- Sincerity
- Syncretism
- Truth
- Worship
God makes it clear that He doesn’t want us to use pagan festivals to worship Him. He warns us not to follow the practices of the nations before us, to inquire after their gods and imitate their worship. Christmas is a prime example of such syncretism, blending pagan practices with Christianity. It may seem appealing and sincere, but it goes against God’s commands.
The true worship of God requires obedience and adherence to His Word. We cannot add to or take away from His commands based on our own preferences or traditions. Christmas, with its pagan origins and false gospel, distracts people from the true meaning of worship and leads them astray. Let us choose to worship God in spirit and truth, following His commands rather than the customs of the world.
The Danger of Presuming in Worship
In all sincerity, people often try to please God by adding things to worship, but God commands us not to add or subtract from His instructions. The Bible warns against presuming in worship and emphasizes the importance of adhering to God’s Word. Presumption in worship is an attitude or belief that is dictated by probability rather than facts. It involves assuming or supposing something to be true without proof or clear justification.
Combining the concepts of syncretism, presumption, and misguided zeal for knowledge, it becomes clear why holidays like Christmas can become a practice in modern times. The Israelitish people, particularly the sons of Joseph, have a zealous spirit that can often lead them astray. Their zeal for God can sometimes hinder true righteousness that comes from faith and submission to God. Unfortunately, this misguided zeal often leads to the syncretism of pagan ideas and practices with Christianity.
Christmas, in particular, can be a trap that ensnares people and distracts them from true worship of God. It appeals to the senses with its pleasant music, lights, colors, and festivities, but it is a trap because it deviates from the true teachings of the Bible. The celebration of Christmas is not commanded in the Bible, and it has pagan origins that predate the birth of Christ. It is important to remember that sincere worship does not justify adding to God’s commands.
Presuming in worship goes against God’s command to worship Him in spirit and truth. Adding pagan rituals and traditions to worship is not pleasing to Him, as it detracts from the true focus of worship. God desires worship that is based on His revealed truth, not on human traditions or innovations. The Bible makes it clear that tampering with God’s truth is evil and must be eradicated.
In conclusion, the danger of presuming in worship is that it leads to the syncretism of pagan practices and beliefs with Christianity. Christmas serves as an example of how presumption can lead people astray and hinder true worship of God. It is important to approach worship with humility, adhering to God’s Word and not adding or subtracting from His commands. Sincerity in worship is not a justification for deviating from the truth. Worship should be centered on God’s revealed truth, not on human traditions or innovations.
| Related Topics: |
|---|
| Attitude |
| Christmas |
| False Gospel |
| Knowledge |
| Pagan Holidays |
| Paganism |
| Presumption |
| Syncretism |
| Worship |
| Zeal |
The Birth of Jesus Christ and God’s Love
The birth of Jesus Christ is a central aspect of the Christmas celebration, symbolizing God’s love and bringing peace, joy, and unity to families. The biblical account of Jesus’ birth can be found in the Gospel of Luke, where it states that Jesus was born in Bethlehem to the virgin Mary. This miraculous event fulfilled prophecies from the Old Testament, demonstrating God’s faithfulness and love for humanity.
Jesus’ birth is a reminder of God’s selfless act of sending His Son into the world to save and redeem mankind. It is a time to reflect on the unconditional love that God has for each and every one of us. The apostle John wrote, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, ESV). This profound love is the foundation of the Christmas story and the reason why we celebrate this season with joy and gratitude.
The birth of Jesus also brings peace and reconciliation. In the Gospel of Luke, when the angel appeared to the shepherds, he declared, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:14, ESV). Jesus came to bring peace between God and humanity, bridging the gap caused by sin. Through His sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus offers forgiveness and the opportunity for a restored relationship with God.
Furthermore, the nativity story emphasizes the importance of family and unity. Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, the humble birth in a manger, and the visit of the shepherds all portray the value of family and the bond shared during this special time. Christmas is an occasion to come together with loved ones, express gratitude, and cherish the relationships that bring joy and support in our lives.
In summary, the birth of Jesus Christ holds significant meaning for the Christmas celebration. It represents God’s love, peace, and joy, and serves as a reminder of the importance of family and unity. As we celebrate this season, let us reflect on the true meaning of Christmas and embrace the profound love that God has shown us through the birth of His Son.
| Key Points |
|---|
| The birth of Jesus symbolizes God’s love and brings peace, joy, and unity to families. |
| Jesus’ birth fulfills prophecies and demonstrates God’s faithfulness. |
| God’s unconditional love is the foundation of the Christmas story. |
| Jesus’ birth brings peace and reconciliation between God and humanity. |
| The nativity story emphasizes the importance of family and unity. |
Reflecting on the Biblical Perspective of Christmas
As we wrap up our exploration of the biblical perspective on Christmas, let us reflect on the profound significance of Jesus’ birth and His mission to bring salvation to all people. The birth of Jesus Christ is a testament to God’s love for humanity, as He sent His only Son into the world to redeem mankind from sin and reconcile them to Himself. Jesus’ birth symbolizes the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the beginning of God’s plan for the salvation of humanity.
Christmas is not just a holiday or a cultural tradition, but a divine event that carries great spiritual meaning. It is a time to remember and celebrate the birth of Jesus, who came to earth as a humble baby to ultimately offer Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. It is a time to rejoice in the fact that God, in His infinite love, saw the brokenness and lostness of humanity and chose to intervene through His Son.
Jesus’ birth brings hope, peace, joy, and love to the world. It reminds us of the incredible gift of salvation that God has provided through His Son. It is a time to reflect on the grace and mercy of God, who came in human form to walk alongside us, understand our struggles, and ultimately give His life for our redemption.
So, as we celebrate Christmas, let us not get caught up in the commercialization or secular aspects of the holiday, but let us focus on the true meaning behind it. Let us remember the profound significance of Jesus’ birth and the incredible love that God has shown to us. May this Christmas be a time of sincere worship, gratitude, and reflection on the biblical teachings about the birth of Jesus Christ and the hope, peace, joy, and love that He brings into our lives.
FAQ
Q: What are the dangers of syncretism and presumption in relation to Christmas?
A: Syncretism and presumption involve combining pagan beliefs and practices with Christianity without examining whether God approves. This can lead to misguided zeal and hinder true righteousness. (Source: John W. Ritenbaugh)
Q: How can Christmas become a snare?
A: Christmas can ensnare people by appealing to their senses with pleasant music, lights, colors, foods, and gifts. However, it is a trap because it detracts from true worship of God and is rooted in pagan practices. (Source: John W. Ritenbaugh)
Q: What are the dangers of presuming in worship?
A: Presuming in worship involves adding to God’s commands without seeking His permission. While people may have sincere intentions, God values obedience to His revealed truth rather than personal preferences. (Source: John W. Ritenbaugh)
Q: What does the Bible say about the birth of Jesus Christ?
A: The Bible recounts the birth of Jesus as a miraculous event, where Mary, a virgin, conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus’ birth fulfilled prophecies and symbolized God’s love for the world. (Source: Matthew 1:18-25, Isaiah 9:6)
Q: What is the significance of Christmas according to the Bible?
A: Christmas represents the coming of Jesus Christ as the Savior of the world. It is a time to reflect on God’s love, peace, and joy that accompanies the birth of Jesus. The nativity story and the importance of family are also emphasized in the Bible. (Source: John 3:16, Luke 2:8-20)
Q: Why was Jesus born? Why did Jesus come to earth?
A: Jesus was born to bring salvation and eternal life to humanity. He came to fulfill God’s plan of redemption, to reconcile mankind with God, and to demonstrate God’s love for His creation. (Source: John 10:10, John 3:16)
