The Battle for Biblical Theology: Reformation to Now – Part 6

Part Six: “A Call to Biblical Integrity: Holding Fast to Scripture in a Changing World”

As we stand at the crossroads of history, it’s clear that the church has come a long way since the days of the Reformation. Theological battles over the centuries have shaped Christianity in profound ways—whether it was the fight for biblical authority in the 1600s, the challenge of Enlightenment thought in the 1700s, or the rise of liberal theology and fundamentalism in the 1800s and early 1900s. In more recent decades, we’ve seen the influence of postmodernism, pluralism, and the explosive growth of global Christianity reshape how we understand faith and Scripture.

But through all the changes, one thing has remained constant: the call to stay anchored in the Word of God. In this final part, we will reflect on the lessons we’ve learned and explore what it means to hold fast to biblical truth in a world that is constantly shifting. This isn’t just about preserving old traditions—it’s about ensuring that the heart of the gospel remains clear in an age of uncertainty.

The Challenge of Postmodern Relativism

In the postmodern world, truth has become a slippery concept. While modernism emphasized human reason and the search for absolute truths, postmodernism tends to reject those grand narratives. Instead, it promotes the idea that truth is relative—that each person or culture can have its own version of truth, and no one truth is necessarily better than another.

For the church, this has posed a huge challenge. After all, the Christian faith is built on the claim that Jesus Christ is “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). Christianity doesn’t present truth as something that’s up for debate—it presents it as objective, unchanging, and grounded in the person of Jesus and the Word of God.

The church’s response to this relativism has been varied. Some theologians and pastors have embraced aspects of postmodern thinking, suggesting that while Jesus may be the way for Christians, other paths might be valid for others. This line of thought is sometimes called pluralism, and while it seems inclusive, it runs into serious issues when compared to Scripture.

Acts 4:12 makes it clear: “There is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” The Bible presents Jesus as the only way to God, not one of many possible options. In a world that values inclusivity and personal experience, this can feel narrow or even offensive—but it’s the core of the gospel.

Holding Fast to Truth in a Pluralistic Society

The church must find a way to engage with a pluralistic society while still holding firm to biblical truth. This means standing by the teachings of Scripture, even when they’re unpopular, and doing so with both grace and conviction. It’s not about being rigid or unkind—it’s about being faithful to the gospel message.

As Christians, we’re called to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). That means we don’t compromise on the truth of the gospel, but we also don’t wield it like a weapon. We engage with others in a way that reflects the grace and humility of Christ, always remembering that we, too, are sinners saved by grace.

The Rise of Progressive Theology: A Focus on Social Justice

Another significant development in recent years has been the rise of progressive theology. This movement often emphasizes social justice, inclusivity, and the rethinking of traditional doctrines. There’s no doubt that the Bible calls Christians to pursue justice and care for the marginalized—Jesus Himself had a heart for the poor, the outcast, and the oppressed (Luke 4:18). In fact, the church’s failure to address issues of injustice and inequality has led many to embrace this new focus with passion.

But while social justice is undeniably a biblical concern, progressive theology can sometimes drift away from the core message of the gospel. In many cases, the emphasis on justice, inclusivity, and personal experience starts to overshadow the biblical teachings on sin, repentance, and salvation. The focus shifts from the atonement of Christ and the need for personal reconciliation with God to broader societal changes and activism.

In the Bible, there’s a balance. Yes, we’re called to “seek justice, correct oppression” (Isaiah 1:17), but we’re also called to preach the message of repentance and faith in Christ. As Romans 10:9 tells us, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” The gospel is both about personal salvation and the transformation of society, but we can’t lose sight of the fact that our ultimate hope lies not in social reform but in Jesus.

Balancing Justice and the Gospel

The challenge for the church today is finding a balance between the pursuit of justice and the proclamation of the gospel. It’s not an either/or situation—it’s both/and. The Bible calls us to do good works (James 2:26), but those good works are always an outflow of the faith we have in Christ. Our mission is to see lives transformed, both spiritually and physically, but it all begins with the cross.

The Global South: A Growing Influence on Global Theology

While much of Western theology has been grappling with postmodernism and progressivism, something remarkable has been happening in the Global South. Christianity has been growing at an unprecedented rate in places like Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia. These regions are now home to the majority of the world’s Christians, and their influence on global theology is only increasing.

A Spirit-Filled Faith

One of the hallmarks of Christianity in the Global South is its deep reliance on the Holy Spirit. Pentecostalism and the Charismatic movement have thrived in these regions, and believers often experience their faith in vibrant, Spirit-filled ways. Miracles, healings, and deliverances are commonly reported, and there’s a strong sense of God’s active presence in daily life.

For many Christians in the Global South, the Bible is not just a book of abstract doctrines—it’s a living and powerful Word that speaks directly to their struggles and realities. In contexts where poverty, political oppression, and spiritual warfare are real and present dangers, the supernatural power of God is not something to be questioned—it’s something to be relied upon.

Contextual Theology and the Power of the Gospel

Another characteristic of Christianity in the Global South is its emphasis on contextual theology. This approach seeks to apply the teachings of Scripture in ways that make sense within specific cultural contexts. It’s not about changing the message of the gospel, but about communicating it in a way that resonates with people’s lived experiences.

For example, in many African and Latin American churches, the theme of liberation is central. The gospel is seen as not only freeing individuals from sin but also as liberating entire communities from social, economic, and political oppression. This is deeply biblical—Jesus came to “proclaim liberty to the captives” (Luke 4:18)—but it also challenges the Western church to broaden its understanding of what it means for the kingdom of God to come “on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10).

The Rise of the Spirit: Pentecostal and Charismatic Renewal

The Pentecostal and Charismatic movements have continued to shape global Christianity well into the 21st century. With their emphasis on the baptism of the Holy Spirit, spiritual gifts, and a vibrant, experiential faith, these movements have brought new life to churches around the world.

The Power of the Holy Spirit

One of the key contributions of Pentecostalism is its insistence on the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. In many traditional denominations, the work of the Spirit had become somewhat sidelined, with little focus on the gifts and power described in the New Testament. Pentecostalism reminded the church that the same Spirit who empowered the early apostles (Acts 2:4) is still active today, healing the sick, delivering the oppressed, and empowering believers for ministry.

This emphasis is thoroughly biblical. 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 teaches that spiritual gifts are given to the church for the common good, and the book of Acts is filled with stories of the Spirit’s work in the early church. The Charismatic renewal brought this same focus into mainline denominations, creating a fresh awareness of the immediacy and power of the Holy Spirit in everyday Christian life.

A Revival of Worship and Prayer

The Pentecostal and Charismatic movements also sparked a revival in worship and prayer. Charismatic churches are known for their vibrant worship, often characterized by expressive singing, dancing, and spontaneous prayer. For many believers, this has brought a renewed sense of intimacy with God, making worship not just a Sunday ritual but a heartfelt, personal experience.

Worship is central to the Christian life, and the Bible calls believers to worship God “in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24). This movement has been a powerful reminder that worship is not about formality or tradition—it’s about encountering God and responding to His presence with joy and gratitude.

Conclusion: A Call to Faithfulness

As we look back over the theological developments of the past few centuries, it’s clear that the church has faced—and will continue to face—enormous challenges. From the Enlightenment to postmodernism, from fundamentalism to progressive theology, every era has brought new ideas, new battles, and new questions. Yet through it all, one truth remains: the Bible is our foundation, and Jesus Christ is our hope.

In a world that is constantly changing, the church is called to be a pillar of truth (1 Timothy 3:15). That doesn’t mean we ignore the questions of our age or refuse to engage with the world around us. It means we do so with our feet firmly planted in Scripture. The gospel doesn’t need to be updated or rebranded—it needs to be proclaimed, boldly and with love, in every culture, in every age.

The story of Christianity is far from over. As we move into the future, the challenge will always be the same: to hold fast to the truth of Scripture, even when the world around us is changing. The Holy Spirit is still at work, guiding the church, empowering believers, and drawing people to Christ. And as long as we stay rooted in the Word of God, we can be confident that the gospel will continue to transform lives, bringing hope, healing, and salvation to a world in desperate need.

Glossary

Postmodernism: A philosophical movement that questions the existence of absolute truths, emphasizing subjectivity and individual perspective.
Pluralism: The belief that multiple religions or worldviews can coexist and that no one religion holds a monopoly on truth.
Relativism: The idea that truth and morality are not absolute but vary based on individual or cultural perspectives.
Progressive Theology: A movement within Christianity that emphasizes inclusivity, social justice, and rethinking traditional doctrines in light of contemporary issues.
Global South: A term used to describe regions in the Southern Hemisphere, including parts of Africa, Latin America, and Asia, where Christianity has been growing rapidly.
Pentecostalism: A Christian movement that emphasizes the active work of the Holy Spirit, especially through spiritual gifts like healing, prophecy, and speaking in tongues.
Charismatic Movement: A renewal movement within established churches that emphasizes spiritual gifts and a more expressive, experiential form of worship.
Contextual Theology: Theological interpretations and practices that consider and incorporate the cultural, social, and political context in which the gospel is being proclaimed.
Christian Hedonism: A theological concept, popularized by John Piper, that teaches that God is most glorified when believers find their deepest joy in Him.
Social Justice: Efforts to create a more fair and equitable society, often focusing on issues like poverty, inequality, and human rights, rooted in biblical principles of justice.

In this final part, we’ve reflected on how theology has developed and where the church is headed. As we look to the future, the call remains: to stand firm in the truth of Scripture, guided by the Spirit, as we proclaim the unchanging gospel in a world that is ever-changing.