In parts 1 and 2 we have seen that culture cannot change the word of God but it can impact the way we need to apply God’s word to make sure we are obeying the commands given. Now we need to consider what role traditions play and how should we view change.
Traditions are not to be bound as God’s law (Mark 7:7). However, traditions are not inherently evil and are often good, time-tested ways of applying the commands of God’s law. As long as the old standby traditions remain effective I should use them to God’s glory, but if I stubbornly stick to tradition for tradition’s sake I’ll lose my ability to promote God’s truth in a relevant way and run the risk of adding to the word of God and facing the consequences (Rev. 22:18).
Culture changes might dictate that we change traditions to better follow the commands of scripture. You cannot improve on the word of God, but you can certainly improve on man’s traditions. If there is a scriptural, expedient improvement to be made to a tradition then God is glorified and the work of the kingdom is helped. How can the child of God know which changes are acceptable and which lead to apostasy?
Change should never be made for change sake. Some in the church are so in love with change that so many changes are made where no change was needed. These changes are not productive and do not make a good use of the time and efforts of Christians (Eph. 5:16; 1 Pet. 4:10).
Change should never be made to the law of God. When God says there is one body of Christ, that is a fundamental truth that will not change even if the culture wants it (Eph. 4:4). Those who change the doctrine of Christ should be marked as false teachers (2 John 9–11; 2 Thess. 3:14).
Changes are sometimes impossible to avoid if we are to remain faithful. When Paul wrote “Flee fornication,” he set in stone a command of God that is never to be changed (1 Cor. 6:18). However, we must make changes to the application of that command if we are to follow it. In Paul’s day there were no smartphones to provide new avenues to the sin of fornication. We must add the avoidance of those new temptations and others to the list of applications necessary to meet this apostolic command and use these devices wisely.
Changes can be authorized and helpful. As mentioned, changes in our culture can provide better ways to follow the commands of God. For example, Christians should not oppose the use of technology to change how the unchanging gospel is shared. Ultimately, change is not something to fear but rather an inevitability. Christians should act wisely and proactively in the modern climate to uphold the precepts of Scripture.
-Ross Haffner