Anything But Childlike Faith Damns
Anything But Childlike Faith Damns
The essence of salvation as described in the Bible can be distilled into one powerful concept: childlike faith. In this sermon, we explore the critical importance of embracing this simplicity and rejecting any inclination to complicate or distort the gospel message. Let us begin with a prayer and scripture to guide our discussion.
Opening Prayer and Scripture
Dear God, thank you for giving us your clear word. Thank you for allowing us to see what it says. Bless the listeners. I ask all this in Jesus' name, Amen.
Psalm 147 reminds us of God’s goodness: Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely. The Lord doth build up Jerusalem: he gathereth together the outcasts of Israel. He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. (Psalm 147:1-3, KJV)
In Luke 18:16-17, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of childlike faith: But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
The Meaning of Childlike Faith
Receiving the kingdom of God as a child means approaching Christ with simplicity and humility. It involves accepting the gospel as a free and unearned gift without the barriers of pride or intellectual overcomplication. Unfortunately, many reject this simplicity, treating the gospel as a complex enigma rather than the clear message it is intended to be.
Seven Ways People Complicate the Gospel
Below are seven examples of how people stray from the simple, childlike faith required for salvation:
1. Unbelief: Some dismiss the gospel outright, finding it too easy or unfair, or being held back by personal misconceptions.
2. Adding to Faith: Others insist on additional conditions for salvation, such as works or rituals, that are absent from Scripture.
3. Redefining Faith: Instead of simply trusting Christ, some redefine belief to mean obedience, submission, or lifelong commitment—contrary to the concept of receiving a free gift.
4. Viewing Salvation as a Process: Treating salvation as a gradual, labor-intensive process undermines the immediacy of receiving a gift.
5. Overemphasis on Greek Interpretation: Insisting on interpreting Scripture exclusively through Greek translations can obscure the clarity of its message in one’s native tongue.
6. Scripture Comparison Overload: While cross-referencing Scripture can be helpful, it becomes counterproductive when used to overcomplicate salvation.
7. Philosophical and Mathematical Overanalysis: Treating the gospel as an abstract puzzle—whether allegorical, parabolic, or mathematical—only serves to confuse and distract from its plain truth.
The Danger of Prideful Theology
The rejection of childlike faith is particularly evident among prideful theologians and proponents of lordship salvation. By adding works, repentance from sins, or lifestyle changes as prerequisites for salvation, they stray from the simple faith required. Such individuals approach the gospel with an adult-like, intellectualized faith that is incompatible with the clear teaching of Scripture.
Conclusion
Salvation is not about intellectual mastery or human effort. It is about taking God at His word and believing in Jesus Christ with the faith of a child. To reject this simplicity is to reject salvation itself. As the sermon concludes: Anything but childlike faith damns, because if it is not childlike faith, it is not faith at all.
Dear God, thank you for giving us your clear word. Thank you for allowing us to see what it says. Bless the listeners. I ask all this in Jesus' name, Amen.