The Apostle Paul makes a startling statement in the opening verses of his letter to the Galatians:
Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
These verses remind us that the church has a grave and solemn duty to know and preach the true gospel as well as knowing what is a false gospel and accursing it. The word for "to be accursed" is "anathema" - which, according to the United Bible Society Handbook "can refer either to a thing or a person under the curse or the wrath of God and therefore set apart for destruction." It goes on to say,
Galatians 1:6-9
6 I am amazed that you are so quickly deserting Him who called you by the grace of Christ, for a different gospel; 7 which is really not another; only there are some who are disturbing you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, should preach to you a gospel contrary to what we have preached to you, he is to be accursed! 9 As we have said before, so I say again now, if any man is preaching to you a gospel contrary to what you received, he is to be accursed!
These verses remind us that the church has a grave and solemn duty to know and preach the true gospel as well as knowing what is a false gospel and accursing it. The word for "to be accursed" is "anathema" - which, according to the United Bible Society Handbook "can refer either to a thing or a person under the curse or the wrath of God and therefore set apart for destruction." It goes on to say,
"The whole expression is a petition to God that the person referred to may be deprived of God's favor and be the object instead of his condemnation. Precisely what Paul has in mind is hard to determine, but may he be condemned to hell! captures the intensity of the original phrase. In some languages the phrase may he be condemned to hell! is rendered as "he will surely suffer in hell," "God will certainly destroy him," or "I ask God to make him suffer."
The Da Vinci Code, whether intentional or not (I believe intentional), attacks the very gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It does not matter whether it is intended only for entertainment or not, to "entertain" the thoughts contained in the Da Vinci Code is nothing short of blasphemous. I am not saying that it would be blasphemous to read or even see the movie. I leave that decision to each individual conscience. However, believers, as they have opportunity to talk with others concerning the true person of Jesus and the true authority of Scripture are to have an answer for the "accursed" lies propagated in the Da Vinci Code. As noted in my previous blog, 1 Peter 3:15 is appropos:
but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence;
Dr. Al Mohler, has a well-written response or expose on the Da Vinci Code that I recommend you read. May the Lord open up doors of opportunity to spread the true Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Ed
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