A Pastor’s Perspective

“Test-Driven Religion” by Mike Hill, pastor of Calvary Chapel Aberdeen (mjhill@ida.net)

 My mom was ready for a new vehicle.  After some research, she narrowed it down to three.  Then one.  “That’s the one I want!”  she proclaimed.  We were like excited children on Christmas morning as I went with her to make the purchase.  The emotional high of the day did not deter us from some level-headed thinking, however.  “Would you like to test drive it?”  the dealer asked.  “You bet.”  And off we went.  I opted for the role of “back-seat driver” as my mom calmly navigated through the highways and byways of Idaho Falls.  Test-driving the vehicle confirmed the decision to purchase.  Besides enjoying a free ride, test-driving gives a person a first-hand experience of where they’re investing their money.  It’s also a great opportunity to ask questions.  “Where’s the gas cap?”  “Does cruise control mean I can take a nap on a long trip?”  Okay, so…we may have already known the answer to those questions.

 Purchasing a new vehicle is a heavy financial responsibility.  Due to the implications of cost, reliability, comfort, and depreciation, it’s obviously wise to do some objective research.  I remember some times when I have based decisions on feelings alone.  Disaster!  You would accuse me of impulsivity and foolishness if I made large monetary commitments based on feelings alone.  “Oh, I’ve got to have that Corvette!  It just feels right.  I get these warm feelings inside whenever I think about having it.  The car salesman even said my feelings are right about this!”  Let’s see, hmmm.  “Where would the money come from?  How would my family be affected?  Do we even need a car?  Besides, weren’t we shopping for Mom?”  Oh yeah.  Whew.  Objective thinking takes the driver’s seat.  Feelings in the back seat.

 You’d most likely agree it’s wise to do research and test drive a vehicle before purchasing it.  Wouldn’t you think it’s even more important to engage in objective research before making an eternal commitment?  Is it wise to base your decisions about a certain religion on your feelings alone?  Does God want us to “test-drive” a religion before joining?  He definitely commands us to test all things.  Your eternal destiny is at stake which is far more important than how you spend your money.  How much more vital it is for you to “test” what religions and religious leaders teach.  How?

 God’s Word, the Bible, tells us the objective test to apply to anyone who claims to be one of His representatives.  There are actually two tests described in Deuteronomy that will give us much insight and practical direction.  The first test is to ask, “What do they teach about God and what God do they lead you to worship?  Is it consistent with what the Bible says?”  In Deut. 13:1-4, Moses said that even if a prophet or a dreamer of dreams predicts some sign or miracle and it comes to pass, but then that person says, “Let’s go worship other gods,” don’t listen to them. 

 Now for the second test.  If someone claims to be a prophet, as God’s representative, his predictions need to be 100% accurate.  The Bible says in Deuteronomy 18:22 that if he is ever wrong, he is a false prophet.  Makes sense that all the prophecies of a true prophet will be fulfilled since he is speaking forth what God told him.  God knows all things, including what will happen in the future. 

 It’s fairly easy to check out a vehicle before purchase (we’ve had our expert local mechanic look over several for us.)  How much more we need to study, research, ask questions, and consider what we believe about God.  Our eternal destiny is at stake.  If we’re wrong we may end up with more than a lemon, but eternally separated from the one true God.