A pastor recently claimed that referring to Jesus as "the Savior" is a stumbling block to church attendance, arguing that such language turns people away from Christianity. This mindset is a dangerous reflection of the apostasy warned about in 2 Timothy 4:3-4, where people will reject sound doctrine in favor of what pleases them. By diminishing the identity of Christ as the Savior, such teachings strip the gospel of its core message—salvation through Jesus alone (John 14:6).
In an effort to be more appealing to modern audiences, some churches have compromised biblical truth for cultural relevance. This shift is not about reaching the lost but about conforming to the world (Romans 12:2). A gospel that removes the necessity of a Savior is no gospel at all, but a deception leading people into a false sense of security. Jesus warned that many will come in His name yet deceive many (Matthew 24:4-5), and this is evident in churches that replace biblical doctrine with human philosophies.
Believers must stand firm in proclaiming the full truth of the gospel, even when it is unpopular. True salvation cannot be found in a message that seeks to avoid offending people, but only in repentance and faith in Christ. While many churches chase numbers and social acceptance, the faithful remnant must continue to preach Jesus as the only way to eternal life, regardless of opposition. READ MORE
Commentary by Joe Hawkins