Do we have to change the Gospel so that it becomes acceptable?

Something I have noticed for quite sometime is that some speakers and preachers have started to change their tune when presenting the Gospel. I am not saying that they are heretics or that they are spouting off messages that are contrary to the message of salvation.

We are in a world which is rapidly changing and as a result, we need to change with it. As evangelists and witnesses we sometimes have to come up with different methods to reach a lost world. We need new ideas on how to effectively make Jesus known to the masses. However, when presenting the Gospel, we need to be very careful that we do not change the important message of salvation.

It concerns me that in order to reach people without offending them, some people decide to remove words from preaching such as ‘Hell’ because they don’t want to offend the seeker. Jesus spoke about Hell a great deal. Why would He do that? Perhaps it was because it was quite important. Should we no longer preach on those parts of the Bible? I could write a book on that alone.

In recent times I have heard that the word ‘Sin’ in some cases is being replaced by the word ‘Mistakes’ and ‘Lord’ is being replaced by the name ‘Manager’. Though similar in some ways, when looking into the real meaning of the words there are some major fundamental differences, which are extremely important. It has been said that these words are either replaced or removed because they are old fashioned so people of today won’t understand them.

Over time, language evolves and in some instances, a word has a totally different meaning nowadays than in years gone by - such as the word ‘wicked’ which once described something evil, to today’s generation is an indication of approval!  However, if the words are read and followed by an explanation of their meaning, then the message is made clear. I don’t believe that Jesus died for (my own our ‘mistakes’ and I certainly didn’t make Him ‘manager’ of my life. He is Lord!

The word ‘mistake’ can cover many different things, such as an error in calculation, doing something wrong through ignorance, poor reasoning or carelessness and a lack of knowledge.

Doesn’t it say in Hosea 4:6 “My people perish from a lack of knowledge”?  

Key Point: We must not forget that sin has a power, whereas mistakes do not

However we read in scripture in Romans 6:6 that sin has a power. We also learn that people come become slaves to sin. Do mistakes have a power? No, Jesus broke the power of sin in our lives through His sacrificial death on the cross.

Three scriptures sum it up:

For He made Him who knew no sin (Mistakes) to be sin (Mistakes) for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

Therefore, just as through one man sin (Mistakes) entered the world, and death through sin (Mistakes), and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned. (Made mistakes) Romans 5:12

Likewise you also, reckon yourselves to be dead indeed to sin, (Mistakes) but alive to God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Manager). Romans 6:11

A manager generally means a person responsible for planning and directing the work of a group of individuals, monitoring their work and taking corrective action when necessary.

The term ‘Lord’ is described as Master, Owner, Supreme Despot (there are both good and bad despots), King and someone who possesses supreme authority. I could give many more definitions.  

Consider the following three scriptures, which I believe give the answer. The first connects ‘Lord’ with deity.

And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord (Manager) and my God!” John 20-28

And behold, a leper came and worshiped Him, saying, “Lord, (Manager) if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Matthew 8-2

“Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord (Manager) and Christ.”         Acts 2-36

If we change important words we risk watering down the Gospel message, by making it easy to say something like “Jesus, I have made a few mistakes, give me a new start and be my manager”? (I It is very different from being convicted of our sinful nature by the Holy Spirit and genuinely making Jesus the supreme authority of our lives, letting Him get involved in our thoughts, money, marriage and relationships.

We all make mistakes don’t we? Oh and dare I say it, we sometimes sin as well. The good news is that if we have made Jesus Lord of our lives, we become sinners saved by His grace. I thank the Lord for this scripture:

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9

Should we stick to the words that may jolt or perhaps even offend occasionally, or should we change them so that they are pleasing to the ears?

What do you think?