The Old Testament of the Bible recounts how generations[1] of God’s chosen people repeated a vicious cycle of redemption, restoration, lukewarmness, and punishment. Each cycle followed a typical pattern: God rescued them from oppression and despair, followed by a generation of devoted faithfulness, followed by a progressive lukewarmness of pure doctrine, idol worship — a disregard for the God that saved them, followed by punishment through their enemies leading to desperate prayers for help.
“And this occurred because the people of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God …and they served idols…”
(2 Kings 17:7-12), (Jeremiah 32:30-35), (Ezekiel 20:16-17)
“And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel.”
(Judges 2:10)
Similar cycles have occurred throughout Christian history, the most notable during the 16th century Reformation. These cycles have continued to occur during modern times, where a lukewarmness toward the pure doctrine has caused schisms or splits[2] every few generations. (Acts 20:29-30)
“What one generation tolerates, the next generation will embrace.”[3]
John Wesley
Several academic human research studies have attempted to examine the phenomenon of drifting away from established doctrines across various churches. A common conclusion is that it usually takes about three generations for a church body to forget their original established doctrine. When the pure doctrine is established (or refreshed), the first generation knows it well and fully appreciates it. The second generation assumes the doctrine, but may take it for granted or get bored with it. The third generation disregards the purity of the original doctrine, changing it to suit their own needs. (2 Timothy 4:3-4), (2 Peter 3:17-18)
What happens when someone lives during the third generation, but holds on to the original pure doctrines of the first generation? How would those in the third generation view the one devoted to the doctrines of the first? How would that person view those within the third generation and their lukewarm doctrines? (Revelation 3:16)
We worship God when we follow His pure doctrines. To follow false doctrines is to surrender to a false God, not unlike the unbelieving Israelites when they worshiped idols, such as Moloch. (Leviticus 18:21) See also: (1 Timothy 6:3-5)
“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.”
(Hebrews 2:1)
How can we overcome these vicious cycles? Is there a way to return to pure doctrines while avoiding painful schisms? Please reply and let me know.
[1] The durations of modern generations are generally considered to be between 20 and 25 years. (Ancestry.ca)
[2] The history of the current Finnish Independent Apostolic Lutheran Church (a.k.a. Reedites or I.A.L.C.) includes several key splits: Heidemanians (1894), Pollarites (1921), Aunesites (1962).
[3] Although I disagree with the doctrines of Wesley, I appreciate his keen observance of human behavior reflected in this quote.