Over the last century, a particular branch of Christianity has emerged that turns traditional as well as biblical theology completely on its head. This movement grew, in part, from liberal academic circles where the Bible is viewed not as the literal Word of God, but as man’s attempt to explain the Divine. This branch has evolved into a blend of modern liberal morals regarding salvation, human nature, and LGBTQ+ issues, often discarding the biblical narrative entirely or “modernizing” it to fit contemporary sensibilities.

However, there are two other major factors leading to the rise of Progressive Christianity, both of which stem from the failings of “mainstream” Christianity. Today, I want to focus on the one I consider to be the primary foundation, with roots stretching back over a millennium: the denial of God’s Torah as the standard for morality.

While the average Christian layman or theologian might not embrace the extremes of the progressive movement yet, many in the current and rising generations are sitting comfortably at its borders slowly pushing into it, whether they realize it or not. This is the fruit of various denominations’ insistence on compartmentalizing the Torah, gradually doing away with God’s ways. In my lifetime alone, I have heard “conservative” Christian leaders claim that even the Ten Commandments are no longer for believers. Decades ago, such a statement would have been considered heretical in those same mainstream churches; today, it is preached by influential teachers like Mike Winger (a great teacher, even if I disagree with him on many things) or Andy Stanley, who infamously suggested we “unhitch” from the Old Testament altogether. 

This rhetoric lays the groundwork for Progressive theology to blossom. Once you accept the premise that the Torah is “done away with,” the next logical step is for man to become the arbiter of morality. Without the objective standard God set, we define right and wrong ourselves. This is Adam and Eve all over again. 

Brothers and sisters in Messiah, this cannot be! Yeshua warned that the hearts of many would grow cold due to a lack of Torah. Look at the world today, the hate coming from all sides is staggering. The Apostles also prophesied a departure from the Word and a rise in lawlessness, specifically warning of The Apostasy. Modern Christianity is currently positioned for this fall: many claim belief in the Messiah while holding to (and even celebrating) the very things He spoke against (Romans 1:32).

The Word of God is clear; the Torah is the standard that defines sin. 1^st John 3:4 in 3 different English translations below:

“⁴ Everyone who keeps sinning is violating Torah — indeed, sin is violation of Torah.” – CJB

 

“Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law.  – KJV

 

Everyone who practices sin also practices lawlessness; and sin is lawlessness [ignoring God’s law by action or neglect or by tolerating wrongdoing—being unrestrained by His commands and His will]. – The AMP 

Paul echoes this in Romans chapter 8:

⁵ For those who identify with their old nature set their minds on the things of the old nature, but those who identify with the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. ⁶ Having one’s mind controlled by the old nature is death, but having one’s mind controlled by the Spirit is life and shalom. ⁷ For the mind controlled by the old nature is hostile to God, because it does not submit itself to God’s Torah — indeed, it cannot. ⁸ Thus, those who identify with their old nature cannot please God.” CJB

The teaching that the Torah is abolished is the product of an “old nature” that refuses to submit to God’s instructions. Despite how some out there teach it. 

Yeshua stated that until heaven and earth pass away, the Torah remains. As I look outside, the earth is still here. Furthermore, He warned that He would judge those who disregard even the least of the commandments (Matthew 5:17-20). We must uproot this unbiblical theology if we hope to stop the “weed” of progressive Christianity from taking the deception even further then it has already spread.

Finally, since much of historical Christianity bases its dismissal of the Law on a misunderstanding of Paul, we should remember the Holy Spirit’s warning through Peter: that some would twist Paul’s writings toward lawless ends (2 Peter 3:15-18). We were warned. Will we trust God’s Word, or will we cling to traditions and creeds that replace it?

’11Dear friends, I urge you as aliens and temporary residents not to give in to the desires of your old nature, which keep warring against you; 12but to live such good lives among the pagans that even though they now speak against you as evil-doers, they will, as a result of seeing your good actions, give glory to God on the Day of his coming. ‘

1 Kefa (1 Pe) 2:11-12

‘6Therefore, observe them; and follow them; for then all peoples will see you as having wisdom and understanding. When they hear of all these laws, they will say, ‘This great nation is surely a wise and understanding people.’ 7For what great nation is there that has God as close to them as Adonai our God is, whenever we call on him? 8What great nation is there that has laws and rulings as just as this entire Torah which I am setting before you today? ‘

D’varim (Deu) 4:6-8