It is a fulfilling reality that in these last days, there are so many mockers of God’s word, especially as the day of the Lord is drawing nearer.
The Bible says, Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts. 2 Peter 3:3. This is a fulfilling reality today. There are truly many mockers of God’s word, especially as the Lord tarries in his return. Through their dark minds, they continue to say so many things against the church of God & Christ’s return. One of their words that seems trendy on social media is that the church is a scam.
Is Church a scam? First of all, what is the meaning of scam? According to the Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary, a scam is “a dishonest scheme or plan, especially one that involves tricking people out of money.” Having known the meaning of a scam now, let’s see what a church is. A church is a body of believers who worship God together in spirit & truth. In other words, it is the “Ecclesia,” a church that consists of believers who are redeemed by the blood of Jesus and whose names are written in heaven, that “glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.” Eph 5:23-24, 27. Christ, who is the embodiment of truth, is the head of the Church, while believers who are washed by his blood are the body of Christ. A true church makes the Holy Bible its final authority.
From the above explanations, therefore, it should be clearly understood that the true Church of God is not about the physical building, nor is it a place where nominal Christians are occupied for their selfish interests. Now, how should it be said that a church that Christ has redeemed is a scam? This is nothing but to let us know that they are just mockers of the truth, following their own lusts. Authentically, a church has its historical evidence to prove its origin & experiences from the beginning.
Moreover, it is a life-transforming institution established by Christ through his blood. As said above, he is the head of the Church, the epitome of truth, and the giver of eternal life, while believers are his body. The church doctrines are based on the true words of God, which are written in the Holy Bible. Undoubtedly, from the inception of the church, testimonies abound of those whose lives have been transformed by it and their stories changed. Therefore, church is not a scam. It’s just that mockers are always mockers, no matter what. They do this to defend their evil ways. Many of these mockers are unbelievers who always argue against God’s word and keep judging others, while the rest are fake believers who go to church often to get what will satisfy their selfish desires.
The latter do not want to go to a Bible-believing church that will tell them the true word of God, but where they will hear what they want to hear and get themselves satisfied. Such people backslide soon and turn against the church, especially when their selfish ends are not met (Proverbs 14:14). They lack the spirit because they walk by their own lusts, always trying to gratify the flesh. No wonder the Bible says that the time is coming when many will not endure sound doctrine, but after their own lusts shall heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears, and shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned into tables. 2 Tim 4:3-4. From this text, we know that they are not going to the church to hear the true word of God but lies from the so-called men & women of God whom they have set for themselves to hear from, just to be okay with life.
Again, according to Peter, there shall come many false prophets who, through covetousness, shall, with feigned words, make merchandise of you (2 Peter 2:2-3). This is the kind of pastors, teachers, and prophets they want to hear from and fellowship with. They are the ones who turn their churches into money-making ventures. They do not preach the truth that will lead the hearer into a genuine repentance and right fellowship with God because their main focus is on gathering great followers and making money for themselves. Characteristically, they use motivating words, fake prophecies, and miracles to collect their members’ hard-earned money into their pockets. They are really making money in these troublesome times while many of their members are suffering in poverty.
Consequently, when those things of which their pastors promised them are not coming forth {i.e., success, quick riches, upliftment, etc.}, they will say church is a scam. Is church really a scam? No, it is your pastor that is a scam, not the church. You are being scammed because you are not willing to hear the truth. God cannot be mocked, for whatsoever a man soweth, that he also reaps. Gal 5:7. You sow to the flesh and reap in corruption. Repent now before it is too late. But if you are still saying the church is a scam and refuse to repent, especially in this end time, then you are free to go the other way, the popular way where many run to, Keep living in unrighteousness and do all that your heart pushes you to do (Rev. 22:11-12). The difference is clear, and it is a matter of choice. But remember this word of God: “For there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12.