The Demand For Evidence

by E.L.

The problem is many of us grew up in a toxic environment where everyone was judged according to appearances. The core doctrine was based upon a non-scriptural "initial evidence" mandate. That led to many other extra-biblical requirements all centered around the church requiring visible proofs that we had worked hard enough to be worthy.

That's how different levels of standards were developed: a standard for new converts, a higher standard for members, then a higher standard for those on "the platform" and an even higher standard for ministers. At every level more proof that one was worthy of "use."

Initial evidence is nowhere to be found in God's Word. In fact, the word evidence isn't there. The closest thing to anything resembling the word evidence is the word "fruit" as used in Galatians 5.

Paul starts that chapter with the following warning/encouragement...

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage." That's verse 1.

Later, in verses 22 & 23, to drive home the fact that evidences (like circumcision) are worthless, Paul writes...

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."

Christianity is not about OUR goodness and work, it's about the Spirit's work in and through us. The fruit (end result, evidence and proof) of the Spirit is far different than anything a religious spirit may produce.

The Spirit's work ends in peaceful, beautiful, liberty.
Religious pride is worthless, and kills.

There is no such thing as self-righteousness.

The demand for evidences is a hallmark of the Never-enough Gospel from which many of us have been freed.

This writing is the copyright of E.L. and is reprinted on this site by permission. View all of his available articles here.

Page added September 3, 2016

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