Christian Atheists

Christian Atheists

Comments on Galatians with an ear to Luther’s commentary

Scripture Text: Galatians 1:6-9 and Ephesians 6:10-18

Series: Comments on Galatians

Today's Scripture Jigsaw

Polycarp, a disciple of the Apostle John, was not put to death because he did not pay his taxes or had murdered someone or stolen property. The Roman government condemned the Bishop of Smyrna because he was an atheist. It considered all Christians to be atheists because they did not confess the Roman pantheon of gods. They gave the famed teacher of the Christian Faith three opportunities to reproach Christ but he would not do so. The devil would have loved to skip to the bishop’s burning but if he could turn him into a heretic instead, the better for the cause of evil. If he could just threaten him with wild beasts and fire and get him to recant the truth he taught, the “synagogue of Satan” (Revelation 2:9) would be advanced.

Luther faced this same threat at Worms. There he was told to recant his teachings against the errors of the Church in his day. If they could get him to say he was wrong, that we are not saved by faith in God’s grace alone, that Christ is not the only way to the Father (John 14:6), then they would have turned Luther into a heretic. But he, like Polycarp, would not deny his Lord.

The devil employs subtle coercion too, as he does today. In some places in the world, his ancient practices are still used. In other parts, he just wants the believer to be quiet. Do not speak the words of Christ except in your churches. But to not teach Christ is to teach him wrongly. To not speak the truth is as much heresy as teaching a false doctrine is heresy. If Polycarp had recanted, he would be as much a heretic as Marcion whom he taught was a heretic. Better for Polycarp to be thought an atheist, though clinging to the Word of God, than to be a heretic who twists it.

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