The pope has reinforced the ecumenical leanings of Vatican II and moved away a little from the recent Vatican document, Dominus Iesus (see our article of September 17, 2000). What is the latest position?
“The gospel teaches us that those who live in accordance with the Beatitudes–the poor in spirit, the pure of heart, those who bear lovingly the sufferings of life–will enter God’s kingdom,” John Paul said (The Dallas Morning News December 9th, 5H).
His application is somewhat skewed. A truly humble person will obey the gospel when he hears it. There are many people who are humble, however, in all aspects of their life–except when it comes to the truth. How often have we been shocked to hear, “My mother and father were _________, and I will not go against them” or “I was born a __________, and I will die a __________”? How many times have we begun a study with someone who seemed genuinely humble, only to be told, “I don’t think we should study any more; I don’t know the Bible as well as you do, and I can’t prove that you are wrong, but I know what I believe”? A truly humble person will search the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11). The characteristics described in the Beatitudes should lead one to become a Christian, but these are not presented as steps in becoming a child of God.
“All who seek God with a sincere heart, including those who do not know Christ and His church, contribute under the influence of grace to the building of this kingdom.”
What? Exactly where is this idea found in the Scriptures? Jesus taught precisely the opposite:
“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?” And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!'” (Matt. 7:21-23).
These people sound sincere. They call on Jesus; they recognize that He has all authority. They were sincere enough to accompany their profession with good works. Sincerity, even accompanied by good works, is not enough, let alone sincerity by itself. One must know what pleases God–and do all that He requires. Partial obedience (allegiance) is not sufficient.
The pope is bowing to the ecumenical spirit of this age and headed toward the doctrine of universalism, which is the equivalent of saying, “There is no accountability, no judgment, and certainly no damnation.” Yet these things shall occur (2 Cor. 5:10; John 5:27; Rev. 20:12-15). We must know the Word (John 12:48)!