This week at the Superbowl two ads premiered from the group He Gets Us. It has set off a firestorm in the Christian online world. As I set back and watch the melee, I am greatly concerned. I decided to investigate for myself. I have looked briefly at the campaign before, and honestly was disinterested in it because of it’s milquetoast approach to sharing Christ. I honestly thought it would fade into the background after awhile.
But after it’s seemingly major resurgence this weekend, I felt compelled to investigate further. And not just commenting on the commercials themselves, but rather looking into their materials online. I must say it was a very disappointing expedition.
My first impression was that this campaign is the “Rodney King” approach to evangelicalism; “Can’t we just all get along?” Obviously, it is a product of our post-modern worldview that permeates the culture today. Multiple times I came across statements about how the organization is run by both Christians and non-Christians alike who have “been inspired and transformed by the story of Jesus and want to invite you to explore it, too.” How the creators of this endeavor just want you to “rediscover the love story of Jesus – Christians, non-Christians, and everybody in between.” To some this might seem a great way of introducing the idea of Jesus to a world who rejects Him. A way of slowly bringing people to the truth, without them feeling like you are judging them.
But I pose a challenge to those people. What are you winning them to? If the truth is to be concealed regarding the pervasive sin in people’s lives up front, how will they feel or react when they are finally challenged on that sin? You see the website He Gets Us, nowhere addresses the problem of sin or the command of repentance. Rather we are told that “Throughout our shared history, Jesus has represented the ultimate good that humankind is capable of aspiring to. And though some no longer believe in God, most are still compelled by the idea of a person capable of unconditional love for others despite their differences.” That is, it. That is the so-called good news they are sharing, that Jesus is a great example for your life. Nowhere is there a call to turn to Him for salvation. Which makes sense when the entire premise of the site is that there is nothing to be saved from, no sin.
I have heard this approach described as “pre-evangelism.” I guess that means if I can just get people to even consider the story of Jesus as a worthwhile example in their lives then maybe, just maybe they might then take the whole sin thing into consideration as well. I see that example nowhere in Scripture. Paul did not go into the Areopagus and proclaim, give Jesus a chance. Rather, he showed them the ignorance of the idols they worshipped. Some believed, some did not, and some wanted to hear more. But he gave them the full gospel, telling them of the resurrection.
Pre-evangelism is not a thing. Rather this campaign is a product of our willingness to entertain the insanity of the prevailing post-modern thought of your truth is your truth and my truth is my truth. Even more disturbing to me is the Machiavellian nature of this campaign. I have a feeling that those behind this campaign do truly want these people to come to Christ. But they have embraced the false idea that the “ends justify the means.” The idea that we must do whatever is necessary, including cleverly veiling the God of the universe in the modern claptrap that emanates from the unbelieving “intellectuals” of our day, in order to reach people for Christ is not only dangerous but also counter-productive.
If a person is lured into a “relationship is Jesus” by the notion that He loves them just as they are, then the relationship they are in is a false one. Christ calls us to repentance, and therefore that is the message that has been preached for 2000 years. Die to yourself, live for and in Christ. That’s it. I do not understand the arrogance of our day that says that this message, preached by Christ himself, is insufficient. That He needs our innovation to reach the world is a nonsensical concept. The worse part is once these persons are brought to Christ and they hear Him say through the preaching of His word that their lifestyles are an abomination to God, then how betrayed will they feel? How will they look at the person who told them that Jesus’s love is unconditional?
So, what do we do about it? I for one will take the position of Gamaliel in Acts 5:38-39. “So, in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!” I will not participate in it, I will not give it platform in and among those I shepherd, but neither will I spend any more time and energy than this article on opposing it. As it has been said “God can strike a straight blow with a crooked stick.”
Brothers continue to walk the walk sharing the fullness of the gospel with those around you, so that in the day of judgement you might hear “Well done my good and faithful servant.” For further encouragement I would point to the example of Jesus. He rebuked those who needed rebuking, he called for repentance from all, and then He went about His way. We must do the same. Trusting the Holy Spirit to move where and how He chooses.
Militant Ministry 