If an individual from the 1940’s time traveled to present day they would be dazed and confused. The world we live in is different than it was 70 years ago. There have been changes in everything from technology to culture itself. People talk differently, and some even walk differently. It seems that just about everything has undergone a dramatic makeover.

What would a Christian who time traveled think? Obviously they, too, would experience a bit of shellshock from the change of culture, but what if they walked into a worship assembly? What would they see and hear? What if (in an attempt to feel at home) they looked for some people with like precious faith? Would there be much of a difference? Would they be astounded at the lack clothing on Christians? Would they be shocked when they saw the activities some Christians were participating in?

The same “what if’s” could be asked concerning the Christians we read about in the first century. The present culture on that side of the world is already different than our culture. However, when considering members of the church, what kind of differences exist? The differences in technology, clothing design, etc. are understandable, but what about doctrine? Is there a doctrinal change with cultural change?

There is a danger with compromise slipping into the church. “We don’t need to teach that. They lived in a different culture. That doesn’t apply to us.” This attitude exists, and is in danger of spreading. I once heard an individual describe the scripture as a melody. He said the melody is a mere guide and our job is to add to it. He said it is a song that was started in the first century, and is still being written by us today. In other words, as long as WE label it as part of the melody, as long as WE put a stamp of approval on it, it is in harmony with God’s will. How absurd! “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17). The scripture is not a suggestion! It’s a standard! We must do all things according to the pattern (cf. Hebrews 8:5).

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines” (Hebrews 13:8-9a). One of the beautiful things about scripture is that it will never change. Culture may change, time may change, laws may change, but the doctrine of Jesus Christ will never change. As the culture around us changes we are to, “not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s]” (Romans 12:2). That transformation can only occur with an unchanging standard. The “new man…is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him” (Colossians 3:10). Christ’s image does not change. “But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood” (Hebrews 7:24). If we are transforming ourselves by renewing our minds to conform to His image, it will no longer be us living, but Christ living in us (cf. Galatians 2:20). Jesus does not change when culture changes, and we shouldn’t either!

One of the reasons we have a hope that is “an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast” (Hebrews 6:19) is that the word of God never changes. Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:31-32). He cannot redact that statement. He cannot change His word. The promise of heaven is “to all who are afar off, as many as the Lord our God will call” (Acts 2:39), and the call is the same. “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Acts 2:21). We cannot expect to get to heaven if we allow the change of culture to affect the way we view doctrine.