Tragic Errors of the Christians: A Reflection on the Dangers of Spiritual Lapses (in English)
Synopsis "Tragic Errors of the Christians: A Reflection on the Dangers of Spiritual Lapses (in English)"
Tragic Errors of the Christians is an invaluable resource book filled with spiritual insights that can help anyone deal with the problem of spiritual failures. It aims at rebuilding these spiritual failures. In a large measure, it reveals the tragic hamartia of both unbelievers and Christians who have been unable to retain moral purity and who have been unable to do what is expected of them. The author, F.E.C. Nwaiwu maps out important episodes and the follies of some biblical characters and their spiritual lapses which, in most cases, end up claiming their lives. To the author, some thoughts and actions that are a part of human behavior can endanger our lives. Any gospel center is expected to impart discipline and teach ethical conduct to men. We see that men in the churches are not hundred percent perfect. They are affected by spiritual lapses that can deny them their citizenships in heaven. Their teachings are similar to that of Balaam. Thyatira permits a wicked woman, Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess. This woman's teaching has caused spiritual lapses in the Thyatiran church. She teaches the believers that committing sexual sin and eating food offered to the idols are acceptable, which the Apostles in the council of Jerusalem have refuted and warned believers to abstain from. This woman, whose actions are comparable to that of the wife of Ahab, has negatively influenced the members of the Thyatiran congregation through her heretical teachings. She is inspired by the teaching of Balaam and Nicolaitans. She would live to reap the harms she has sown in the church along with her children and her followers. Sardis is spiritually dead already and must face the judgement of God if she does not go back to what she heard and believed at first. Her actions are contrary to God's will and so do not match the requirements of God, while Laodicea suffers the problem of lukewarm attitude.The author, after reviewing the seven churches, affirms that the spiritual life of Christians is in a constant state of decline. This idea came up because the churches that Jesus Christ finds guilty of moral lapses outnumber the ones that maintain their faith despite the challenges of life. The few churches that retain the requirements of God represent few people all over the world today who still remain loyal to Jesus Christ; the five other churches are symbolic. They represent the multitude of worshipers who profess Jesus Christ but do not follow what is required of them. This study of the seven churches, however, encourages believers to work hard to become victorious. Christ promises eternal life to the overcomers in all the churches: they shall consume the manna hidden away in heaven and be clothed in white garments. These promises are made to kindle the sinners from their spiritual weakness and make them turn to Jesus Christ.Moreover, the Ark of God- the untouchable-is a stumbling block for those who could not live a pious life and fail to abide by the rules that signal proper conduct in terms of handling the Ark. Such fellows are doomed by the furious anger of the Holy God. Their deaths reveal that their deeds and thoughts are profane. Uzzah is smitten by the righteous anger of God for his improper conduct in handling the Ark. The people of Beth-Shemesh perish also because of their carelessness in looking into the Ark of the Covenant, which God had warned them not to. The Philistines treat the Ark of God with irreverence, keeping it in the house of their god Dagon. They are destroyed along with their gods, and their land is infected. The author presents a series of events about the Ark to show how people have degenerated to the vilest debauchery. Destruction comes upon Uzzah and other Israelites in Beth-Shemesh because their spiritual life did not meet the prescriptions of God in handling the Ark. Their ungodly life brought communal disaster and King David's disappointment.
