The Christian church as a whole finds itself constantly repeating itself. The songs we sing repeat the message we have heard in others before. Many say the same thing time and time again in the very same song. Preachers spend their lifetimes saying the same things in new ways every week. Even this website and many just like it post articles that say what they have already said in previous articles.
Why is this case? Why is it that all the church says is a repetition of the same themes and messages that have always been used? Believe it or not, the reasons for doing so are quite good. We see these reasons in the scripture itself. In fact, the Bible often repeats itself.
Psalm 22:18 (ESV)
18 they divide my garments among them,
and for my clothing they cast lots.
Luke 23:34 (ESV)
34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.
Ezekiel 18:23 (ESV)
23 Have I any pleasure in the death of the wicked, declares the Lord God, and not rather that he should turn from his way and live?
2 Peter 3:9 (ESV)
9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.
Mark 10:17–19 (ESV)
17 And as he was setting out on his journey, a man ran up and knelt before him and asked him, “Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call me good? No one is good except God alone. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not murder, Do not commit adultery, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Do not defraud, Honor your father and mother.’ ”
Matthew 19:16–17 (ESV)
16 And behold, a man came up to him, saying, “Teacher, what good deed must I do to have eternal life?” 17 And he said to him, “Why do you ask me about what is good? There is only one who is good. If you would enter life, keep the commandments.”
Those are just a few of the countless times the Bible repeats the same message. The Bible does this and we still do this today because the message has not changed. Nor will it ever change. The word of God is a constant. God has known His word and plan since the very beginning.
Matthew 5:18 (ESV)
18 For truly, I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the Law until all is accomplished.
Matthew 24:35 (ESV)
35 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.
John 1:1 (ESV)
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
Revelation 22:18–19 (ESV)
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
This means there’s never anything new to teach. The way the message is presented may change but the message itself will always remain the same. Meaning those who teach, preach, write, and even just speak with others have nothing else to do but repeat the same things people have been saying for thousands of years.
But this is a good thing because it shows the truth of the message. Scripture tells us that those who bring new teachings are actually false prophets. Enforcing the fact that the church is expected to repeat itself.
Galatians 1:6–9 (ESV)
6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.
While these points help us to understand why the church continues to repeat itself, it is not the greatest reason why many do. You see those who teach lessons, preach sermons, write songs, books, articles, etc. are all trying to leave their audience with something. They each believe what they are presenting is important and will repeat the message to ensure their audience will remember the content.
Not only repeating in that particular instance but continuing to reiterate the same points time and time again through various means. All to leave a lasting impact on those they are speaking to. The Apostle Peter even said that he would repeat himself often for this very reason.
2 Peter 1:12–15 (ESV)
12 Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. 13 I think it right, as long as I am in this body, to stir you up by way of reminder, 14 since I know that the putting off of my body will be soon, as our Lord Jesus Christ made clear to me. 15 And I will make every effort so that after my departure you may be able at any time to recall these things.
Don’t allow yourself to get upset or even tune out because of the repetition you experience at church. But know that there is a purpose to why certain things are constantly being repeated. There’s a reason certain songs say the same thing time and time again and why your pastor seems to constantly be preaching on the same subjects.
Because subjects like Jesus’s life, the cross, forgiveness, love, generosity, and so much more are crucial to the Christian life. Certain subjects must constantly be repeated to ensure that believers know them and never forget them. So embrace it and be sure to appreciate the fact that the church continues to make a habit of repeating itself. Because by doing so it is helping to ensure your salvation.
Finally, never forget that you’re not the only one in the church. Every message you hear cannot be designed to reach you specifically. Just because you have heard something a thousand times does not mean that’s the case for everyone else. For someone, it could be the very first time they hear it and be exactly what they need to hear.
As a Christian, you are going to constantly hear the same things time and time again. We hope that this article has helped you to understand why that is and that it is truly a good thing. If you enjoyed what you have read here today please help us by sharing on social media. So we can expose more people to this truth. Thanks for your support and God Bless!
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