Present Day Evangelism # 5 (and others)
It is in His office of Lord, that Christ maintains God's honor, subserves His government, enforces His Law. If the reader will turn to those passages (Luke 1:46-47; Acts 5:31; 2 Peter 1:11; 2:20; 3:1) where the two titles occur, he will find that the order is always "Lord and Saviour," and NOT "Saviour and Lord." Therefore, those who have not bowed to Christ's scepter and enthroned Him in their hearts and lives, and yet imagine they are trusting in Him as their Saviour - are deceived! Unless God disillusions them - they will go down to the everlasting burnings with a lie in their right hand! (Isaiah 44:20). Christ is "the Author of eternal salvation, unto all those who obey Him" (Heb. 5:9). But the attitude of those who submit not to His Lordship is, "We will not have this Man to rule over us!" (Luke 19:14). Pause then, my reader and honestly face the question: Am I subject to His will? Am I sincerely endeavoring to keep His commandments?
Alas, alas, God's way of salvation is almost entirely unknown today, the nature of Christ's salvation is almost universally misunderstood, and the terms of His salvation misrepresented on every hand. The "Gospel" which is now being proclaimed is, in nine cases out of every ten - but a perversion of the Truth! Tens of thousands, assured they are bound for heaven - are now hastening to hell as fast as time can take them!
Things are far, far worse in Christendom than even the "pessimist" and the "alarmist" suppose. We are not a prophet, nor shall we indulge in any speculation of what the Biblical prophecy forecasts. Wiser men than the writer have often made fools of themselves by so doing. We are frank to say that we know not what God is about to do. Religious conditions were much worse, even in England, one hundred and fifty years ago. But this we greatly fear: Unless God is pleased to grant a real revival, it will not be long before "the darkness shall cover the earth, and gross darkness the people" (Isaiah 60:2), for the light of the true Gospel is rapidly disappearing. Modern "evangelism" constitutes, in our judgment, the most solemn of all the "signs of the times."
What must the people of God do, in view of the existing situation? Ephesians 5:11 supplies the divine answer: "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness - but rather reprove them;" and everything opposed to the light of the Word is "darkness." It is the bounden duty of every Christian, to have no dealings with the "evangelistic" monstrosity of the day, to withhold all moral and financial support of the same, to attend none of their meetings, to circulate none of their tracts. Those preachers who tell sinners that they may be saved without forsaking their idols, without repenting, without surrendering to the Lordship of Christ - are as erroneous and dangerous as others who insist that salvation is by works, and that heaven must be earned by our own efforts!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
______________________
A Good Tree
Trees are beautiful objects. If we had never seen this part of the creation before, we would be filled with admiration at the sight. A stately oak or cedar is really a majestic object. It stands firmly by its own strength. It raises its head towards the heavens, and spreads out its arms on every side; and when verdant, affords a canopy and grateful shade to the weary traveler, and a secure habitation for the birds of the air. Trees are the handsomest ornaments of gardens and pleasure-grounds. Eden itself, without trees, would have been shorn of its glory.
But a tree laden with nutritious fruit is an object still more beautiful and interesting than the trees of the forest. What spectacle is suited to give more pleasure to the contemplative mind than a tree bending under the weight of precious fruit?
Between natural and spiritual objects there is a striking analogy. Of this the sacred writers often avail themselves, to give a lively representation of important truths. The discourses of our Lord are enriched and adorned by the employment of striking emblems. His figures are almost all derived from natural objects.
Among fruit-trees, the VINE is often mentioned in the Scriptures, because everywhere to be seen; and when loaded with fine clusters like those of Eshcol, the sight is most pleasing. To represent the vital union of believers to Himself, our Lord employs the union of the branches to the vine. He is the vine, they are the branches; and the effect of this union is fruitfulness. As a branch severed from the vine cannot bear fruit, neither can believers without Christ. And the cogent motive to induce them to bear much fruit is, that their Father in heaven may be glorified.
"Make the tree good, and his fruit good." "By their fruits shall you know them." No man, by merely looking at a tree, can tell whether it will bear fruit, or whether the fruit will be good or bad. When we see people making a good profession in the church, we cannot tell whether their religion is genuine or spurious, until we have an opportunity of seeing the fruits. When John the Baptist called men to repentance, he required them "to bring forth fruits fit for repentance." A godly life is the best evidence of sincerity in religion. How beautiful is a consistent Christian character. Such a one "does justice, loves mercy, and walks humbly with his God." To his prayers he joins alms, and he abounds in every good work. As he makes his way through this sinful world, his bright example sheds a light to glorify his Father in heaven. He makes no ostentatious display of his religion; and yet his good deeds cannot be hidden - they are like the fragrant aroma, which betrays itself. He is not ashamed of Christ and His gospel, but glories in the Cross, and esteems all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ.
As the true Christian advances in years, his fruits become more mellow and mature; and he goes on to bring forth fruit, even in old age. And finally, like a fruit fully ripe, he drops into the grave; but his works follow him, and he is blessed in death, as the voice from heaven declared, "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
~Archibald Alexander~
(The End)
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Present Day Evangelism # 4
Present Day Evangelism # 4
Inasmuch then, as Christ's salvation is a salvation from sin - from the love of it, from its dominion, from its guilt and penalty - then it necessarily follows, that the first great task and the chief work of the evangelist, is to preach upon SIN: to define what sin (as distinct from crime) really is, to show wherein its infinite enormity consists, to trace out its manifold workings in the heart, to indicate that nothing less than eternal punishment is its desert. Ah, and preaching upon sin - not merely uttering a few platitudes concerning it - but devoting sermon after sermon to explaining what sin is in the sight of God - will not make him popular nor draw the crowds, will it? No, it will not, and knowing this, those who love the praise of men more than the approbation of God, and who value their salary above immortal souls, trim their scales accordingly. "But such preaching will drive the people away!" We answer, far better drive the people away by faithful preaching, than to the Holy Spirit away by unfaithfully pandering to the flesh!
The TERMS of Christ's salvation are erroneously stated by the present-day evangelist. With very rare exceptions, he tells his hearers that salvation is by grace and is received as a free gift, that Christ has done everything for the sinner, and that nothing remains but for him to "believe," to trust in the infinite merits of His blood. And so widely does this conception now prevail in "orthodox" circles, so frequently has it been dinned in their ears, so deeply has it taken root in their minds - that for one to now challenge it and denounce it as being so inadequate and one-sided as to be deceptive and erroneous, is for him to instantly court the stigma of being a heretic, and to be charged with dishonoring the finished work if Christ by inculcating salvation by works! Yet, notwithstanding, the writer is quite prepared to run that risk.
Salvation is by grace, by grace alone - for a fallen creature cannot possibly do anything to merit God's approval or earn His favor. Nevertheless, divine grace is not exercised at the expense of holiness, for it never compromises with sin. It is also true that salvation is a free gift - but an empty hand must receive it, and not a hand which still tightly grasps the world! But it is not true that "Christ has done everything for the sinner." He did not fill His belly with the husks which the swine eat and find them unable to satisfy. He has not turned His back on the far country, arisen, gone to the Father, and acknowledged his sins - those are acts which the sinner himself must perform. True, he will not be saved from the performance of them, any more than the prodigal could receive the Father's kiss and ring, while he remained at a guilty distance from him!
Something more than "believing" is necessary to salvation. A heart that is steeled in rebellion against God cannot savingly believe - it must first be broken. It is written: "Unless you repent - you shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). Repentance is just as essential as faith; yes, the latter cannot be without the former: "You...repented not afterward, that you might believe" (Matthew 21:32). The order is clearly enough laid down by Christ: "Repent - and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Repentance is a heart-repudiation of sin. Repentance is a heat-determination to forsake sin. And where there is true repentance, grace is free to act, for the requirements of holiness are conserved, when sin is renounced. Thus, it is the duty of the evangelist to cry, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy on him" (Isaiah 55:7). His task is to call on his hearers to lay down the weapons of their warfare against God, and then to sue for mercy through Christ.
The WAY of salvation is falsely defined. In most instances the modern "evangelist" assures his congregation that all any sinner has to do in order to escape hell and make sure of heaven - is to "receive Christ as his personal Saviour." but such teaching is utterly misleading. No one can receive Christ as his Saviour - while he rejects Him as LORD! It is true, the preacher adds, that the one who accepts Christ should also surrender to Him as Lord - but he at once spoils it by asserting that though the convert fails to do so, nevertheless heaven is sure to him. That is one of the devil's lies! Only those who are spiritually blind, would declare that Christ will save any who despise His authority and refuse His yoke! Why, my reader - that would not be grace - but a disgrace - charging Christ with placing a premium on lawlessness!
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 5)
Inasmuch then, as Christ's salvation is a salvation from sin - from the love of it, from its dominion, from its guilt and penalty - then it necessarily follows, that the first great task and the chief work of the evangelist, is to preach upon SIN: to define what sin (as distinct from crime) really is, to show wherein its infinite enormity consists, to trace out its manifold workings in the heart, to indicate that nothing less than eternal punishment is its desert. Ah, and preaching upon sin - not merely uttering a few platitudes concerning it - but devoting sermon after sermon to explaining what sin is in the sight of God - will not make him popular nor draw the crowds, will it? No, it will not, and knowing this, those who love the praise of men more than the approbation of God, and who value their salary above immortal souls, trim their scales accordingly. "But such preaching will drive the people away!" We answer, far better drive the people away by faithful preaching, than to the Holy Spirit away by unfaithfully pandering to the flesh!
The TERMS of Christ's salvation are erroneously stated by the present-day evangelist. With very rare exceptions, he tells his hearers that salvation is by grace and is received as a free gift, that Christ has done everything for the sinner, and that nothing remains but for him to "believe," to trust in the infinite merits of His blood. And so widely does this conception now prevail in "orthodox" circles, so frequently has it been dinned in their ears, so deeply has it taken root in their minds - that for one to now challenge it and denounce it as being so inadequate and one-sided as to be deceptive and erroneous, is for him to instantly court the stigma of being a heretic, and to be charged with dishonoring the finished work if Christ by inculcating salvation by works! Yet, notwithstanding, the writer is quite prepared to run that risk.
Salvation is by grace, by grace alone - for a fallen creature cannot possibly do anything to merit God's approval or earn His favor. Nevertheless, divine grace is not exercised at the expense of holiness, for it never compromises with sin. It is also true that salvation is a free gift - but an empty hand must receive it, and not a hand which still tightly grasps the world! But it is not true that "Christ has done everything for the sinner." He did not fill His belly with the husks which the swine eat and find them unable to satisfy. He has not turned His back on the far country, arisen, gone to the Father, and acknowledged his sins - those are acts which the sinner himself must perform. True, he will not be saved from the performance of them, any more than the prodigal could receive the Father's kiss and ring, while he remained at a guilty distance from him!
Something more than "believing" is necessary to salvation. A heart that is steeled in rebellion against God cannot savingly believe - it must first be broken. It is written: "Unless you repent - you shall all likewise perish" (Luke 13:3). Repentance is just as essential as faith; yes, the latter cannot be without the former: "You...repented not afterward, that you might believe" (Matthew 21:32). The order is clearly enough laid down by Christ: "Repent - and believe the gospel" (Mark 1:15). Repentance is a heart-repudiation of sin. Repentance is a heat-determination to forsake sin. And where there is true repentance, grace is free to act, for the requirements of holiness are conserved, when sin is renounced. Thus, it is the duty of the evangelist to cry, "Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy on him" (Isaiah 55:7). His task is to call on his hearers to lay down the weapons of their warfare against God, and then to sue for mercy through Christ.
The WAY of salvation is falsely defined. In most instances the modern "evangelist" assures his congregation that all any sinner has to do in order to escape hell and make sure of heaven - is to "receive Christ as his personal Saviour." but such teaching is utterly misleading. No one can receive Christ as his Saviour - while he rejects Him as LORD! It is true, the preacher adds, that the one who accepts Christ should also surrender to Him as Lord - but he at once spoils it by asserting that though the convert fails to do so, nevertheless heaven is sure to him. That is one of the devil's lies! Only those who are spiritually blind, would declare that Christ will save any who despise His authority and refuse His yoke! Why, my reader - that would not be grace - but a disgrace - charging Christ with placing a premium on lawlessness!
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 5)
Saturday, July 20, 2019
Present Day Evangelism # 3
Present Day Evangelism # 3
First, the man to whom these words were spoken had just witnessed the miracle-working power of God. "Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!" (Acts 16:26).
Second, in consequence thereof the man was deeply stirred, even to the point of self-despair: "He drew out his sword and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled" (v. 27).
Third, he felt the need of illumination: "Then he called for a light" (v. 29).
Fourth, his self-complacency was utterly shattered, for he "came trembling" (v. 29).
Fifth, he took his proper place before God - in the dust - for "he fell down before Paul and Silas" (v.29).
Sixth, he showed respect and consideration for God's servants, for he "brought them out" (v. 30).
Seventh, then, with a deep concern for his soul, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?"
Here then, is something definite for our guidance, if we are willing to be guided. It was no giddy, careless, unconcerned person who was exhorted to "simply" believe; but instead, one who gave clear evidence that a mighty work of God had already been wrought within him. He was an awakened soul (v. 27). In his case there was no need to press upon him his lost condition, for he obviously felt it; nor were the apostles required to urge upon him the duty of repentance, for his entire demeanor betokened his contrition. But to apply the words spoken to him - unto those who are totally blind to their depraved state and completely dead toward God - would be more foolish than placing a bottle of smelling salts to the nose of one just dragged dead from the water. Let the critic of this article read through Acts and see if he can find a single instance of the apostles addressing a promiscuous audience, or a company of idolatrous heathen, and "simply telling them" to believe in Christ!
Just as the world was not ready for the New Testament, before it received the Old; just as the Jews were not prepared for the ministry of Christ until John the Baptist had gone before Him with his claimant call to repentance - so the unsaved are in no condition to day for the Gospel, until the law is applied to their hearts, for "by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20). It is a waste of time to sow seed on ground which has never been ploughed or broken up! To present the vicarious sacrifice of Christ to those whose dominant passion to take their fill of sin - is to give that which is holy unto the dogs! What the unconverted need to hear about, is the character of Him with whom they have to do, His claims upon them, His righteous demands, and the infinite enormity of disregarding Him and going their own way.
The Nature of Christ's salvation, is woefully misrepresented by the present-day "evangelist." He announces a Saviour from hell - rather than a Saviour from sin! And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire - who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness! The very first thing said of Him in the New Testament is - "You shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people...(not from the wrath to come) but from their sins" (Matt. 1:21). Christ is a Saviour for those realizing something of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, who feel the awful burden of it on their conscience, who loathe themselves for it, and who long to be freed from its terrible dominion. And He is a Saviour for no others. Were He to "save from hell" those still in love with sin, He would be a minister of sin, condoning their wickedness and siding with them against God. What an unspeakably horrible and blasphemous thing with which to charge the Holy One!
Should the reader exclaim, "I was not conscious of the heinousness of sin nor bowed down with a sense of my guilt when Christ saved me." Then we unhesitating reply - Either you have never been saved at all - or you were not saved as early as you supposed. True, as the Christian grows in grace, he has a clearer realization of what sin is - rebellion against God - and a deeper hatred of and sorrow for it; but to think that one may be saved by Christ whose conscience has never been smitten by the Spirit, and whose heart has not been made contrite before God, is to imagine something which has no existence in the realm of fact. "It is not the healthy who need a doctor - but the sick" (Matt. 9:12). The only ones who really seek relief from the great Physician, are those who are sick of sin - who long to be delivered from its God-dishonoring works, and its soul-defiling pollutions.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 4)
First, the man to whom these words were spoken had just witnessed the miracle-working power of God. "Suddenly, there was a great earthquake, and the prison was shaken to its foundations. All the doors flew open, and the chains of every prisoner fell off!" (Acts 16:26).
Second, in consequence thereof the man was deeply stirred, even to the point of self-despair: "He drew out his sword and would have killed himself, supposing that the prisoners had been fled" (v. 27).
Third, he felt the need of illumination: "Then he called for a light" (v. 29).
Fourth, his self-complacency was utterly shattered, for he "came trembling" (v. 29).
Fifth, he took his proper place before God - in the dust - for "he fell down before Paul and Silas" (v.29).
Sixth, he showed respect and consideration for God's servants, for he "brought them out" (v. 30).
Seventh, then, with a deep concern for his soul, he asked, "What must I do to be saved?"
Here then, is something definite for our guidance, if we are willing to be guided. It was no giddy, careless, unconcerned person who was exhorted to "simply" believe; but instead, one who gave clear evidence that a mighty work of God had already been wrought within him. He was an awakened soul (v. 27). In his case there was no need to press upon him his lost condition, for he obviously felt it; nor were the apostles required to urge upon him the duty of repentance, for his entire demeanor betokened his contrition. But to apply the words spoken to him - unto those who are totally blind to their depraved state and completely dead toward God - would be more foolish than placing a bottle of smelling salts to the nose of one just dragged dead from the water. Let the critic of this article read through Acts and see if he can find a single instance of the apostles addressing a promiscuous audience, or a company of idolatrous heathen, and "simply telling them" to believe in Christ!
Just as the world was not ready for the New Testament, before it received the Old; just as the Jews were not prepared for the ministry of Christ until John the Baptist had gone before Him with his claimant call to repentance - so the unsaved are in no condition to day for the Gospel, until the law is applied to their hearts, for "by the law is the knowledge of sin" (Romans 3:20). It is a waste of time to sow seed on ground which has never been ploughed or broken up! To present the vicarious sacrifice of Christ to those whose dominant passion to take their fill of sin - is to give that which is holy unto the dogs! What the unconverted need to hear about, is the character of Him with whom they have to do, His claims upon them, His righteous demands, and the infinite enormity of disregarding Him and going their own way.
The Nature of Christ's salvation, is woefully misrepresented by the present-day "evangelist." He announces a Saviour from hell - rather than a Saviour from sin! And that is why so many are fatally deceived, for there are multitudes who wish to escape the Lake of fire - who have no desire to be delivered from their carnality and worldliness! The very first thing said of Him in the New Testament is - "You shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people...(not from the wrath to come) but from their sins" (Matt. 1:21). Christ is a Saviour for those realizing something of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, who feel the awful burden of it on their conscience, who loathe themselves for it, and who long to be freed from its terrible dominion. And He is a Saviour for no others. Were He to "save from hell" those still in love with sin, He would be a minister of sin, condoning their wickedness and siding with them against God. What an unspeakably horrible and blasphemous thing with which to charge the Holy One!
Should the reader exclaim, "I was not conscious of the heinousness of sin nor bowed down with a sense of my guilt when Christ saved me." Then we unhesitating reply - Either you have never been saved at all - or you were not saved as early as you supposed. True, as the Christian grows in grace, he has a clearer realization of what sin is - rebellion against God - and a deeper hatred of and sorrow for it; but to think that one may be saved by Christ whose conscience has never been smitten by the Spirit, and whose heart has not been made contrite before God, is to imagine something which has no existence in the realm of fact. "It is not the healthy who need a doctor - but the sick" (Matt. 9:12). The only ones who really seek relief from the great Physician, are those who are sick of sin - who long to be delivered from its God-dishonoring works, and its soul-defiling pollutions.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 4)
A Call to Separation # 3
A Call to Separation # 3
The contrasts presented are very pointed and searching. "Righteousness" is right doing; "wickedness" is wrong doing. The unerring and only standard of right doing is "the Word of Righteousness." (Heb. 5:13). By this alone, is the Christian's life and walk to be regulated. But the worldling disregards and defies it.
Then what "fellowship" can there be between one who is in subjection to God's Word - with one who is not? "Light" and "darkness." God is light (1 John 1:5) and His saints are "the children of light." (Luke 16:8). But the children of the wicked one are "darkness." (Eph. 5:8). What communion then, can there be between members of families so dissimilar?
"Christ" and the devil - what concord can there be between one to whom Christ is everything, and one who despises and rejects Him?
"For we are the temple of the living God. As God said - "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people!" How blessed is this!
First, we have the exhortation given, Do not be yoked together with unbelievers."
Second, the reason adduced, "for what fellowship has righteousness with wickedness?"
Third, the inducement offered. (2 Corinthians 6:16-17). This is a divine promise, and it is striking to note, that it is a sevenfold promise:
1. "I will live in them,"
2. I will walk among them,"
3. "I will be their God,"
4. "they shall be My people,"
5. I will welcome you,"
6. "I will be your Father,"
7. "you will be My sons and daughters."
"I will live in them," is fellowship.
"I will walk among them," is companionship.
"I will be their God," is relationship. "If God is is for us - who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).
"They shall be My people," is ownership, acknowledged as His.
"I will welcome you," means being brought to the place of experimental and conscious nearness to God.
"I will be your Father" means "I will manifest Myself to you in this character, impart to your hearts all the joys of such."
"You will be My sons and daughters" means, that such godly separation from the world will afford demonstration that we are His "sons and daughters." Compare Matt. 5:44).
"Says the Lord Almighty." This is the only time the divine title "Almighty" is found in all the twenty-one Epistles of the New Testament! It seems to be brought in here for the purpose of emphasizing the sufficiency of our Resource. As another has said, "Let any Christian act on the Command of separation given in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, and he will find his path so beset with difficulties and so tending to arouse the hostility of all, that if his eyes are not kept fixed on the Almighty God who has thus called him out - he will surely have a breakdown." But let it be noted that these promises are conditional; conditional on obeying the preceding exhortations. Yet if the heart lays hold of this blessed inducement, then obedience to the command will be easy and pleasant!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
The contrasts presented are very pointed and searching. "Righteousness" is right doing; "wickedness" is wrong doing. The unerring and only standard of right doing is "the Word of Righteousness." (Heb. 5:13). By this alone, is the Christian's life and walk to be regulated. But the worldling disregards and defies it.
Then what "fellowship" can there be between one who is in subjection to God's Word - with one who is not? "Light" and "darkness." God is light (1 John 1:5) and His saints are "the children of light." (Luke 16:8). But the children of the wicked one are "darkness." (Eph. 5:8). What communion then, can there be between members of families so dissimilar?
"Christ" and the devil - what concord can there be between one to whom Christ is everything, and one who despises and rejects Him?
"For we are the temple of the living God. As God said - "I will live in them and walk among them. I will be their God, and they will be my people!" How blessed is this!
First, we have the exhortation given, Do not be yoked together with unbelievers."
Second, the reason adduced, "for what fellowship has righteousness with wickedness?"
Third, the inducement offered. (2 Corinthians 6:16-17). This is a divine promise, and it is striking to note, that it is a sevenfold promise:
1. "I will live in them,"
2. I will walk among them,"
3. "I will be their God,"
4. "they shall be My people,"
5. I will welcome you,"
6. "I will be your Father,"
7. "you will be My sons and daughters."
"I will live in them," is fellowship.
"I will walk among them," is companionship.
"I will be their God," is relationship. "If God is is for us - who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).
"They shall be My people," is ownership, acknowledged as His.
"I will welcome you," means being brought to the place of experimental and conscious nearness to God.
"I will be your Father" means "I will manifest Myself to you in this character, impart to your hearts all the joys of such."
"You will be My sons and daughters" means, that such godly separation from the world will afford demonstration that we are His "sons and daughters." Compare Matt. 5:44).
"Says the Lord Almighty." This is the only time the divine title "Almighty" is found in all the twenty-one Epistles of the New Testament! It seems to be brought in here for the purpose of emphasizing the sufficiency of our Resource. As another has said, "Let any Christian act on the Command of separation given in 2 Corinthians 6:14-17, and he will find his path so beset with difficulties and so tending to arouse the hostility of all, that if his eyes are not kept fixed on the Almighty God who has thus called him out - he will surely have a breakdown." But let it be noted that these promises are conditional; conditional on obeying the preceding exhortations. Yet if the heart lays hold of this blessed inducement, then obedience to the command will be easy and pleasant!
~A. W. Pink~
(The End)
Saturday, July 13, 2019
Present Day Evangelism # 2
Present Day Evangelism # 2
But serious indeed as is the indictment, it is only half of it - the negative side, that which is lacking. Worse still is that which is being retailed by the cheap-jack evangelists of the day. The positive content of their message is nothing but a throwing of dust in the eyes of the sinner. His soul is put to sleep by the devil's opiate, ministered in a most unsuspecting form. Those who really receive the "message" which is now being given out from most of the "orthodox" pulpits and platforms today, are being fatally deceived. It is away which seems right unto a man - but unless God sovereignly intervenes by a miracle of grace, all who follow it will surely find that the ends thereof are the ways of death. Tens of thousands who confidently imagine that they are bound for heaven - will get a terrible disillusionment, when they awake in hell!
What is the Gospel? Is the Gospel a message of glad tidings from heaven to make God-defying rebels at ease in their wickedness? Is it given for the purpose of assuring the pleasure-crazy young people that, providing they only "believe," there is nothing for them to fear in the future? One would certainly think so from the way in which the Gospel is presented - or rather perverted, by most of the "evangelists"! And the more so when we look at the lives of their "converts"! Surely those with any degree of spiritual discernment, must perceive that to assure such "converts" that God loves them and His Son died for them, and that a full pardon for all their sins (past, present and future) can be obtained by simply "accepting Christ as their personal Saviour" - is but a casting of pearls before swine!
The Gospel is not a thing apart. It is not something independent of the prior revelation of God's Law. It is not an announcement that God has relaxed His justice or lowered His standard of holiness. So far from that, when Scripturally expounded, the Gospel presents the clearest demonstration and the climacteric proof of the inexorableness of God's justice, and of His infinite abhorrence of sin! But for Scripturally expounding the Gospel, beardless youths and business men who devote their spare time to "evangelistic effort" are quite unqualified. Alas, that the pride of the flesh allows so many incompetent ones to rush in where those much wiser fear to tread! It is this multiplying of novices that is largely responsible for the woeful situation now confronting us, and because the "churches" and "assemblies" are so largely filled with their "converts" explains why they are so unspiritual and worldly.
No, my reader, the Gospel is very, very far from making light of sin. The Gospel shows us how unsparingly God deals with sin. it reveals to us the terrible sword of His justice smiting His beloved Son in order that atonement might be made for the transgressions of His people. So far from the Gospel setting aside the law, it exhibits the Saviour enduring the curse of it. Calvary supplied the most solemn and awe-inspiring display of God's hatred of sin that time or eternity will ever furnish! And do you imagine that the Gospel is magnified or God glorified - by going to worldlings and telling them that that "may be saved at this moment by simply accepting Christ as their personal Saviour" while they are wedded to their idols and their hearts are still in love with sin? If I do so, I tell them a lie, pervert the Gospel, insult Christ, and turn the grace of God into a license for sin.
No doubt some readers are ready to object to our "harsh" and "sarcastic" statements above by asking: "When the question was put, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:31), did not an inspired apostle expressly say, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ - and you shall be saved?" Can we err, then, if we tell sinners the same thing today? Have we not divine warrant for so doing? True, those words are found in Holy Writ, and because they are, many superficial and untrained people conclude that they are justified in repeating them to all. But let it be pointed out, that Acts 16:31 was not addressed to a promiscuous multitude - but to a particular individual, which at once intimates that it is not a message to be indiscriminately sounded forth - but rather, a special word to those whose characters correspond to the one to whom it was first spoken.
Verses of Scripture must NOT be wrenched from their setting - but weighed, interpreted, and applied in accord with their context; and that calls for prayerful consideration, careful meditation, and prolonged study; and it is failure at this point which accounts for these shoddy and worthless "messages" of this rush-ahead age. Look at the context of Acts 16:31, and what do we find? What was the occasion, and to whom was it that the apostle and his companion said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ"? A sevenfold answer is there furnished, which supplies a striking and complete delineation of the character of those to whom we are warranted in giving this truly evangelistic word. As we briefly name these seven details, let the reader carefully ponder them.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 3)
But serious indeed as is the indictment, it is only half of it - the negative side, that which is lacking. Worse still is that which is being retailed by the cheap-jack evangelists of the day. The positive content of their message is nothing but a throwing of dust in the eyes of the sinner. His soul is put to sleep by the devil's opiate, ministered in a most unsuspecting form. Those who really receive the "message" which is now being given out from most of the "orthodox" pulpits and platforms today, are being fatally deceived. It is away which seems right unto a man - but unless God sovereignly intervenes by a miracle of grace, all who follow it will surely find that the ends thereof are the ways of death. Tens of thousands who confidently imagine that they are bound for heaven - will get a terrible disillusionment, when they awake in hell!
What is the Gospel? Is the Gospel a message of glad tidings from heaven to make God-defying rebels at ease in their wickedness? Is it given for the purpose of assuring the pleasure-crazy young people that, providing they only "believe," there is nothing for them to fear in the future? One would certainly think so from the way in which the Gospel is presented - or rather perverted, by most of the "evangelists"! And the more so when we look at the lives of their "converts"! Surely those with any degree of spiritual discernment, must perceive that to assure such "converts" that God loves them and His Son died for them, and that a full pardon for all their sins (past, present and future) can be obtained by simply "accepting Christ as their personal Saviour" - is but a casting of pearls before swine!
The Gospel is not a thing apart. It is not something independent of the prior revelation of God's Law. It is not an announcement that God has relaxed His justice or lowered His standard of holiness. So far from that, when Scripturally expounded, the Gospel presents the clearest demonstration and the climacteric proof of the inexorableness of God's justice, and of His infinite abhorrence of sin! But for Scripturally expounding the Gospel, beardless youths and business men who devote their spare time to "evangelistic effort" are quite unqualified. Alas, that the pride of the flesh allows so many incompetent ones to rush in where those much wiser fear to tread! It is this multiplying of novices that is largely responsible for the woeful situation now confronting us, and because the "churches" and "assemblies" are so largely filled with their "converts" explains why they are so unspiritual and worldly.
No, my reader, the Gospel is very, very far from making light of sin. The Gospel shows us how unsparingly God deals with sin. it reveals to us the terrible sword of His justice smiting His beloved Son in order that atonement might be made for the transgressions of His people. So far from the Gospel setting aside the law, it exhibits the Saviour enduring the curse of it. Calvary supplied the most solemn and awe-inspiring display of God's hatred of sin that time or eternity will ever furnish! And do you imagine that the Gospel is magnified or God glorified - by going to worldlings and telling them that that "may be saved at this moment by simply accepting Christ as their personal Saviour" while they are wedded to their idols and their hearts are still in love with sin? If I do so, I tell them a lie, pervert the Gospel, insult Christ, and turn the grace of God into a license for sin.
No doubt some readers are ready to object to our "harsh" and "sarcastic" statements above by asking: "When the question was put, "What must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:31), did not an inspired apostle expressly say, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ - and you shall be saved?" Can we err, then, if we tell sinners the same thing today? Have we not divine warrant for so doing? True, those words are found in Holy Writ, and because they are, many superficial and untrained people conclude that they are justified in repeating them to all. But let it be pointed out, that Acts 16:31 was not addressed to a promiscuous multitude - but to a particular individual, which at once intimates that it is not a message to be indiscriminately sounded forth - but rather, a special word to those whose characters correspond to the one to whom it was first spoken.
Verses of Scripture must NOT be wrenched from their setting - but weighed, interpreted, and applied in accord with their context; and that calls for prayerful consideration, careful meditation, and prolonged study; and it is failure at this point which accounts for these shoddy and worthless "messages" of this rush-ahead age. Look at the context of Acts 16:31, and what do we find? What was the occasion, and to whom was it that the apostle and his companion said, "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ"? A sevenfold answer is there furnished, which supplies a striking and complete delineation of the character of those to whom we are warranted in giving this truly evangelistic word. As we briefly name these seven details, let the reader carefully ponder them.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 3)
A Call To Separation # 2
A Call To Separation # 2
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies first to our religious connections. How many Christians are members of so-called "churches," where much is going on which they know is at direct variance with the Word of God - either the teaching from the pulpit, the worldly attractions used to draw the ungodly, and the worldly methods employed to finance it or the constant receiving into its membership of those who give no evidence of having been born again. Believers in Christ who remain in such "churches" (?) are dishonoring their Lord. Should they answer: "Practically all the churches are the same, and were we to resign, what could we do? We must go somewhere on Sundays," such language would show they are putting their own interests before the glory of Christ. Better stay at home and read God's Word - than fellowship with that which His Word condemns!
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies to membership in Secret Orders. A "yoke" is that which unites. Those who belong to a "lodge" are united in solemn oath and covenant with their "brother" members. Many of their fellow-members give no evidence of being born again. They may believe in a "Supreme Being," but what love have they for God's Word? What is their relation to God's Son? "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3). Can those who owe their all to Christ, both for time and eternity, have fellowship with those who "despise and reject" Him? Let any Christian reader who is thus unequally yoked - get from under it without delay.
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies to marriage. There are but two families in this world: the children of God, and the children of the devil. (1 John 3:10). If then, a daughter of God marries a son of the devil, she becomes a daughter-in-law to satan! If a son of God marries a daughter of satan, he becomes a son-in-law to the devil! By such an infamous step an affinity is formed between one belonging to the Most High God - and one belonging to His archenemy. "Strong language!" Yes - but not too strong. And oh the bitter reaping from such a sowing! In every case it is the poor Christian who suffers. Read the inspired histories of Samson, Solomon, and Ahab - and see what followed their unholy alliances in wedlock. As well might an athlete, who attached to himself a heavy weight, expect to win a race, as a Christian to progress spiritually by marrying a worldling! Oh what watchfulness in prayer, is needed in the regulation of our affections!
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies to business partnerships. Disobedience at this point, has wrecked many a Christian's testimony and pierced him through with many sorrows. Whatever may be gained of this world, by seeking its avenues to wealth and social prestige - will but poorly compensate for the loss of fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Read Proverbs 1:10-14. The path which the disciple of Christ is called to tread, is a narrow one, and if he leaves it for a wider road - it will mean severe chastenings, heartbreaking losses, and perhaps the forfeiting of the Saviour's "Well done!" at the end of the journey.
We are to hate even the "garment" - a figure of habits and ways - spotted by the flesh (Jude 23), and are to keep ourselves "unspotted from the world." (James 1:27). What a searching and sweeping word is that in 2 Corinthians 7:1, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." If any occupation or association is found to hinder our communion with God, or our enjoyment of spiritual things - then it must be abandoned. Beware of "leprosy" in the garment. (Lev. 13:47). Anything in my habits or ways which mars happy fellowship with the brethren or robs me of power in service, is to be unsparingly judged and made an end of, "burned". (Lev. 13:52). Whatever I cannot do for God's glory - must be avoided.
"For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and the devil? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What union can there be between God's temple and idols? How explicit and emphatic are the terms used there! No excuse whatever is there, for failing to understand the terms of this exhortation, and the reason with which it is supported. This command is so plain - that it requires no interpreter. All unions, alliances, partnerships, entanglements, with unbelievers are expressly forbidden to the Christian. It is impossible to find within the whole range of Holy Scripture, plainer language on any subject than we have here. Righteousness - and wickedness; light - and darkness; Christ - and the devil; God's temple - and idols. What do they have in common? What bond is there between them?
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 3)
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies first to our religious connections. How many Christians are members of so-called "churches," where much is going on which they know is at direct variance with the Word of God - either the teaching from the pulpit, the worldly attractions used to draw the ungodly, and the worldly methods employed to finance it or the constant receiving into its membership of those who give no evidence of having been born again. Believers in Christ who remain in such "churches" (?) are dishonoring their Lord. Should they answer: "Practically all the churches are the same, and were we to resign, what could we do? We must go somewhere on Sundays," such language would show they are putting their own interests before the glory of Christ. Better stay at home and read God's Word - than fellowship with that which His Word condemns!
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies to membership in Secret Orders. A "yoke" is that which unites. Those who belong to a "lodge" are united in solemn oath and covenant with their "brother" members. Many of their fellow-members give no evidence of being born again. They may believe in a "Supreme Being," but what love have they for God's Word? What is their relation to God's Son? "Can two walk together, unless they are agreed?" (Amos 3:3). Can those who owe their all to Christ, both for time and eternity, have fellowship with those who "despise and reject" Him? Let any Christian reader who is thus unequally yoked - get from under it without delay.
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies to marriage. There are but two families in this world: the children of God, and the children of the devil. (1 John 3:10). If then, a daughter of God marries a son of the devil, she becomes a daughter-in-law to satan! If a son of God marries a daughter of satan, he becomes a son-in-law to the devil! By such an infamous step an affinity is formed between one belonging to the Most High God - and one belonging to His archenemy. "Strong language!" Yes - but not too strong. And oh the bitter reaping from such a sowing! In every case it is the poor Christian who suffers. Read the inspired histories of Samson, Solomon, and Ahab - and see what followed their unholy alliances in wedlock. As well might an athlete, who attached to himself a heavy weight, expect to win a race, as a Christian to progress spiritually by marrying a worldling! Oh what watchfulness in prayer, is needed in the regulation of our affections!
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This applies to business partnerships. Disobedience at this point, has wrecked many a Christian's testimony and pierced him through with many sorrows. Whatever may be gained of this world, by seeking its avenues to wealth and social prestige - will but poorly compensate for the loss of fellowship with the Father and His Son Jesus Christ. Read Proverbs 1:10-14. The path which the disciple of Christ is called to tread, is a narrow one, and if he leaves it for a wider road - it will mean severe chastenings, heartbreaking losses, and perhaps the forfeiting of the Saviour's "Well done!" at the end of the journey.
We are to hate even the "garment" - a figure of habits and ways - spotted by the flesh (Jude 23), and are to keep ourselves "unspotted from the world." (James 1:27). What a searching and sweeping word is that in 2 Corinthians 7:1, "Let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." If any occupation or association is found to hinder our communion with God, or our enjoyment of spiritual things - then it must be abandoned. Beware of "leprosy" in the garment. (Lev. 13:47). Anything in my habits or ways which mars happy fellowship with the brethren or robs me of power in service, is to be unsparingly judged and made an end of, "burned". (Lev. 13:52). Whatever I cannot do for God's glory - must be avoided.
"For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and the devil? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What union can there be between God's temple and idols? How explicit and emphatic are the terms used there! No excuse whatever is there, for failing to understand the terms of this exhortation, and the reason with which it is supported. This command is so plain - that it requires no interpreter. All unions, alliances, partnerships, entanglements, with unbelievers are expressly forbidden to the Christian. It is impossible to find within the whole range of Holy Scripture, plainer language on any subject than we have here. Righteousness - and wickedness; light - and darkness; Christ - and the devil; God's temple - and idols. What do they have in common? What bond is there between them?
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 3)
Saturday, July 6, 2019
A Call to Separation # 1
A Call to Separation # 1
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and the devil? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?" (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).
This passage gives utterance to a Divine exhortation for those belonging to Christ - to hold aloof from all intimate associations with the ungodly. It expressly forbids them entering into alliances with the unconverted. It definitely prohibits the children of God walking arm-in-arm with worldlings. it is an admonition applying to every phase and department of our lives - religious, domestic, social, commercial. And never, perhaps, was there a time when it more needed pressing on Christians, than now. The days in which we are living are marked by the spirit of compromise. On every side we behold unholy mixtures, ungodly alliances, unequal yokes. Many professing Christians appear to be trying how near to the world they may walk - and yet go to Heaven!
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This is a call to godly separation. In each dispensation, this Divine demand has been made. To Abraham Jehovah's peremptory word was, "Get out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house." To Israel He said, "So do not act like the people of Egypt, where you uses to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must NOT imitate their way of life. You must obey all My regulations and be careful to keep My laws, for I, the Lord, am your God!" (Leviticus 18:3-4). And again, "Do not live by the customs of the people whom I will expel before you. It is because they do these terrible things that I detest them so much!" (Lev. 20:23). It was for their disregard of these very prohibitions, that Israel brought down upon themselves such severe chastisements.
At the beginning of the New Testament we are shown the forerunner of Christ standing outside the organized religion of His day, calling on men to flee from the wrath to come. The Saviour announced that, "He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out." (John 10:3). On the day of Pentecost the word to believers was, "Save yourselves from this perverse generation." (Acts 2:40). Later, to the Christian Hebrews Paul wrote, "Let us go forth therefore unto Him - outside the camp." (13:13). God's call to His people in Babylon is, "Come out of her, My people! Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her!" (Revelation 18:4).
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This is God's word unto His people today. Nor does it stand alone. In Romans 16:17 it is said, "Mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them." In 2 Timothy 2:20 we read, "In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful, to the Master and prepared to do any good work." 2 Timothy 3:5 speaks of those "having a form of godliness - but denying the power thereof," then it is added, "from such turn away." What a word is that in 2 Thessalonians 3:14, "If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him." How radical is the admonition of 1 Corinthians 5:11, "I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother - but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat!"
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." We are fully persuaded, that it is disregard of this commandment, for a command it is, which is largely responsible for the low state which now prevails so generally among Christians, both individually and corporately. No wonder the spiritual pulse of many churches beats so feebly. No wonder their prayer meetings are so thinly attended; Christians who are unequally yoked, have no heart for prayer. Disobedience at this point is a certain preventative, to real and whole-hearted devotion to Christ. No one can be an unshackled follower of the Lord Jesus who is, in any way, "yoked" to his enemies. He may be a church member - but the testimony of his life, the witness of his walk, will not honor and glorify Christ.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness? What harmony is there between Christ and the devil? What does a believer have in common with an unbeliever? What agreement is there between the temple of God and idols?" (2 Corinthians 6:14-16).
This passage gives utterance to a Divine exhortation for those belonging to Christ - to hold aloof from all intimate associations with the ungodly. It expressly forbids them entering into alliances with the unconverted. It definitely prohibits the children of God walking arm-in-arm with worldlings. it is an admonition applying to every phase and department of our lives - religious, domestic, social, commercial. And never, perhaps, was there a time when it more needed pressing on Christians, than now. The days in which we are living are marked by the spirit of compromise. On every side we behold unholy mixtures, ungodly alliances, unequal yokes. Many professing Christians appear to be trying how near to the world they may walk - and yet go to Heaven!
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This is a call to godly separation. In each dispensation, this Divine demand has been made. To Abraham Jehovah's peremptory word was, "Get out of your country, and from your kindred, and from your father's house." To Israel He said, "So do not act like the people of Egypt, where you uses to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must NOT imitate their way of life. You must obey all My regulations and be careful to keep My laws, for I, the Lord, am your God!" (Leviticus 18:3-4). And again, "Do not live by the customs of the people whom I will expel before you. It is because they do these terrible things that I detest them so much!" (Lev. 20:23). It was for their disregard of these very prohibitions, that Israel brought down upon themselves such severe chastisements.
At the beginning of the New Testament we are shown the forerunner of Christ standing outside the organized religion of His day, calling on men to flee from the wrath to come. The Saviour announced that, "He calls His own sheep by name, and leads them out." (John 10:3). On the day of Pentecost the word to believers was, "Save yourselves from this perverse generation." (Acts 2:40). Later, to the Christian Hebrews Paul wrote, "Let us go forth therefore unto Him - outside the camp." (13:13). God's call to His people in Babylon is, "Come out of her, My people! Do not take part in her sins, or you will be punished with her!" (Revelation 18:4).
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." This is God's word unto His people today. Nor does it stand alone. In Romans 16:17 it is said, "Mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine which you have learned, and avoid them." In 2 Timothy 2:20 we read, "In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful, to the Master and prepared to do any good work." 2 Timothy 3:5 speaks of those "having a form of godliness - but denying the power thereof," then it is added, "from such turn away." What a word is that in 2 Thessalonians 3:14, "If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of him. Do not associate with him." How radical is the admonition of 1 Corinthians 5:11, "I am writing you that you must not associate with anyone who calls himself a brother - but is sexually immoral or greedy, an idolater or a slanderer, a drunkard or a swindler. With such a man do not even eat!"
"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers." We are fully persuaded, that it is disregard of this commandment, for a command it is, which is largely responsible for the low state which now prevails so generally among Christians, both individually and corporately. No wonder the spiritual pulse of many churches beats so feebly. No wonder their prayer meetings are so thinly attended; Christians who are unequally yoked, have no heart for prayer. Disobedience at this point is a certain preventative, to real and whole-hearted devotion to Christ. No one can be an unshackled follower of the Lord Jesus who is, in any way, "yoked" to his enemies. He may be a church member - but the testimony of his life, the witness of his walk, will not honor and glorify Christ.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 2)
Present Day Evangelism # 2
Present Day Evangelism # 2
Bent on attaining a certain desired object, the energy of the flesh has been given free reign, and supposing that the object was right, evangelists have concluded that nothing could be wrong which contributed unto the securing of that end; and since their efforts appear to be eminently successful, only too many churches silently acquiesced, telling themselves "the end justifies the means." Instead of examining the plans proposed and the methods adopted by the light of Scripture, they were tacitly accepted on the ground of expediency. The evangelist was esteemed not for the soundness of his message - but by the visible "results" he secured. He was valued, not according to how his preaching honored God - but by how many souls were supposedly converted under it.
Once a man makes the conversion of sinners his prime design and all-consuming end, he is exceedingly apt to adopt a wrong course. Instead of striving to preach the Truth in all its purity - he will tone it down so as to make it more palatable to the unregenerate. Impelled by a single force, moving in one fixed direction, his object is to make conversion easy, and therefore favorite passages (like John 3:16) are dwelt upon incessantly, while others are ignored or pared away. It inevitably reacts upon his own theology, and various verses in the Word are shunned, if not repudiated. What place will he give in his thought to such declarations as: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin - or the leopard his spots?" (Jere. 13:23); "No man can come unto Me, except the Father who has sent Me draws him" (John 6:44); "You have not chosen Me - but I have chosen you" (John 15:14)?
He will be sorely tempted to modify the truth of God's sovereign election, of Christ's particular redemption, of the imperative necessity for the supernatural operations of the Holy Spirit.
In twentieth century evangelism, there has been a woeful ignoring of the solemn truth of the total depravity of man. There has been a complete underrating of the desperate case and condition of the sinner. Very few indeed have faced the unpalatable fact - that every man is thoroughly corrupt by nature, that he is completely unaware of his own wretchedness, blind and helpless, dead in trespasses and sins! Because such is his case, because his heart is filled with enmity against God, it follows that no man can be saved without the special and supernatural intervention of God. According to our view here, so will it be elsewhere. To qualify and modify the truth of man's total depravity will inevitably lead to the diluting of collateral truths. The teaching of Holy Writ on this point is unmistakable: man's plight is such that his salvation is impossible, unless God puts forth His mighty power. No stirring of the emotions by anecdotes, no regaling of the senses by music, no oratory of the preacher, no persuasive appeals - are of the slightest avail.
In connection with the old creation, God did all without any assistants. But in the far more stupendous work of the new creation, it is intimated by the Armenian evangelist of our day that God needs the sinner's cooperation. Really, it comes to this - God is represented as helping man to save himself: the sinner must begin the work by becoming willing, and then God will complete the business. Whereas, none but the Spirit can make him willing in the day of His power (Psalm 110:3). He alone can produce godly sorrow for sin, and saving faith in the Gospel. He alone can make us not love ourselves first and foremost, and bring us into subjection to the Lordship of Christ. Instead of seeking the aid of outside evangelists, let the churches get on their faces before God, confess their sins, seek His glory, and cry for His miracle-working operations. "Not by might (of the preacher), nor by power (of the sinner's will) - but by My Spirit, says the Lord."
It is generally recognized that spirituality is at a low ebb in Christendom, and not a few perceive that sound doctrine is rapidly on the wane - yet many of the Lord's people take comfort from supposing that the Gospel is still being widely preached and that large numbers are being saved thereby. Alas! their optimistic supposition is ill-founded and sandily grounded. If the "message" now being delivered in Mission Halls be examined, if the "tracts" which are being scattered among the unchurched masses be scrutinized, if the "open air" speakers be carefully listened to, if the "sermons" or "addresses" of a "soul-winning campaign" be analyzed; in short, if "modern evangelism" is weighed in the balances of Holy Writ, it will be found lacking, lacking that which is vital to genuine conversion, lacking what is essential if sinners are to be shown their need of a Saviour, lacking that which will produce the transformed lives of new creatures in Christ Jesus.
It is in no captious spirit that we write, seeking to make a man an offender for a word. It is not that we are looking for perfection, and complain because we cannot find it; nor that we criticize others because they are not doing things as we think they should be done. No, it is a matter far more serious than that, the "evangelism" of the day is not only superficial to the last degree - but it is radically defective. It is utterly lacking a foundation on which to base an appeal for lamentable lack of proportion (the mercy of God being made far more prominent than His holiness, His love than His wrath) - but there is a fatal omission of that which God has given for the purpose of imparting a knowledge of sin. There is not only a reprehensible introducing of "bright singing," humorous witticisms and entertaining anecdotes - but there is a studied omission of dark background upon which alone the Gospel can effectively shine forth.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 3)
Bent on attaining a certain desired object, the energy of the flesh has been given free reign, and supposing that the object was right, evangelists have concluded that nothing could be wrong which contributed unto the securing of that end; and since their efforts appear to be eminently successful, only too many churches silently acquiesced, telling themselves "the end justifies the means." Instead of examining the plans proposed and the methods adopted by the light of Scripture, they were tacitly accepted on the ground of expediency. The evangelist was esteemed not for the soundness of his message - but by the visible "results" he secured. He was valued, not according to how his preaching honored God - but by how many souls were supposedly converted under it.
Once a man makes the conversion of sinners his prime design and all-consuming end, he is exceedingly apt to adopt a wrong course. Instead of striving to preach the Truth in all its purity - he will tone it down so as to make it more palatable to the unregenerate. Impelled by a single force, moving in one fixed direction, his object is to make conversion easy, and therefore favorite passages (like John 3:16) are dwelt upon incessantly, while others are ignored or pared away. It inevitably reacts upon his own theology, and various verses in the Word are shunned, if not repudiated. What place will he give in his thought to such declarations as: "Can the Ethiopian change his skin - or the leopard his spots?" (Jere. 13:23); "No man can come unto Me, except the Father who has sent Me draws him" (John 6:44); "You have not chosen Me - but I have chosen you" (John 15:14)?
He will be sorely tempted to modify the truth of God's sovereign election, of Christ's particular redemption, of the imperative necessity for the supernatural operations of the Holy Spirit.
In twentieth century evangelism, there has been a woeful ignoring of the solemn truth of the total depravity of man. There has been a complete underrating of the desperate case and condition of the sinner. Very few indeed have faced the unpalatable fact - that every man is thoroughly corrupt by nature, that he is completely unaware of his own wretchedness, blind and helpless, dead in trespasses and sins! Because such is his case, because his heart is filled with enmity against God, it follows that no man can be saved without the special and supernatural intervention of God. According to our view here, so will it be elsewhere. To qualify and modify the truth of man's total depravity will inevitably lead to the diluting of collateral truths. The teaching of Holy Writ on this point is unmistakable: man's plight is such that his salvation is impossible, unless God puts forth His mighty power. No stirring of the emotions by anecdotes, no regaling of the senses by music, no oratory of the preacher, no persuasive appeals - are of the slightest avail.
In connection with the old creation, God did all without any assistants. But in the far more stupendous work of the new creation, it is intimated by the Armenian evangelist of our day that God needs the sinner's cooperation. Really, it comes to this - God is represented as helping man to save himself: the sinner must begin the work by becoming willing, and then God will complete the business. Whereas, none but the Spirit can make him willing in the day of His power (Psalm 110:3). He alone can produce godly sorrow for sin, and saving faith in the Gospel. He alone can make us not love ourselves first and foremost, and bring us into subjection to the Lordship of Christ. Instead of seeking the aid of outside evangelists, let the churches get on their faces before God, confess their sins, seek His glory, and cry for His miracle-working operations. "Not by might (of the preacher), nor by power (of the sinner's will) - but by My Spirit, says the Lord."
It is generally recognized that spirituality is at a low ebb in Christendom, and not a few perceive that sound doctrine is rapidly on the wane - yet many of the Lord's people take comfort from supposing that the Gospel is still being widely preached and that large numbers are being saved thereby. Alas! their optimistic supposition is ill-founded and sandily grounded. If the "message" now being delivered in Mission Halls be examined, if the "tracts" which are being scattered among the unchurched masses be scrutinized, if the "open air" speakers be carefully listened to, if the "sermons" or "addresses" of a "soul-winning campaign" be analyzed; in short, if "modern evangelism" is weighed in the balances of Holy Writ, it will be found lacking, lacking that which is vital to genuine conversion, lacking what is essential if sinners are to be shown their need of a Saviour, lacking that which will produce the transformed lives of new creatures in Christ Jesus.
It is in no captious spirit that we write, seeking to make a man an offender for a word. It is not that we are looking for perfection, and complain because we cannot find it; nor that we criticize others because they are not doing things as we think they should be done. No, it is a matter far more serious than that, the "evangelism" of the day is not only superficial to the last degree - but it is radically defective. It is utterly lacking a foundation on which to base an appeal for lamentable lack of proportion (the mercy of God being made far more prominent than His holiness, His love than His wrath) - but there is a fatal omission of that which God has given for the purpose of imparting a knowledge of sin. There is not only a reprehensible introducing of "bright singing," humorous witticisms and entertaining anecdotes - but there is a studied omission of dark background upon which alone the Gospel can effectively shine forth.
~A. W. Pink~
(continued with # 3)
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