“It now becomes a serious question how far those who abide by the faith once delivered to the saints should fraternize with those who have turned aside to another gospel. Christian love has its claims, and divisions are to be shunned as grievous evils; but how far are we justified in being in confederacy with those who are departing from the truth? It is a difficult question to answer so as to keep the balance of the duties. For the present it behooves believers to be cautious, lest they lend their support and countenance to the betrayers of the Lord. It is one thing to overleap all boundaries of denominational restriction for the truth's sake: this we hope all godly men will do more and more. It is quite another policy which would urge us to subordinate the maintenance of truth to denominational prosperity and unity. Numbers of easy-minded people wink at error so long as it is committed by a clever man and a good-natured brother, who has so many fine points about him. Let each believer judge for himself; but, for our part, we have put on a few fresh bolts to our door, and we have given orders to keep the chain up; for, under colour of begging the friendship of the servant, there are those about who aim at robbing the Master.”"Another Word Concerning the Down-Grade," The Sword and the Trowel (August 1887), 400.
Assorted thoughts on missions, culture, and working with God to rebuild the spiritual Zion. "We, your servants, love each stone in the city, and we are sad to see them lying in the dirt." Psalm 102.14 (Contemporary English Version)
Thursday, May 31, 2007
Spurgeon Weighs In
By way of addendum to my last post, I would like to call attention to a quote of Charles H. Spurgeon, posted by Joe Stewart in the comment string of Wade Burleson's blog the other day. It seems to me that Spurgeon was arguing for exactly the same thing in his day that I am arguing for here.
While I respect and usually agree with you David, I do believe in taking a person's word before I do the press. Maybe it comes from seeing others destroyed by rumors that was spread through the Christian community. For example Chuck Swindoll had an awful time when a false rumor was spread concerning he and his wife divorcing. This was in the days before computers and this gossip spread like wildfire, the church I was in at the time banned Chuck Swindoll simply based on this rumor which they proceeded to pass on. It was in the press, it was everywhere, but Chuck Swindoll's denials were never printed.
ReplyDeleteIf a man or woman says to me that a rumor concerning them is baseless, I tend to believe that person until proven wrong, by that person. If someone says that salvation is through faith in Jesus Christ only, despite what articles, video tapes with cut out portions etc say I am going to believe and cooperate with that person. If proven wrong, then I am proven wrong. We are all human after all. Either way I will not water down nor stand down from my own personal knowledge of the true gospel. It was more than mere rumor when Spurgeon said this terrific and powerful piece. I don't think Charles Spurgeon would have said this however based on rumor with no proof and not asking the person themselves. He himself was the subject of many baseless rumors and gossip both in the media and by mouth.
I hope you know I say this with the utmost of respect for you.
Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment. You are always welcome to say whatever you think is for edification on "Love Each Stone."
For the very reason you mention here, I refrained from dealing directly with specific individuals and their beliefs on my last post.
However, I do firmly believe and hold to the principles alluded to, both in my previous post, and in the quote by Spurgeon here.
David,
ReplyDeleteAs you would expect, a hearty Amen! to both posts on this topic.
Steve