Saving Faith for People

It is generally recognized that spirituality is at a low ebb in Christendom, and many perceive that sound doctrine is rapidly waning. Yet, many of the Lord's people take comfort in supposing that the Gospel is still being widely preached and that large numbers are being saved thereby. Regrettably, this optimistic supposition is ill-founded and lacking in solid grounding.

If one examines the "message" now being delivered in Mission Halls, scrutinizes the "tracts" scattered among the unchurched masses, carefully listens to the "open-air" speakers, or analyzes the "sermons" or "addresses" of a "Soul-winning campaign," it will become evident that modern "Evangelism" is found wanting when weighed against the standard of Holy Writ. It lacks the vital elements necessary for genuine conversion, the essential components to show sinners their need for a Savior, and the substance that would produce the transfigured lives of new creatures in Christ Jesus.

Arthur Walkington Pink, an English Christian evangelist and Biblical scholar, was known for his staunchly Calvinist and Puritan-like teachings. Prior to his conversion, he had migrated into a Theosophical society, an occult gnostic group popular in England at the time, and quickly rose in prominence within their ranks. However, his conversion was the result of his father's patient admonitions from Scripture, particularly the verse in Proverbs 14:12, which states, "there is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death." This verse struck a chord in his heart and compelled him to renounce Theosophy and follow Jesus.

The state of spirituality in Christendom is one of concern, with sound doctrine seemingly on the wane. While many believe the Gospel is still being widely preached and that large numbers are being saved, a closer examination of modern "Evangelism" reveals a troubling reality. The messages, tracts, and sermons often lack the vital elements necessary for genuine conversion, the essential components to show sinners their need for a Savior, and the substance that would produce the transfigured lives of new creatures in Christ Jesus. This realization should compel us to re-evaluate our approach to evangelism and ensure that it is firmly grounded in the teachings of the Holy Scriptures.

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