Charles Spurgeon- Saved To Serve

(from “Weak Hands and Feeble Knees“)

“Active service is expected of every Christian.  Christ does not put His children on a bed, and then carry them to heaven along a lazy road; but He gives them life, and bids that life develop itself; He gives them strength, and commands them to use that strength in working out their own salvation.  While He works in them, they are passive; but He then bids them be active and work out what He has beforehand wrought in.  He is no Christian who does not seek to serve His God.  The very motto of the Christian should be, “I serve.”  Christ’s people are Christ’s servants, and as the angels in heaven delight to fly at God’s behests, so do the children of God delight to run in the way of His commands.”

Ray Comfort’s Orthodox Eschatology

In his recent article, “Heaven Is Ridiculous,” Ray Comfort continues to combat atheistic presumptions that God doesn’t exist. I think the most interesting thing about this article, however, is Comfort’s eschatology, in which he distinctly states that we are to look for a “New Heavens and New Earth.” There is nothing fabulous or novel in his view. In fact, it’s a view which has been consistently held for 2,000 years. Comfort doesn’t even say anything about the Millennium. He only states that heaven will be set up on earth. He is his quote verbatim:

“Most people don’t realize that the Bible teaches that Heaven is coming down to earth. This is despite the fact that daily, millions pray “Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.” God is going to set up His kingdom on this earth. When it comes, He is going to remove the Genesis curse–that means that there will be no more floods, tornados, hurricanes, droughts, earthquakes, deserts, disease, weeds, pain, suffering, or death. It is then that the lion will lie down with the lamb. Creation will stop devouring itself (see Romans 8:18-25). Those who trust in Jesus Christ will be given brand new bodies that will be like the resurrected body of Jesus–bodies that can eat, touch, feel, etc., but will never age or feel pain or sorrow. All this all sounds too good to be true, but it can be a proven reality for those who obey the gospel.

“Think of it–eternal life–on this wonderful earth restored to when it was like the Garden of Eden. A place where there are no rapists, no murderers, no pedophiles, no hypocrites, liars, blasphemers, or thieves. A place of perfect fruit, incredible animals, unimaginable color, massive waterfalls, amazing plants, more beautiful birds, bigger fish, grander canyons . . . and if you die in your sins, you are going to miss out, and instead end up in Hell–being punished for your sins, simply because of your prejudice and stubborn pride. What a tragedy.

“One other thing. The Creator of the Universe–Almighty God (the One you don’t believe in) will be there. He will say, “Behold I make all things new,” and He doesn’t need to use His past creation as a blueprint. He is the ultimate Creator with the ultimate creativity. Before this world existed as we know it, who could ever have imagined a blue sky, a brilliant sun, myriads of birds, gorgeous flowers, multitudes of colorful fish, deep blue seas, and an array of incredible animals. But this time, He will make all things new. Completely. We are waiting for a new heavens (sky) and a new earth (Isaiah 65:17, 1 Peter 3:13). We are also told that God will remove the sea Revelation 21:1. Imagine that. That will give us a little more room.”

   It is well to note that Comfort’s view is completely orthodox. In fact, it coincides remarkably with a statement made in one of the “ecclesiatical forms of doctrine” promulgated at the Nicene Council in 325 A.D. This reflects the traditional view of the Lord’s prayer petition, “Thy will be on earth as it is in heaven.” Christ will set up His kingdom over all the earth (Revelation 11: 15; cf. Zechariah 14: 9), when He returns to the Mount of Olives from whence He ascended (see Zechariah 14: 4; cf. Acts 1: 11). Christ ascended in a literal cloud, & so John predicts Him “coming with clouds” (Revelation 1: 7).

   Frankly, I’m still a little perplexed as to why Gary DeMar chose to blackjack Ray’s eschatology. It happens that Acts 1: 11 is one of the few passages which DeMar himself uses to prove a future coming of Christ. As an orthodox Christian, DeMar ought to be looking for the exact same thing as Comfort–a rule & reign of Jesus Christ on earth. Certainly not for a long-term continuation of the world’s present evil conditions.

   Even Comfort’s statement that the lions & lambs shall dwell together in peace & safety are common views of the early church fathers. It is remarkable how closely Comfort’s teachings align with the teachings of men like Irenaeus, Papias, Tertullian, Hippolytus, Lactantius, and other early expositors. The resemblance is almost startling. But it tells us one thing. Comfort, through his studies of the Scriptures, arrived at the exact same views as those of the historic Christian church. The Scriptures, when read plainly and taken at face value as God’s inspired Word, always lead to the same conclusions.

   Once again, I’m not saying anything about the Millennium! And neither does Ray Comfort in his article. Remember, whether you’re Post-Mil, A-Mil, or Pre-Mil, as long as you belive in a future coming of Christ you must believe in the renovation of the creation, & the abolition of the Genetic curse.

   Gregory of Nazianzus (called “The Theogian”) was no millenarian. And yet he wrote: “Why am I faint-hearted in my hopes? Why behave like a mere creature of a day? I await the voice of the archangel, the last trumpet, the transformation of the heavens, the transfiguation of the earth, the liberation of the elements, the renovation of the universe.” (Oration VII, xxi).

   This is exactly what Ray Comfort teaches! In fact, Gregory (in the same chapter) interprets Ezekiel 37 as pertaining to a literal resurrection. And I’m sure if I were to ask Ray his views on that chapter, he would agree with the literality of Ezekiel’s vision. Incidentally, that’s also agreeing with the church fathers. What I’m trying to say is, Ray Comfort is orthodox. So why does his article on “The End of The Age” have such a negative effect on Mr. DeMar? The answer to this question is more puzzling than anything asked by the fabled “Sphinx.”

   I’m not against Gary DeMar personally. But someone like Ray Comfort doesn’t deserve to be attacked for his eschatological views. In this day & age, when so many false teachers are running about, orthodox Christians need to stick together and combat false theologies that are being proliferated via the web. Most orthodox Preterists feel that DeMar’s affiliation with Hyper-Preterists is out of line. I agree. When it comes time to take sides & fight battles, DeMar has no problem standing with the bad guys. But look where his arrows are being aimed. Quick, Ray! Duck!

   The disheartening fact is, Comfort & DeMar are both struggling against the tide of atheists now flooding the web. They are fighting a common cause. What would the Philistines say if they knew about this? Once during our Lord’s earthly ministry, John said to Him: “Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name; and we forbade him, because he followeth not with us” (Luke 9: 49). Christ answered, “Forbid him not: for he that is not against us, is for us” (Luke 9: 50).

   This is a lesson which orthodox Christians need at all times to remember. Although we may have different views of eschatology, we stand united in the essentials. Our unity, if genuine and in earnest, ought to serve as a common bond when teaching each other, evangelizing the nations, and refuting false doctrines. There be many false teachers who have stolen into the fold of Christ’s church. To ignore these teachers, or to deny their prevalence by claiming the inspired words of warning applied only to those of the Jewish dispensation, is clearly wrong in practice, if not in theory.

   When fighting our battles, let us remember whose colors we are wearing. Happy is he who knows an enemy when he sees one, & maintains peace with all true and faithful servants of Jesus Christ. When the Lord comes to reckon up the talents, that man will not stand ashamed.

A “Comforting” Thought

Although the popular teachings of the day are sometimes wrong, one really has to wonder where to draw the lines between utility and futility. This morning I was reading Ray Comfort’s blog, and was pleasantly surprised at the large number of comments he daily gets. On an average, he receives about a hundred comments per post. And he writes prolifically, publishing one or two posts a day.

   This naturally got me to thinking of the great disparity between Comfort and men who are currently attacking him. I mean the Hyper-Preterists, of course. Most of these guys can hardly drum up ten or fifteen comments, or keep enough traffic coming to their sites to make their efforts worthwhile. What is driving them is hatred toward orthodox divinity & perhaps a generous craving for the praise of men. But it seems to me they’re going about it in the wrong way. After all, who will listen to a teacher that nobody listens to?

   If the heretics didn’t place so much emphasis on their own personalities, I wouldn’t rub their noses in the fact that their movement is dying out. Nobody wants to listen to them anymore. They may say they’re doing well, but others who have access to statistics tell me the case is far otherwise. The Hyper-Preterist movement reminds me of the children’s story, “The Little Engine That Could.” It is desperately trying to reach the crest of the hill before the sun goes down. Will it make it? Unforunately, most of the H.P. leaders still can’t see “Mene, mene, tekel” written all over the wall.

   Whenenever I compare the popularity between orthodoxy and heterodoxy, the message I get is this: the gates of hell have not prevailed against Christ’s church. Blessed truth! When I see a man like Ray Comfort remaining steadfast in the face of opposition, it gladdens my heart. I’m sure very few Christians could care about the arguments of Comfort’s heretical opponents. And of course, Comfort himself is probably too busy to waste his time with them. Apparently he doesn’t think they are important.

   Then, too, we have to add utility into the equation. Is Hyper-Preterism really adequate to meet the demands of modern life? This query may sting those who preach a post-modern “Gospel.” After all, they are the ones telling us that their message is now needed more than ever. Is it really?

   It seems to me the key issue is not whether the world needs a new “Gospel” issue, but whether or not a new “Gospel” will ever do the world a bit of good. Ray Comfort is preaching pure evangelical Christianity, and look at the impact he’s making! The Hyper-Preterists are haggling about space-exploration & other nonsense. But what power (if any) have their teachings to regenerate the lives & hearts of mankind?

   Don’t get me wrong. Popularity is no sure index to the truth. However, it’s a good index as to where people are getting fed. The current attack on Ray Comfort only makes sharper the distinction between the big fish & those bottom-feeders who are still looking to “get theirs.” But anyone who has the true Gospel & teaches it will not fail to have ears and hearts receptive to their teachings. The public still prefers comfort food to mashed potatoes!

A Lesson From Jeremiah

In this “advanced” age of ours, when progress swells like a flood, and sinful man prides himself upon such advances of knowledge as Solomon never dreamt of, it’s wise to have a firm grasp on sound doctrines and principles. Why? Because it’s too easy to be led astray by false teachers and wolves in sheep’s clothing. Christ & His inspired apostles foretold that many of these would arise during the “last days” (i.e. the epoch preceding Christ’s return), & thus we have need to exercise constant caution at all times. More circumspection is needed in this age, perhaps, than in any other.

   But how do we maintain the true faith in an heretical environment? Even people we’ve known personally have evinced such a lack of soundness in their theological beliefs, that we often feel that the “falling away” has already commenced. In times like these, let us hearken to the words of Jeremiah, who proposed a sure solution to the backsliding Israelites. The prophet writes: “Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls” (Jeremiah 6: 16). He was giving them a perfect remedy against the false prophets and teachers which had proliferated among them. I say again, “Ask for the old paths.”

   Jeremiah’s message holds true today. The antidote for all false teaching is a return to the orthodox Christianity of 2,000 years. And the saints that seek refuge herein will find, not only peace for their souls, but a perfect answer for the adversary. For months I’ve been very earnest about the historic Christian doctrines, and anyone who has followed the Hyper-Preterist movement knows why this issue is so important to me. The future of the church does not depend upon debates, or upon getting the most “pull” from respected ’scholars,’ but upon steadfastly cleaving to the doctrines of eternal life. Despite the proliferation of divers viewpoints, there is still only “one Gospel.” Let us take comfort in that fact.

   Bishop Ryle wisely observed: “Like the sower, the preacher must sow good seed, if he wants to see fruit. He must sow the pure word of God, and not the traditions of the church, or the doctrines of men. Without this his labor will be in vain. He may go to and fro, and seem to say much, and to work much in his weekly round of ministerial duty. But there will be no harvest of souls, no living results, and no conversions.” He is correct. There is but one true teaching of Christ’s message, & if we sow this we may rest assured that our efforts will do good unto others, and will likewise bring glory to our Savior Jesus Christ, whose commission we daily fulfill. Let us pause here and ask ourselves: what seed are we sowing? Our conscience shall give us an answer.

   Remember that the doctrines of heretics, the various false systems, lies, and delusions which pass as current coin, shall one day be driven away as chaff of the threshing floors. Until then we are called to exercise patience, perseverance, and fidelity in the Gospel which has been committed to us. As there is only one true Gospel, & one true church, so there must be a continuity of the Christian message throughout all ages of history. Find this, and you’ll have a city of refuge to which you may run in the day when the enemy rages, and when wrath, pride, and folly stalk among the camps, decimating their thousands and ten thousands. As Jeremiah preached, it is the only safe haven.

   Like Jeremiah, however, we must often be virulently attacked for holding this position. The backsliders will still say, “We will not walk therein” (Jeremiah 6: 16). The scoffers of the world will prate with lips of falsehood that there is no “absolute truth” in Scripture. They’ll claim that everything must change, and yet not knowing what they themselves are about. They will teach “doctrines of devils; speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their conscience seared with a hot iron” (1 Timothy 4: 1-2). They will “have a form of godliness” but will “deny the power thereof” (2 Timothy 3: 5). Like Jannes & Jambres, they will resist those who preach the true Gospel (2 Timothy 3:8).

   These are the men concerning which Jude warned the church (Jude 18 ff.). Among liberals they have risen like a flood, occupying high positions in learned societies. In the church they vigorously promote a false Christianity which sows the seeds of death. These same teachers are aiming to deny Jesus Christ as Son of God, so that they can bring in a strange new ‘religion’ in which Buddhists, Muslims, pagans, and atheists all sit at the same board together, and none is allowed to contradict the other.

   What is the solution for all this? Rather, we should ask, in which way can we best defend ourselves? The answer is simple: by returning to the orthodox Christian faith. Let us throw away the heretical textbooks we are using, and get back to the pure teachings of the Gospel. We’ll never have any kind of ‘reformation’ in religion until we agree to return to the Gospel–the one Gospel of Jesus Christ, Who is “the same yesterday, and today, and for ever” (Hebrews 13: 8). Let us take a lesson from Jeremiah and seek the old paths, that we may walk therein. The benefits of so doing are apparent in the text: “and ye shall find rest for your souls.”

   Brethren, let us soberly admit that human nature is too bankrupt to bring in a Millennium by its own efforts. Man is still a sinner who requires Divine grace before he can follow the Shepherd and Bishop of his soul. He must be sprinkled by the blood of Jesus Christ and renewed by the Spirit of God before his works will be accepted before the throne of grace. When John said “The whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5: 19), he gave no indication that its moral quality would change for the better before Christ returned. No, friends. The wheat and the tares must grow together until the harvest.

   Until then we are called to maintain the truth, even though we should suffer for it. Christ says: “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life” (Rev. 2: 10). Being faithful means taking our crosses daily and following Christ (Matt. 10: 38). It means keeping the form of sound words which we have heard (2 Tim. 1: 13). In all matters we must eschew evil. They who have the pure Gospel, & do not buckle beneath the onslaughts of false teachers, are the ones who will stand unashamed in the last day. They shall see the King in His glory, whilst unbelievers will be cast into outer darkness. Those who keep to the old paths, the good paths, even in the face of all opposition, are they alone who shall reign with Christ.