For
Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel--not with words of
human wisdom, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power. 1 Corinthians 1:17
We who witness and proclaim the gospel must
not think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to establish good will
between Christ and the world.
We must not imagine ourselves commissioned
to make Christ acceptable to big business, the press, modern education, or the
world of sports.
We are not diplomats but prophets, and our
message is not a compromise but an ultimatum!
God offers life, but not an improved old
life. The life He offers is life out of death. It stands always on the far side
of the cross. Whoever would possess it must pass under the rod. He must
repudiate himself and concur in God’s just sentence against him.
What does this mean to the individual, the
condemned man who would find life in Christ Jesus? How can this theology be
translated into life?
Simply, he must repent and believe. He must
forsake his sins and then go on to forsake himself.
Let him cover nothing, defend nothing,
excuse nothing.
Let him not seek to make terms with God,
but let him bow his head before the stroke of God’s stern displeasure and
acknowledge himself worthy to die.
Having done this, let him gaze with simple
trust upon the risen Savior, and from Him will come life and rebirth and
cleansing and power. The cross that ended the earthly life of Jesus now puts an
end to the sinner; and the power that raised Christ from the dead now raises
him to a new life along with Christ!
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