Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 103:412 (Oct 1946)
Article: Editorials
Author: Anonymous

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BSac 103:412 (Oct 46) p. 385

Editorials

Modern Evangelism

In the more recent history of the church the Arminian Theology has largely dominated the ministry of the evangelists. Back of all high-pressure methods is the unscriptural notion that all men are capable of accepting Christ as Savior at any time and under any circumstances—a natural deduction from the Arminian belief that each person is at birth given ability to accept Christ as Savior if one so desires. Over against this is the clear Biblical testimony: “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Cor 2:14); “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them” (2 Cor 4:3—4); “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Eph 2:8).

It is certain that the unsaved individual must be enlightened or enabled before he can accept Christ intelligently as Savior. The Arminian believes this is universal and achieved for each one at birth. The Calvinist believes, on the other hand, that this enlightenment comes to the individual human heart by the convicting work of the Holy Spirit (John 16:7–11).

In other words, the gospel of grace is a revelation from God: thus it was given first to the Apostle Paul (Gal 1:11–12), and it must be revealed by the Holy Spirit to each one who accepts it. It is thus that God completes His election. Those whom He predestinated, He calls, and those He justifies and glorifies (Rom 8:30). No amount of human zeal or

BSac 103:412 (Oct 46) p. 386

pressure upon the will of the unsaved can ever take the place of this work of the Holy Spirit.

The most modern and recent provision of God is radio preaching. In this all human works are impossible. The preacher gives the Word of God and must depend upon the Holy Spirit to apply it apart from all public requirements or actions. Thus God is requiring in this most effective means of preaching that it shall be a giving of the Word of God in full dependence upon the Holy Spirit. This is true gospel preaching.

A Timely Word of Instruction

Those who attempt to win souls for Christ may well be grateful th...

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