Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 41:161 (Jan 1884)
Article: Essential Christianity
Author: J. W. Weddell

BSac 41:161 (Jan 1884) p. 24

Essential Christianity

Rev. J. W. Weddell

“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,” said Jesus, “shall enter into the kingdom of heaven.”1 Profession is not necessarily salvation. Can the opposite be affirmed? Not all who gain entrance to the kingdom shall say to the Master “Lord, Lord.” That is, salvation is not necessarily profession.

This some ardently hope; and this indeed we might all with devoutness wish. There are those who will continue to trust that the many who “shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham and Isaac and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven,”2 shall include not a few who have never heard the name of Jesus, and so could not have called him “Lord.” This we know, the grace of God is past human defining. There may be something yet beyond what our imperfect knowledge has grasped of divine mercy. At any rate, it is the happy lot of mortals that their case is submitted to a juster and kindlier tribunal than earth can show. We may all utter with meek sincerity, for that great day, the words of David to his prophet: “Let us fall now into the hand of the Lord, for his mercies are great, and let me not fall into the hand of man.” 3

This, we say, may be made subject for hope. It is not, however, the hope of the gospel. It is other than the preaching with which we have been commissioned from heaven. The word of that trust is plain, and there is no mistaking the import of the proclamation. There is that which engendereth speculation, but it is to be found elsewhere than in the words of the divine command, clear, direct, imperative: “Go ye into

BSac 41:161 (Jan 1884) p. 25

all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.”4 The gospel! Here is our theme! What is said in the following paragraphs refers to its explicit sanctions and limitations. That there is other truth beyond this, we believe; that there is other escape from sin and all its woe, many of us may hope; but here there is something that we know. We have revealed to us in clearest characters, which he that runs may read, a scheme for man’s redemption. It is simple; it is adequate. If our minds and hearts can lay hold of this in all its gracious fulness, let us be satisfied.

Christianity is too dear a name to be unconditionally disowned. Even those who have lost its spirit, yea, even, are possessed of the spirit of its opposite, would continue to speak in its fair name. Ludwig Feuerbach wrote a book some forty years ago whose animus...