A universalist friend has begun to oppose me sharply because I pointed out from Scripture what I believe to be a denial of the doctrine of Christ. He accuses me of thinking I know everything. I know that isn’t true, but it is bewildering and painful to be painted with that brush, as though certainty in Christ’s gospel were the same as arrogance. Painful for all believers because it always mingles such an accusation with a hint of plausibility, and the child of God, sensitive of conscience and desiring to be clothed in humility, feels the wound keenly even if the charge isn’t true. Though not a single one of us would claim infallibility, yet neither can we speak of God’s truth as if it were uncertain or negotiable. To be told that conviction is nothing more than conceit feels like a blow to the very root of faith, as though standing firm upon the gospel were itself a kind of pride. Surely there is a difference between claiming all knowledge and standing resolute in the truth Christ has revealed.
Such accusations echo the enemy’s voice, for this has been his method from the beginning. In Eden, the serpent’s subtlety was not a direct denial, but a whisper of suspicion, “hath God said,” Genesis 3:1, and when we attempt to stand firmly on the gospel, the adversary comes with the same insinuation, “hath God truly spoken; or is this only your private opinion, your own clever reading into scripture.” Thus he mingles accusations with doubt, hoping to shake our confidence. Yet the answer remains the same, our confidence is not in ourselves, nor in our interpretation, but in the Word of God revealed in Christ. His sheep know His voice, John 10:27, and that voice is clear and certain, however much the enemy mocks.
Such accusations echo the enemy’s voice, for this has been his method from the beginning. In Eden, the serpent’s subtlety was not a direct denial, but a whisper of suspicion, “hath God said,” Genesis 3:1, and when we attempt to stand firmly on the gospel, the adversary comes with the same insinuation, “hath God truly spoken; or is this only your private opinion, your own clever reading into scripture.” Thus he mingles accusations with doubt, hoping to shake our confidence. Yet the answer remains the same, our confidence is not in ourselves, nor in our interpretation, but in the Word of God revealed in Christ. His sheep know His voice, John 10:27, and that voice is clear and certain, however much the enemy mocks.
Such accusations echo the enemy’s voice, for this has been his method from the beginning. In Eden, the serpent’s subtlety was not a direct denial, but a whisper of suspicion, “hath God said,” Genesis 3:1, and when we attempt to stand firmly on the gospel, the adversary comes with the same insinuation, “hath God truly spoken; or is this only your private opinion, your own clever reading into scripture.” Thus he mingles accusations with doubt, hoping to shake our confidence. Yet the answer remains the same, our confidence is not in ourselves, nor in our interpretation, but in the Word of God revealed in Christ. His sheep know His voice, John 10:27, and that voice is clear and certain, however much the enemy mocks.
The gospel is not our speculation but God’s revelation; it does not rise from the shifting opinions of men, but descends from the unchanging Word of God, written, preserved, and fulfilled in Christ. Hebrews 1:1-2. Paul says, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation.” Romans 1:16. To declare it timidly or doubtfully would undermine its divine authority and power. Paul warns against giving an “uncertain sound.” I Corinthians 14:8. If the message is blurred, souls are left unsure about the only way of salvation. We dare not imagine that error and compromise are harmless, for they strike at the honor of Christ Himself. II Peter 2:1-2. “He that is not with me is against me.” Matthew 12:30. Neutrality here is an illusion, Christ is either confessed in truth or denied in error; there is no middle ground.
If the gospel is certain, then to speak with certainty is no sin. Besides, it’s impossible for those that belong to Christ to treat the gospel as though it were negotiable, or to speak of the clear message of Christ as if it were uncertain. Believers do not claim to know everything, nor should they give that impression. Yet when it comes to the gospel of Christ, it cannot be reduced to one opinion among many. If the saints sound strong at times, it is only because His truth is too precious to compromise. Jude 1:3. MPJ