Christ At The Center
This is a quote which came in this morning on CQOD*, which may take a minute to process, but I think is quite excellent;Quote:
| A system of doctrine has risen up during the last three centuries, in which faith or spiritual-mindedness is contemplated and rested on as the end of religion, instead of Christ. I do not mean to say that Christ is not mentioned as the author of all good, but that stress is laid on the believing rather than on the object of belief, on the comfort and persuasiveness of the doctrine than on the doctrine itself. And in this way religion is made to consist of contemplating ourselves, instead of Christ; not simply in looking to Christ, but in seeing that we look to Christ; not in His divinity and atonement, but in our conversion and faith in Him. |
That is a quote by John Henry Newman (1801-1890).
What is he saying? He's saying that we've ceased "fixing our eyes on Jesus", as the book of Hebrews commands us (Hebrews 12:1-2). This verse tells us that Jesus is the author and perfecter of faith, that we are to consider Him. He is the object of our faith, of our belief. But instead of believing in Him, people are encouraged to believe in their own belief. Christ is not at the center of everything; we are.
How many times have I gone to "evangelistic" meetings in which virtually nothing is said about sin, the perfection of Christ, the crucifixion or resurrection, yet people are asked to "pray this prayer"...
And then, ten years later when you ask them about their salvation, instead of being able to say "I'm saved because of the work of Jesus Christ on my behalf," they are left with nothing to say but (as Pastor Smart** said) "I did my religious thing back then."
Their faith is in their religious experience, rather than in Jesus Christ, who has been relegated to a back seat.
* CQOD is the "Christian Quote Of The Day" - if you don't subscribe to CQOD, it's a nice way of getting something to "chew on" every morning (and it's free!). The quotes come from Christian authors from way way back to the last century. You can get subscription information at Christian Quote Of The Day
** For those who haven't heard, our church called a new pastor Tuesday night, by a 96% margin (or 98%, depending on whether or not you count the abstention). Pastor Smart will be starting quite soon (a week from Sunday, I do believe!) I'm very happy about this, although the sad side is that we'll have to be saying goodbye to Pastor B.
Posted On Sep 22, 2005 at 4:57 AM
On Sep 22, 2005 Preacher wrote: I am pleased to hear that you have a full-time pastor again.
"Onward, Forward, shout a loud a loud Hosanna"
On Sep 23, 2005 Trent wrote: There, I have finally come out of the "Preacher" closet. Yes world, it really is me.
Somehow I missed commenting on your quote and went straight to the great news regarding your local church.
Isn't it amazing that Mr. Newman saw it coming? We now have a "Christianity" that has faith in faith.
The Scriptures say in John 1:12
"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name:" (NKJV)
We did not receive a creed. Nor did we receive a code of conduct. We received the person of the Lord Jesus and His finished work at the cross and the empty tomb.
Jesus' statement makes it plain in John 12:32
"And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me."
The immediate context refers to His crucifixion. The application though, goes to Calvary and beyond. Those who seek to minister to people, must be willing to lift Him up and Him alone.
Not as a solution to life's problems. But as the Source of life itself.
Great quote Doug! Keep them coming.
Trent
Doug Replied: Be sure to read the follow-up quote by Mr. Newman as well!
|
Doug's Random ThoughtsEverything from Soup to Nuts,And Maybe Even More! ABOUT ME Current PostsBlog Is Moving...Emergency Room Last Entry Join The Chorus Jeorge Sings A Hymn 
|