Good morning,
Compromising the gospel message started long before our current generation. Today we see the gospel repackaged. Tomorrow we will see the gospel ignored.
What a shame to see the message of Jesus trampled upon because the hearers do not want to hear and obey. There is coming a time of judgment.
Sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it
(J.C. Ryle, “Knots Untied” 1896)
Ministers do great spiritual harm by departing in the slightest degree from the Scriptural proportions of the gospel, or by trying to win the world by dressing the simple old Evangelical faith in new clothes.
The world is never won by trimming, and compromising, by facing both ways, and trying to please all.
The cross of Christ is never made more acceptable by sawing off its corners, or by polishing, varnishing, and adorning it.
Let us hold on our way, and be jealously sensitive of any departure from the simplicity of the gospel. Popularity obtained by pandering to the senses or the sentiment of our hearers–is not worth anything. Worshipers who are not content with the Bible, the cross of Christ, simple prayers and simple praise–are worshipers of little value. It is useless to try to please them–because their spiritual taste is diseased.
This was written in 1896. It has gotten progressively worse over the years. Pastors, teachers, church workers do not have the authority to change the God’s clear message of salvation.
Pray for pastors, teachers, church workers that they present the gospel simply and clearly.
Tom Stearns, WASI Chaplain, 907 715-4001
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