J. Gresham Machen
Ignorance in the Church
Thu, 10/22/2009 - 08:17 — Christian BlogWhat would Machen say of the church today?
"An outstanding fact of recent Church history is the appalling growth of ignorance in the Church." (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 176)
Pastors Who Love the Cross of Christ
Thu, 10/22/2009 - 08:15 — Christian Blog"The [potential] pastor in question, it is said, is of good standing in the Church, and he has never denied the doctrines of grace. Therefore, it is urged, he should be called to the pastorate. But shall we be satisfied with such negative assurances? Shall we be satisfied with preachers who merely ‘do not deny’ the Cross of Christ? God grant that such satisfaction may be broken down! The people are perishing under the ministrations of those who ‘do not deny’ the Cross of Christ. Surely something more than that is needed. God send us ministers who, instead of merely avoiding denial of the Cross shall be on fire with the Cross, whose whole life shall be one burning sacrifice of gratitude to the blessed Saviour who loved them and gave Himself for them!" (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 175-176)
Evaluating a Pastor
Thu, 10/22/2009 - 08:12 — Christian Blog"Christian officers in the Church should show their loyalty to Christ in their capacity as members of the individual congregations. The issue often arises in connection with the choice of a pastor. Such and such a man, it is said, is a brilliant preacher. But what is the content of his preaching? Is his preaching full of the gospel of Christ? The answer is often evasive." (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 175)
Theological Dilution?
Wed, 10/21/2009 - 07:11 — Christian Blog"If the liberal party, therefore, really obtains control of the Church, evangelical Christians must be prepared to withdraw no matter what it costs. Our Lord has died for us, and surely we must not deny Him for favor of men." (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 166)
Mixing Christianity and Liberalism?
Wed, 10/21/2009 - 07:08 — Christian Blog"One thing is perfectly plain—whether or not liberals are Christians, it is at any rate perfectly clear that liberalism is not Christianity. And that being the case, it is highly undesirable that liberalism and Christianity should continue to be propagated within the bounds of the same organization." (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 160)
What's Wrong in the Church?
Wed, 10/21/2009 - 07:03 — Christian Blog"What is the trouble with the visible church? What is the reason for its obvious weakness? There are perhaps many causes of weakness. But one cause is perfectly plain—the Church today has been unfaithful to her Lord by admitting great companies of non-Christian persons, not only into her membership, but into her teaching agencies." (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 159)
Why Does Man Exist?
Tue, 10/20/2009 - 05:16 — Christian Blog"According to Christian belief, man exists for the sake of God; according to the liberal Church, in practice if not in theory, God exists for the sake of man." (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 154)
Accepting Christianity for All the Wrong Reasons
Tue, 10/20/2009 - 05:14 — Christian Blog"Christianity will indeed accomplish many useful things in this world, but if it is accepted in order to accomplish those useful things it is not Christianity. Christianity will combat Bolshevism; but if it is accepted in order to combat Bolshevism, it is not Christianity. Christianity will produce a unified nation, in a slow but satisfactory way; but if it is accepted in order to produce a unified nation, it is not Christianity. Christianity will produce a healthy community; but if it is accepted in order to produce a healthy community, it is not Christianity. Christianity will promote international peace; but if it is accepted in order to promote international peace, it is not Christianity." (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 152)
The Place of Heaven in the Church
Tue, 10/20/2009 - 05:10 — Christian Blog"Such is the Christian life—it is a life of conflict, but it is also a life of hope. It views this world under the aspect of eternity; the fashion of this world passeth away, and all must stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Very different is the ‘program’ of the modern liberal Church. In that program, heaven has little place, and this world is really all in all." (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 148)
What is True Faith?
Sun, 10/18/2009 - 23:25 — Christian Blog"True faith does not do anything. When it is said to do something (for example, when we say that it can remove mountains), that is only by a very natural shortness of expression. Faith is the exact opposite of works; faith does not give, it receives." (J. Gresham Machen, Christianity and Liberalism (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 1923), 147)
