Peter referred to faith as C 'precious faith" (2 Pet. 1:1). Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6). The man that believes does so unto righteousness (Rom. 10:9,10). The person who has lost his faith is one "having no hope, and without God in the world" (Eph. 2:12). On the other hand every man that has "this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure" (1 Jn. 3:1-3).

The most effective way to work to stabilize marriage, to stop drug addiction, and to turn men from greed, dishonesty, and moral corruption is to preach Christ and Him crucified. If we recognize Him as King we will be led to the better life here as well as to life in the world to come (1 Tim. 4:8). It is certainly true that the influence of Jesus of Nazareth has been wholesome and for our good always. When we follow His steps we become good citizens, good members of our families, and good employees.

The things that have blessed America most have been the useful lives of those who have lived by the Bible. There are millions of Communists and humanists who are dedicated to destroying faith in God and in His Son. Their success is amazing. This explains the crime wave, the divorce evil, the violence that is so common, and the lack of respect for any authority. Unbelief and these evils go together. Faith and purity go together.

The pagan world in the Roman Empire is described in the latter part of Romans 1. This is an example of the behavior of some who have lived in every generation, and life becomes more difficult for every one when the number of unbelievers increases and they become bolder in proclaiming their idea that man is his own god with rights (license) to do as he pleases. Man's animal takes over when he decides that he is only an animal that should follow its own impulses.

The fruits of atheism are found in Galatians 5:19-21. The fruits of the true religion of Christ are found in Galatians 5:22,23. The differences are remarkable. It is the fool that has said there is no God (Psa. 14:1). It is certainly true that atheists (humanists in America) insist that people who believe the Bible and the Christ it reveals are ignorant fools who are trying to hold back science. Faith in Christ is no enemy to true science, but is opposed to "science falsely so called" (1 Tim. 6:20).

I have lived past my "three score and ten years," and I have been intimately associated with many devout Christians. These men are not the thieves, fornicators, drug addicts, gamblers, or rebels against government. Christians are not the ones who make it unsafe to walk on the streets in our cities. There is no reason to be ashamed of the influence the Bible has had.

The National Organization of Women (NOW), the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and other humanistic organizations have fought every wonderful principle of righteousness taught by the Prince of Peace, and they have been remarkably effective. There is a crying need for more soldiers in the Lord's army who will contend earnestly for the faith.

Christians should be unashamed and unafraid to preach the gospel. (Read Rom. 1:16-18; Matt. 10: 26-28; Mk. 8:38.) Boldness was a notable characteristic of the apostles who were trained by the Christ. Their courage and their bold affirmation of the gospel message had much to do with their success in spreading the gospel over the unbelieving Roman world. There were many adversaries, but they had courage to meet them, and they had the truth.

My generation of Christians has lost ground to the atheists who have nothing positive to offer. We are without excuse. The church took time out to copy the social gospel and institutionalism from the denominational world which is seriously under the influence of modernism, which is a forerunner of out and out atheism. The forces that would turn our hearts from the Creator and from our Savior have hardly been challenged. It is time to put on the whole armor and stand against the enemies of faith. Soldiers of Christ fought well in the first century of the church, and they can do it again. Maybe the fine young people among us will fight a good fight in the immediate future.

Much that goes under the name of Christianity is false and hypocritical. Denominationalism is not worth defending with all its emotionalism, modernism, and heresy. The pure gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Who is willing to study it and handle it aright, wearing the whole armor? This is a matter concerning which we would pray because the need for laborers is great (Matt. 9:36-38; Jn. 4:35). The Lord gave the great commission to a few, but the number grew as they went out with zeal.

Many of the battles in the terrible strife in Lebanon are between "Christians" and "Moslems." Christ is not the guide for either group. He has never advised any of the "holy" wars. The weapons of Christians are not carnal, but they are mighty (2 Cor. 10:4-6). Counterfeit religion is one of the subtle enemies of righteousness.

One of the most effective proofs of the inspiration of the Bible is the beauty of holiness. The age of unbelief is the age of drug addiction, divorce, child abuse, stealing, and violence. Christianity and humanism are known by their fruits. Are we too blind to see the difference and make a wise choice?

Guardian of Truth XXX: 17, p. 522
September 4, 1986