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Michael Horton, in
Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church
, p. 228.
The church has a very narrow commission. It is not called to be an alternative neighborhood, circle of friends, political action committee, social club, or public service agency; it is called to deliver Christ so clearly and fully that believers are prepared to be salt and light in the worldly stations to which God has called them. Why should a person go through all the trouble of belonging to a church and showing up each Sunday if God is the passive receiver and we are the active giver? It's like being expected to look forward to Christmas when you are always giving but never receiving any gifts. Answering Simon's complaint against the woman who anointed Jesus with costly perfume, Jesus said, "He who is forgiven little, loves little." Then he turned to the woman and said, "Your sins are forgiven" (Luke 7:47-48). When we regularly hear and receive Christ's forgiveness, we are filled with love for him and for others.
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2 comments:
Ryan,
I've been thinking about your comments re: the danger facing the American church; much of it addressed in this book...The only thing I might add is that the responsibility for the pervasive nature of these false views of Christianity must be laid at the feet of us who lead. Pastors and church leaders are responsible for the erosion of the church's correct understandings of God and His gospel. What concerns me most is the fear of men that drives our reluctance to proclaim truth and admonish error. Your brother from afar - Tim Quick
Oh, I completely agree and I think Horton is writing primarily to those of us who have been handed the task of "handling the word of truth." When I read your comment I was immediately reminded of James 3:1:
"Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness."
That makes me shiver in my shoes.
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