10. CHAPTER 9.
CHAPTER 9.
APOSTASY INTO PROFANENESS AND SENSUALITY OF LIFE — THE CAUSES AND OCCASIONS OF IT, — DEFECTS IN PUBLIC TEACHERS AND GUIDES IN RELIGION.
What remains to be considered under this topic of deviating from the commands of the gospel and the obedience they entail is of a worse nature and has more harmful consequences. It refers to the open abandonment of profanity and indulgence in sensual lifestyles that can be visibly observed among the majority of those who identify as Christians in many parts of the world. If anyone holds a different view, believing that the conduct and behavior of churches, individual Christians, and entire nations professing Christianity align with the requirements and approval of the gospel, they either seem to be unaware of the true state of affairs or they are greatly misrepresenting the grace and truth brought by Jesus Christ. To suggest that the gospel, as taught by Him, condones or tolerates the prevailing darkness, profanity, sensuality, violent conflicts, oppression, and all the vile and destructive desires that have engulfed the Christian world today is to render it not only useless but extremely detrimental to humanity. It implies that, through Him and His teachings, support is given to such a degeneration of wickedness that even paganism would not permit, leading the world into chaos and the imminent danger of ruin. Hence, for now, I will assume (while remaining open to compelling evidence to the contrary) that within the churches to which the majority of Christians associate themselves, there is an evident departure from the piety, holiness, and righteousness that the gospel unequivocally demands from all followers of Christ, qualities which the early Christians ardently pursued and abundantly displayed. Our task now is to investigate the means and causes behind this apostasy. In particular, I will consistently refer to the example of the Roman Catholic Church, which not only exemplifies the most prominent instance of apostasy in this regard among all churches worldwide but also serves as an adequate representation of any similar occurrences happening elsewhere. The immediate internal causes, which serve as the source and origin of all sins, including those present in this apostasy, do not pertain directly to our current inquiry. By these causes, I refer to the general corruption of human nature, the power and deceitfulness of sin, the love for worldly pursuits, including its profits, honors, and pleasures, the insatiable cravings of the flesh for sensual gratification, and the aversion of the human mind from spiritual and heavenly matters due to their alienation from the life of God, resulting from the darkness and ignorance within them. These depraved affections, when stirred and manipulated by the crafty influences of Satan and fueled by temptations, incline, persuade, and drive individuals towards all sorts of wickedness with pleasure and eagerness (James 1:14-15). However, since these factors, in general, apply to all times, circumstances, and sins, and given that it is the continual duty of gospel ministers (those who understand their calling and the responsibility they bear for the souls entrusted to their care) to expose the nature, expose the deceit, and warn people of the perils associated with these underlying principles and occasions of sin within and around them, there is no need for me to delve into them specifically at this point. Instead, our focus will be on the more conspicuous external means and causes that have given rise to, facilitated, and propelled the apostasy that is being lamented.
I. The first factor contributing to this phenomenon, observed throughout history, arises from the actions of public readers, guides, or leaders in matters of religion. By this, I refer to individuals of all kinds, regardless of their titles, designations, or affiliations, and I mention them broadly because of the diverse ways in which they are multiplied, especially within the Roman Catholic Church. It is in this church, which played a central role in the emergence and propagation of this apostasy, that various types of these leaders are most prevalent. These individuals have always exerted significant influence on the holiness or unholiness of the people. Indeed, the purity or apostasy of the church, in terms of outward means, primarily rests upon them and their faithful discharge of their roles and responsibilities. In many respects, they assume a role similar to that of the priests of old, and they often fall under the same admonition and rebuke delivered to them by the prophet Malachi (Malachi 2:1-9): "O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart. Behold, I will rebuke your offspring and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it. So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the LORD of hosts. My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name. True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But you have turned aside from the way. You have caused many to stumble by your instruction. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi, says the LORD of hosts, and so I make you despised and abased before all the people, inasmuch as you do not keep my ways but show partiality in your instruction." The holy, humble, and diligent ministry that Christ originally established in the church played a crucial role in converting people to evangelical obedience and preserving them in it. Their teaching, spirit, example, way of life, prayers, preaching, and unwavering efforts were all directed towards this purpose and were blessed and fruitful by God. During that time, the lives of Christians reflected the truth of the gospel.
However, as time passed, the subsequent generations of church leaders became troubled sources, polluting and corrupting the practice of Christian religion. It is disheartening to observe, through the course of ecclesiastical records and histories, how these leaders gradually succumbed to corruption and influenced the people in negative ways. They became entangled in conflicts, divisions, ambition, and worldly pursuits. Moreover, their negligence in fulfilling their duties deprived the people of the opportunity to be transformed by the power of gospel doctrine and commands. In the Old Testament, the priests and prophets led the people into a twofold apostasy. Firstly, they led them into the sin of superstition and idolatry, which persisted until it resulted in the devastating Babylonian captivity, during which their idols were destroyed. Secondly, after their return from captivity, the same type of leaders, through negligence, ignorance, and their own sinful behavior, turned the people away from God and His law. This decline started in the days of Malachi, the last prophet, and culminated in the complete apostasy and destruction of the church and people.
Similarly, when the rejection of the Lord Christ, the Son of God, reached its climax, the leaders and teachers, through their influence and coercion, led the majority of the people into rebellion and impenitence, as clearly depicted in the gospel accounts. It is concerning to consider that a similar pattern may have occurred among Christians as well. The initial apostasy of the Christian world was marked by superstition and idolatry, primarily under the guidance of the Roman Catholic Church. This, as always, was accompanied by a life of wickedness among various individuals. While many churches and nations have been delivered from this abomination, there is a real danger that they are now slipping into a worldly, sensual, and profane way of living. The Scriptures provide ample evidence on this subject, and its very nature demands a thorough and profound examination. However, the scope of my intention does not allow for detailed elaboration on each specific aspect. My aim is to identify the primary sources and causes of this problem, and thus this portion of our discussion will be treated briefly, similar to the preceding one.
It is widely acknowledged that the well-being of the church depends on the proper execution of the ministry. The Apostle Paul clearly states this in Ephesians 4:11-15. The church will either flourish or decline in accordance with the manner in which this office is fulfilled. The nature of the ministry, its purpose, its duties, and the universal experience of all generations and places confirm this observation without any dispute. Therefore, if those who assume the responsibility of this office significantly and notoriously fail to fulfill its duties, particularly if this failure occurs commonly and over an extended period of time, it is inevitable that the people will become corrupt and deviate from the standards set by the gospel. Without diligent shepherds, the flocks will not be preserved, and without proper cultivation, fields will be overrun with weeds, thorns, and brambles. Hence, I will first enumerate some of the essential requirements for ministers and teachers of the church, which are indispensable for preserving its purity and ensuring its commitment to evangelical obedience. I will focus solely on those duties that all individuals recognize as such or that no one who professes the gospel can deny.
First and foremost, it is imperative that ministers uphold and preserve the purity of the gospel doctrine, particularly regarding the holiness it enjoins. In the past, the priests were entrusted with the task of preserving knowledge, and the people sought guidance from them in understanding the law. This remains one of the primary purposes for which the Lord Christ instituted the ministry in the church (Ephesians 4:11-15). The aim is to perfect the saints, carry out the work of the ministry, and edify the body of Christ. The goal is to attain unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, reaching maturity and conforming to the fullness of Christ. This ensures that the members of the church are not swayed by every wind of doctrine or deceived by cunning individuals, but rather grow in truth and love, with Christ as the head. The preservation, proclamation, defense, and vindication of truth is crucial. Ministers are entrusted with this duty to prevent the members of the church, the disciples of Christ, from being led astray or unsettled through weakness, ignorance, or the deceitful tactics of seducers. It is an essential responsibility that the Apostle Paul emphasized when addressing the elders of the church in Ephesus (Acts 20:28-30). He warned them to be vigilant, as grievous wolves would enter to ravage the flock, and even from within their own ranks, individuals would arise spreading perverse teachings to draw disciples after them. This duty of safeguarding and preserving truth is also stressed in Paul’s charge to his beloved Timothy. Timothy, as a minister of the church, was appointed as an example for future generations of ministers. He was entrusted with the command to keep the truth without fault or blame until the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ. He was instructed to avoid profane and empty babblings, as well as the oppositions of falsely-called knowledge. Paul urged Timothy to remind others of these things, cautioning them not to engage in fruitless arguments that only lead to the ruin of the hearers.
Moreover, Paul directed Timothy to pass on this charge to faithful individuals who would be able to teach others, thereby ensuring the preservation of the gospel truth in subsequent generations. The intensity of the apostle’s charge and his passionate exhortations demonstrate the significance and necessity of this duty. Without it, the church would fail to fulfill its role as the pillar and foundation of the truth.
There are three sources where sacred truths, specifically those of the gospel mystery, are preserved: the Scriptures, the minds and hearts of believers, and the ministry of the present age. The Scriptures are safeguarded by God’s providence, ensuring their preservation against all opposition until the end of time. Even if the other ways of preservation were to fail, the Scriptures would remain intact, as they have been throughout history. The loss that may occur in other ways can be recovered through the Scriptures, which serve as an unfailing fountain of truth, constantly available for those who use the appointed means to draw from it.
However, the Scriptures alone are not enough to secure the public interest in truth and holiness. There must also be means of communicating the truths contained therein to the minds and consciences of people, and the Scriptures themselves appoint and require a ministry for this purpose. Additionally, there can be a temporary preservation of truth in the minds and hearts of individual believers. This was evident in the days of Elijah when, despite a lack of outward ministry, seven thousand people remained faithful to God and did not bow down to Baal. The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in preserving truth in the minds and hearts of true believers. They are taught by God through the work of the Spirit, fulfilling the promise that "they shall be all taught of God" (John 6:45). While this preservation is not entirely without means, it does not always depend indispensably on external factors.
Furthermore, the continuation of truth in the world, both in its power and profession, even during periods of widespread apostasy, is attributed to the work of the Spirit in the hearts and minds of believers. It is reasonable to believe that during the time of the papal defection, many individuals held fast to the core truths of the gospel in their hearts and lived according to them, finding acceptance with God. However, this preservation of truth is limited to individual persons and does not encompass the realm of public profession and its benefits. For public profession and the benefits it brings, the ministry of the present age is entrusted with all sacred truth. The proper discharge of their duties and responsibilities is crucial for the preservation and dissemination of truth. The notion propagated by the Roman Catholic Church that sacred truths are kept hidden in tradition or invisible, fantastical treasures, requiring no care, wisdom, or honesty for their safekeeping but only the pretense of possessing a key to unlock them, has been a destructive force, leading to the loss of truth and holiness in the world.
Firstly, they are to diligently instruct the people in the knowledge of the entire counsel of God and the mysteries of the gospel. Their responsibility is not to hoard this knowledge for themselves, but to share it with others and provide guidance for its application. Those who do not desire or make an effort to communicate all that is profitable for their flock may lack the assurance that they have been called to the ministry. The apostle Paul, as an example, declared to the elders of the church of Ephesus that he did not hold back anything that was beneficial to them.
It is erroneous to suggest that some preachers exclusively focus on certain topics while neglecting others. The notion that preaching about God’s attributes, moral duties, and obedience to superiors should be separated from preaching about Christ, grace, and justification is unfounded. In truth, preaching should encompass the entire counsel of God, addressing the various aspects and doctrines of the faith according to the spiritual needs and circumstances of the hearers. Any preacher who fails to understand this and lacks the wisdom to discern what is useful, profitable, and timely for their congregation is ill-equipped to be a minister of Christ and his gospel. In the discharge of this crucial aspect of their office, ministers, teachers, and leaders are to focus on three things. First, they must diligently study and understand the truth themselves, ensuring that they are well-grounded in its knowledge. Second, they should carefully consider the spiritual states and specific needs of their hearers, adapting their teaching to address those circumstances. Lastly, they should employ suitable and effective methods of communication, employing various means and ways to convey the truth effectively to their audience. By fulfilling these responsibilities, ministers play a vital role in preserving and promoting gospel truth, ensuring that it is faithfully transmitted from one generation to the next. They have the privilege of being channels through which the light of divine revelation shines, guiding and enlightening the minds and hearts of believers. Their faithful instruction and proclamation of the truth empower individuals to grow in their knowledge of God and His ways, to embrace gospel holiness, and to live in accordance with His will. Through their teaching, ministers have the opportunity to shape the spiritual formation of their congregations, cultivating a deep and genuine faith that is firmly rooted in the truth of the gospel.
Furthermore, the ministry of teaching and instruction extends beyond the walls of the church. It encompasses the broader sphere of influence in society, as ministers are called to be salt and light, impacting the world around them with the transformative power of the gospel. They are to engage with intellectual and cultural trends, addressing contemporary issues and challenges through the lens of biblical truth. In doing so, they can effectively equip believers to navigate the complexities of life, guiding them to make wise and godly choices in every sphere of their existence.
They are to do it with utmost care, diligence, and diligence. How passionate is our apostle in his charge for this purpose! In 2 Timothy 4:1-2, he says, "I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching." These words should continuously resound in the ears of all ministers who aim to be faithful in their duty! The weight of these words should remain in their hearts! Are they spoken only to Timothy? Or can souls be preserved, edified, and saved now with less effort and at an easier cost than before? It will be evident on the last day that others also have an eternal stake in this matter.
They must labor with all their strength, even to exhaustion and weariness. All the titles by which their office and work are described in the New Testament imply this kind of labor. As they are to "devote themselves to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4), that is, fully and completely, with their utmost efforts and continuously committed to this work, they are also commanded to kopiaō, which means to labor to the utmost of their strength in it (1 Timothy 5:17; 1 Corinthians 16:16; 1 Thessalonians 5:12). It is not merely physical labor in delivering the word (which can vary depending on natural disposition and acquired gifts), but the earnestness and intensity of spirit that encompasses the laborious efforts of the whole person. The cold and formal recitation or reading (as some may do) of a well-composed speech does not truly reflect this laboring in the word and doctrine. Their entire work and all their efforts in it should be accompanied by constant prayer, that the gospel may run and be glorified through their ministry, and that the word may prosper in the hearts and lives of the people. The apostles affirmed that they would "devote themselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word" (Acts 6:4). Ministry of the word that is not accompanied by continual prayer for its success is unlikely to receive great blessings. Just as the apostle called God as a witness to his frequent mention of those to whom he preached the word in his prayers (Romans 1:9-10), he also desired the prayers of others so that his work and labor in the ministry might be prosperous and successful (Ephesians 6:18-19). For a minister to preach the word without constant prayer for its success is likely to nurture and strengthen hidden atheism in his own heart, and is very unlikely to produce holiness in the lives of others.
Thirdly, It is similarly required of them (to the extent that human frailty permits) that in their personal lives, conduct, and behavior, especially in the discharge of their ministerial duties, they give a true representation of both the doctrine they preach and of the One in whose name they dispense it. The Scripture declares and the nature of the matter itself makes evident the meekness, humility, and zeal for God’s glory; the moderation, self-denial, and willingness to bear the cross; the mortification of corrupt affections and desires for earthly things; the contempt for the world; the kindness, condescension, and patience towards all people; and the demonstration of heavenly-mindedness that are required for this purpose. What can anyone reasonably believe, but that those who preach Christ and the gospel to them declare that their preaching has no other effect or purpose than what they themselves exhibit and represent? There is a silent language in the ministry of individuals, conveying that what they are and do is what the doctrine they preach demands, and their hearers understand and are inclined to believe it. Even the philosophers recognized that this would be the case with respect to those who publicly taught philosophy, as reflected in the words of Themistius: "If philosophers are found to be extravagant, avaricious, prone to flattery, greedy for applause, deceitful, or self-seeking, it will not be ascribed to their corrupted nature or internal vices, but to the philosophy they profess." Hence, they are commanded to "show themselves in all respects to be a model of good works" (Titus 2:7; 2 Thessalonians 3:9). Our apostle said to Timothy, "Set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). This is the dignity, honor, and calling to which the Lord Christ summons His ministers: that they should personally embody His graces and the holiness of His doctrine to others. Those who have different intentions and affections, whose aims lie elsewhere, will find themselves under the influence of a significant error. I do not diminish the value of any external, secular, or circumstantial advantages individuals may possess in this world, but I do affirm that whatever they possess of that nature, if it does not enable them to more effectively demonstrate the meekness, humility, self-denial, and zeal of Christ, along with the holiness of the doctrine they teach or ought to teach, it will not contribute significantly to their standing in the kingdom of God.
Fourthly, It is also their responsibility to diligently adhere to the rule and holy discipline established by the Lord Christ for the edification of the church and its preservation in purity, holiness, and obedience. While many claim to be willing to comply with this, attracted by the appearance of authority and power that often accompanies it, I must emphasize that there is more to it than is commonly understood. I believe few sensible and discerning individuals would deny this.
These requirements, along with others of a similar nature, as well as all the duties that support or are in any way necessary to them, are expected of all ministers of the gospel, teachers, guides, and leaders of the church. They must be constantly attended to with zeal for the glory of God and compassion for the souls of humanity. I believe that most individuals who profess themselves to be Christians would not generally deny this.
Without these things, which constitute the life and power of the ministry and are essential for the purity and holiness of the church, it is morally impossible for the majority of the people to avoid gradually descending into ignorance, profanity, immorality, and various forms of unholiness.
There is nothing I desire more than for the current departure from evangelical holiness, which is so evident in the world, to not be attributed, either wholly or in part, to a lack of these qualities among this group of individuals. It is my hope that it may not be due to qualifications, principles, and actions that are directly contrary to what is required. If this is not the case, there is still hope for putting a stop to its progression and even for healing and recovery from it. However, I will examine what is readily observable, with the following clarifications:
I do not intend to single out the ministry of any specific place, nation, age, or time. Instead, I will speak generally about what has occurred and is happening in the Christian world.
If indeed, upon examination, no one is found to be at fault or lacking in these areas, then there is no harm in warning individuals about what to avoid.
Now, let us consider the following: Have all ministers faithfully preserved the truth, doctrine, and mysteries of the gospel entrusted to them? Are there not many among them who are woefully ignorant of the counsel of God revealed in the gospel? Moreover, are there not many who neither have the desire nor the ability to delve into the profound truths of Christ’s teachings and, as a result, despise them? How can individuals fulfill their duty of preserving something they never possessed, or for which they never pursued the necessary means? The effects and consequences of this situation are evident. Multitudes perish due to their lack of knowledge, and they persist in their sinful ways because they have no one to instruct them otherwise, or at the very least, no one to teach them using principles that are truly effective for their conversion and holiness. They will die in their sins, but the responsibility for their souls will lie with others, as they have been deprived of the causes, motives, and means of attaining true gospel holiness. The widespread ignorance and lack of knowledge among many priests in the Papacy is well known. In most cases, the rulers of the church do not require anything more from them than the ability to read and perform their public religious duties. A similar situation can be observed in the Greek church and its various branches, where entire nations, despite professing Christianity, have degenerated into lives of profanity and immorality, no better than that of the heathens. It is possible that to some extent, a similar state of affairs exists in other places as well. The truth is that the ignorance of many who assume the role of ministry and their unconscionable idleness after assuming such positions are the primary reasons for the persistence of profanity and ungodliness among the people. If preaching the gospel is the only effective and ordained means appointed by God to transform people’s nature and reform their lives (denying this is tantamount to renouncing Christianity), then it is futile to expect any restoration of the beauty and glory of religion in the world unless provision is made for a competent ministry to instruct the entire populace, in all their diverse circumstances, with knowledge and understanding.
Furthermore, it is the responsibility of these individuals to preserve the truth in its pure and uncorrupted form, for without diligent and effective preservation, holiness cannot be maintained or upheld in the world. However, it is evident that many among them have failed in this regard, as has been partially illustrated in the preceding account of the apostasy from the doctrine and truth of the gospel. They have contributed to its degradation, corruption, and perversion, which continues even today. It is rare to find any doctrine that genuinely promotes evangelical obedience that has not been despised or distorted by some among them. Yet, this is not the main focus of our discussion here, as it has already been addressed. Our present inquiry pertains to the love, care, and zeal for the truth that are prominently required of them. Do they pray, labor, and advocate with God and humanity for its preservation, recognizing it as their primary concern? Or do many merely value it to the extent that their own outward advantages are secured by it? There is a fault in this matter, and it is due to the particular guilt of some that the world has become so indifferent towards the essential truths of the gospel, leading many to slip into atheism on a daily basis.
Moreover, these deficiencies cannot be compensated for by mere diligence in their work. In fact, the lack thereof is the most evident of all the evils in this regard. It is difficult to adequately express the laziness, negligence, indifference, and apathy that many exhibit in carrying out their duties, particularly in instructing others and applying the word of God to their hearts and consciences. I will refrain from citing specific examples to avoid causing offense, but the problem itself is undeniable, and its effects are apparent. While some may prefer such matters to remain hidden, those who are aware of the perilous state of countless souls may rightly voice their concerns.
How few, then, diligently and industriously devote themselves and their energies to the ministry, driven by zeal for the glory of God and compassion for the souls of humanity! How few truly take heed to themselves and their flocks, watch and pray, and earnestly impress their message upon the consciences of their hearers! Alas! Many possess only a superficial knowledge of saving truth, and even less interest in sharing it with others because they themselves do not experience its transforming power. Can souls be brought to obediently embrace faith? Can the power and influence of sin and the world be cast down and annihilated within them? Can gospel obedience be preserved in the lives of individuals through such feeble and lackluster efforts as many content themselves with? If this were the case, then conversion to God and the fruits of holiness would be considered exceedingly easy tasks, and the ministry itself would be of little consequence in the world. However, the Scriptures present a different perspective on these matters. Despite the growth of certain opinions that seek to make the entire work of Christianity so effortless and accommodating as to be compatible with a negligent ministry, the resulting outcome is undeniably detrimental. Therefore, we need not hesitate to declare that coldness, lukewarmness, sloth, and negligence, particularly when accompanied by ignorance and spiritual darkness concerning the fundamental mysteries of the gospel, as well as a lack of concern in the minds and affections regarding the significance, purpose, and aim of their work, among those who are regarded as the public teachers of the church, in any time or place, leave a wide door open for human desires to flood in and contribute to the overwhelming deluge of apostasy from the power of godliness that currently engulfs the world. The same was true of the church in the Old Testament, as God repeatedly lamented through the prophets. Can anyone be so foolish as to believe that the mere performance of priestly rituals in the Church of Rome, such as reciting prescribed prayers at set times, hearing confessions, and granting absolution, without any genuine labor in preaching the Word and teaching doctrine, is a means to uphold the power of the Christian faith? On the contrary, it is an effective means of plunging humanity into sin and complacency. Changing the names of things does not alter their nature. Wherever there is a neglect of the true work of the ministry, whether in substance or in manner, the same consequences will follow. And nowhere will these consequences be more disastrous than where people willingly embrace such neglect and despise any contrary viewpoint, even going so far as to consider it a crime to be dissatisfied with the soul-destroying sloth and negligence of these individuals.
Furthermore, although great relief could be found in holy and exemplary conduct and behavior among those who are required by God’s ordinance to lead and guide the people, it is evident in the world and widely acknowledged that many among them openly display ambition, insatiable greed, pride, sensuality, hatred for the virtuous, and associations with the worst of individuals, thus manifesting the corrupt inclinations of their minds through notable acts of vice and folly. If one were to consider the state and lives of the apostles and the early preachers of the gospel, as well as their successors in the subsequent centuries, not only in terms of their outward conditions of poverty and hardship (which some may argue were a result of the prevailing circumstances of their time), but also in terms of their humility, meekness, self-denial, contempt for worldly things, zeal for God, and purity of life, which they not only taught but exemplified themselves, and then compare it to the widespread opposition and contradiction that many in the world openly demonstrate towards them and their ways today, it becomes evident that either all those qualities were unnecessary for the public interests of Christianity, or they have been greatly undermined by the actions of some in the present time.
Therefore, it cannot be modestly denied that due to these and similar failures among the spiritual leaders of the people, the majority of Christians have either been led or allowed to gradually fall into the present state of apostasy. When God, in His mercy, grants His people pastors who are truly devoted to His heart and who nourish them with knowledge and understanding, when He revives and increases a holy, humble, zealous, self-denying, and powerful ministry through a greater outpouring of His Spirit from above, then, and only then, can we hope to witness the restoration of our religion to its original glory and beauty.
Those who still believe that matters concerning the obedience of faith among common Christian believers are as good as they have ever been, or as good as they need to be, and who have no desire or interest in seeing improvement, can continue in their complacency without troubling themselves with these concerns. However, for those who cannot help but recognize that a departure from gospel obedience has already begun in the world and has reached such a critical point that it is on the verge of descending into idolatry or atheism, it is time for them to consider under whose oversight this has occurred and to be stirred to halt its progress before it is too late. It should not be expected or imagined that the people will be restored from ungodliness and profanity, or to the holy obedience demanded by the gospel, unless there is a transformative change in the ministry. The word must be proclaimed in a way that is effective for this purpose, and examples must be set that inspire others to follow. To believe that this breach can be healed in any other way is to demonstrate the highest contempt for the sacred office itself. Since this decline has happened under the leadership of the current ministry and that of previous generations, it is unlikely to be reversed under the same leadership. Therefore, it is necessary to acknowledge that the world of professed Christians will only be restored to holy obedience through the ministerial dispensation of the word. Any other means would render the ministry altogether useless. Thus, the cure for the spiritual lethargy that the world has fallen into lies in the renewal of a powerful evangelical ministry, in the faithful discharge of the duties by those who are called to it or hold its position, if there is to be any meaningful change in this world.
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