14. CHAPTER 13.

CHAPTER 13.

DIRECTIONS TO AVOID THE POWER OF A PREVAILING APOSTASY. In addition to the warnings given in the previous chapter, some directions may be added that could be useful for those who want to avoid the occasions, causes, and dangers of the apostasy that has been discussed thus far. Although, as mentioned before, a vigilant commitment to all gospel duties and the active exercise of gospel virtues in general are required for our preservation, there are certain aspects that specifically relate to the present state and circumstances of the mentioned evil, and these should be particularly noted. The fact that some people despise such things should not deter us from diligently attending to them, as long as they are prescribed in the Scripture for similar cases. The contempt of these directions stems only from the pride and complacency that are significant aspects of the apostasy being discussed. Our first direction of this nature is that we should strive to genuinely and truly comprehend the significance of God’s glory in this matter and understand our duty in relation to it. Without this understanding, we are susceptible to the grip of the security that leads to the broad path and wide gate of apostasy. In fact, if our hearts are not primarily and fundamentally affected by the concern for God’s glory in any evil that occurs in the world, then our professed faith lacks sincerity. When God threatened to disinherit and destroy the Israelites in the wilderness due to their rebellious provocation, Moses was deeply affected by the concern for the glory and name of God in that situation. This can be seen in Numbers 14:11-19. Similarly, Joshua also displayed this concern when the same people sinned and faced punishment. He asked, "What will you do for your great name?" (Joshua 7:8-9), which has unfortunately become a subject of mockery in our times.

We inevitably think about these matters as they are commonly discussed among people. However, if our thoughts are limited to our own well-being and that of a few individuals close to us, while lightly regarding the evil that has befallen other parts of the world, we are unlikely to be delivered from the destructive consequences that these things openly lead to. Should we not be concerned that many nations where the profession of the gospel and the open submission of soul and conscience to Jesus Christ once flourished have now been completely overtaken by Mohammedanism, paganism, and atheism? Do we think these events are mere coincidences or the result of random shifts in worldly affairs, to which all things are susceptible? Has any nation or people ever lost the gospel in terms of their profession without first rejecting it in terms of its power, purity, and obedience? Is the glory of God and the honor of Christ not deeply involved in all of this? Should we not be deeply concerned that countless souls, who still outwardly profess the name of Christ, have fallen into such a state of degeneration from the mysteries, holiness, and worship of the gospel? Their actions have provoked the holy God to subject them to woeful bondage and slavery for generations, without any sign or hope of relief. It is truly lamentable that the power of this apostasy has been so strong that they have not accepted the consequences of their sins nor been improved by the sufferings they have endured. Doesn’t the holy name by which we are called suffer in these circumstances? Isn’t it evil spoken of because of them? The miseries, prolonged calamities, and oppressions of numerous nations who profess to be Christians have become a stumbling block and a temptation, casting doubt on the truth of the gospel and the power of Jesus Christ. These nations experience distress and deprivation comparable to that of the Jews, lacking any assurance of divine protection and remaining unrepentant in their afflictions. While it is true that the church may face great trials and persecutions even in its best state, God orchestrates these trials in a way that brings glory to Himself and spiritual growth to those who endure them. Ultimately, the gospel and its faithful followers do not suffer loss through suffering. However, when we consider the horrific judgments that have befallen many parts of the apostate Christian world, there is nothing but cause for lamentation and temptation. Should we not be deeply concerned that a significant number of those who bear the name of Christians, enjoying worldly prosperity, openly engage in idolatry? This not only brings unspeakable scandal upon the Christian religion but also exposes them to the imminent danger of eternal ruin. Should we not be troubled that many of these individuals renounce the humble and meek spirit of Christ and the gospel, instead choosing to persecute, ruin, and destroy other Christians who may even be more righteous than themselves, simply because they refuse to submit their souls and consciences to their imposed authority? Is it not alarming to witness the dreadful consequences of this apostasy, resulting in all manner of heinous sins that plague the world?

Certainly, if we do not feel a deep sense of distress regarding these matters, if our souls do not grieve in secret over them, if we are not concerned about the diminishing presence of truth and holiness in the world, then we ourselves are at significant risk of being swept away by the deluge of apostasy.

If we truly understand the importance of upholding the glory of God in these matters, it would be appropriate to consider what our duties are in light of this realization.

1. The first requirement of us is to privately mourn over the lamentable state to which the profession of Christianity has deteriorated in the world. God specifically recognizes those who grieve over the prevalence of sin and the apostasy of the church, as indicated in Ezekiel 9:4. He will not pay heed to anyone else when executing judgments upon ungodly apostates. While we may choose to suffer alongside those with whom we do not sin, it is our lack of concern for the sins of others that leads to apathy in the face of their suffering. Therefore, it is only those who, out of a deep awareness of God’s dishonor and genuine compassion for the souls of perishing sinners, sigh and cry over these abominations, who will either be preserved from the public calamities that may ensue or find comforting support amidst them. The fact that there is a general indifference among the best of us towards these matters is a foreboding sign that things are deteriorating further. Who among us sheds tears because people disregard God’s law? Who sufficiently laments the decline of faith, truth, and holiness in the world? Most people, like Gallio, are either apathetic towards these concerns or, at best, only seek to protect their own interests amidst the impending destruction. Many measure all things solely by personal advantage and fail to see any faults in the profession of religion, except in those who voice their grievances. Although the degeneration of Christianity among its present-day adherents has become a common topic of conversation, very few are truly moved by it in their hearts as they ought to be. In this state of affairs, it is essential for us to engage in continual prayer, invoking the promises recorded in the Word of God for the restoration of the original glory, power, and purity of the Christian faith. This was the means by which the church was restored in the past, and it remains our duty today (Isaiah 62:6-7). Our hopes are anchored in this pursuit. Nothing is too difficult for God. If He chooses to work in this matter, no one can hinder Him. The situation is not beyond His healing touch. He can send peace, truth, and righteousness from above and cause them to prevail on the earth. If everything were left solely to the wills of fallen humanity in their corrupted state, we could only expect a further increase in abominations. Sovereign and effective grace can still provide relief; nothing else has the power to do so. Truly, salvation is not to be sought from the lofty mountains and hills, but in the Lord our God lies the salvation of His people. However, God must be diligently sought after. Remaining steadfast in this duty, praying for others out of a deep sense of the importance of God’s glory and a zeal for the honor of the gospel, is the most effective means of our own deliverance and preservation.

We are also required to demonstrate unwavering testimony against the prevailing apostasy. This entails two aspects: (1) openly and boldly professing and defending the faith and truth of the gospel. The prevailing trend of casting contempt and ridicule on essential evangelical truths can discourage many from openly acknowledging and professing them. People often consider various factors before engaging in the defense of truth, leading them to find no opportune moment while pernicious errors are boldly propagated each day. Thus, now, more than ever, it is crucial for all who hold God’s ways in their hearts to earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. Neglecting this duty due to sloth, self-love, fear, or worldly ambitions will eventually bring unrest and trouble. (2) Exemplifying holiness, righteousness, and fruitful good works is also part of the testimony against the prevailing apostasy that is required of us. While this is our constant duty at all times, the advancement of the pernicious evil we are addressing necessitates a redoubled diligence in this regard, thereby shining a light upon it.

Secondly, in such a season, it is crucial for those who desire to be preserved to exercise a careful and vigilant watch over their own hearts, considering their duty and the dangers they face. While temptations abound, accompanied by various circumstances that increase their effectiveness, and external factors contribute to this evil, the root of every person’s spiritual decline lies within their own hearts and spirits. The differing effects of these influences on individuals’ minds and lives primarily stem from their own choices. Their level of care, diligence, and watchfulness on one hand, or their slothfulness, carelessness, and negligence on the other, determine whether they will be preserved or overcome. Therefore, the advice I offer is that which is given by the Holy Spirit in this matter (Proverbs 4:23), "Guard your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life," or, as emphasized in the original text, "Above all else, guard your heart." People in the world are most occupied with preserving and increasing their possessions and belongings, for which they employ great care, watchfulness, diligence, and the utmost wisdom and effort. It is common knowledge, except among those who are consumed by their lusts and given over to wastefulness and extravagance. However, the care and diligence required to guard our hearts (as determined by the Holy Spirit) should surpass any measure applied to other matters, yet it is evident that such wisdom is lacking among us. Many people show little diligence in guarding their hearts. As long as they can safeguard their other interests, they leave their hearts to follow their own course. In fact, the heart is often neglected and lost precisely in the pursuit of keeping other things. While it is occupied with preserving our lives and the world and its possessions, it becomes consumed by worldliness, covetousness, earthly wisdom, negligence of spiritual duties, and barrenness in producing righteous fruits. It is an unfavorable exchange, as nothing is truly gained through this neglect, and ultimately, everything, including the heart and the world, will be lost. The Holy Spirit plainly conveys this message in the directive to guard our hearts above all else. We are not only commanded to do so, but a compelling reason is provided to enforce our obedience: "For from it flow the springs of life." All events depend on the state of our hearts. When our hearts are guarded, the course of our entire lives will align with God’s will, and the end will be the enjoyment of Him in eternity. Neglecting this duty will result in the loss of life, both in terms of obedience in this life and the eternal glory to come. Therefore, this is the primary instruction to be applied in the present situation. If anyone wishes to avoid being overcome by the power and prevalence of the causes of apostasy mentioned earlier, let them carefully examine their own hearts, as the springs of life flow from within. The term "heart" in Scripture refers to all the faculties of our souls, encompassing our entire rational capacity for moral and spiritual operations. We also understand it in the same way. Keeping the heart entails preserving the proper order and functioning of these faculties, as they engage in all things according to their distinct powers, and fulfilling the soul’s duty towards God. In the context of the present duty, several specific aspects are involved: The heart must remain awake and attentive to its own deceitfulness. The wise man warns that "Whoever trusts in his own mind is a fool" (Proverbs 28:26). The root of all complacency, which leads to inevitable harm, lies in individuals leaving their hearts to their own devices and placing their trust in them. According to the judgment of the Holy Spirit, a person is unwise if, despite the numerous instructions and warnings in Scripture about the deceitfulness of their hearts, they carelessly entrust their eternal welfare to it. Peter, the apostle, once trusted in his own heart with unwavering confidence, and we know the outcome of that. It is a common tendency for many people in this matter. They believe and convince themselves that even if everyone else were to abandon the gospel completely or fail to maintain the level of obedience they have achieved, they would not do the same. However, numerous visible examples demonstrate the disappointment of such claims. Every apostate once believed they would never fall away. We are specifically referring to those who possessed the light and conviction of their duty, and consequently made resolutions to remain steadfast. Therefore, maintaining a constant, vigilant suspicion towards our own hearts regarding their deceitfulness, their inclination to be deceived, and their hidden justifications for yielding to temptations, serves as the foundation for all other necessary duties to preserve our faith.

Even this truth is despised by some. They deny the existence of deceit in their own hearts and fail to recognize it in others. While they acknowledge the prevalence of deceit in human interactions, they cannot conceive of deceit and treachery within their own hearts concerning their actions, duties, ways, God, and eternal state. They wonder, if one cannot trust their own heart to be loyal to its spiritual and eternal interests, whom or what can they trust? How fortunate would they be if such beliefs governed their present obligations and future judgment! However, is it not possible that a dominant self-love blinds individuals and leads them to impose false perceptions and notions regarding sin and duty upon their minds and affections? Is there no disorder in the faculties of our souls, no confusion in their operations? Are there no remnants of sin that are inseparable from them in this life, accompanied by various forms of spiritual deceitfulness? Are there no corrupt reasonings that arise, prompting the postponement of important duties? Are there no inclinations toward undue pride and presumption? Is there no vanity or uncertainty in the mind? Can all these countless aspects be present without any deceit or association with deceit? As one person said to the Druids long ago, "Solis nosse Deos et coeli Numina vobis Aut solis nescire datum," —

"To know only the gods and the divine powers of the heavens, Or to know only ignorance, is granted to you."

...may be applied to those who hold such beliefs: either they alone possess knowledge of the state of the human heart in relation to God, evangelical obedience, and one’s eternal well-being, or they alone are ignorant of it. Until we have greater confidence in this purported new discovery, we must continue to emphasize the importance of individuals being diligently aware of the deceitful tendencies of their own hearts. Neglecting this duty would render all our efforts futile, no matter what else we do. Blessed is the one who maintains constant vigilance! Such mindfulness will lead people to carefully and conscientiously avoid any situations, both internal and external, that may have the potential to steer them away from the gospel. Engaging in a bold, reckless, and carefree mindset that exposes oneself to various influences, indulges in frivolities, and partakes in profane conversations, with a fearless confidence in the allurements of seduction orchestrated by deceitful individuals, has been the downfall of countless believers. The virtues of self-distrust, humility, and a reverent fear of causing offense, along with similar graces that safeguard the soul, can only be nurtured and exercised when individuals are fully awake to the deceptive nature of their own hearts.

We must keep our hearts awake and attentive to the help and relief that can only be found in Christ Jesus, the leader of our salvation. Despite Peter’s confidence, it was only through the intervention of Christ that he was saved from complete ruin: "I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail." If anyone succeeds in dissuading people from seeking all their spiritual help and relief from Christ, relying on Him alone for daily supplies of grace and strength, for continuous guidance, assistance, preservation, and the establishment of grace (as they attempt in various ways), there is no need to fear that they will easily be led astray by whatever others, Satan, or the world may desire. However, our discussions are based on different principles. We consider Jesus Christ to be the source and origin of all grace, the One who alone can preserve us in faith and obedience, and who imparts effective supplies of grace to believers for that purpose. Therefore, we are to continually approach Him through faith and prayer for our preservation, as directed in Hebrews 4:15-16. He alone can "protect us from the hour of trial that is coming on the whole world to test those who dwell on the earth" (Revelation 3:10). Hence, those who wish to be safeguarded from the power of temptations that threaten apostasy from all directions must keep their hearts perpetually attentive to their only source of help and relief. Those who have not recognized the danger they are in will see little reason to concern themselves with these instructions. However, for those who are affected by the evident ruin of countless individuals and their own apparent peril, caused by prevailing factors and innumerable occasions thereof, whose eyes have been opened to observe the prevailing tendency in the world to abandon the core principles of the gospel and the diverse ways in which this inclination is encouraged, followed, and pursued — they will understand the importance of being reminded of a refuge and sanctuary to which they can turn and be preserved.

Let us keep our hearts attentive to their own spiritual condition, whether there is progress or decay in holiness. We have already discussed in our exposition of Hebrews 4:12-13 the subtle and often imperceptible beginnings of spiritual decline, along with the reasons and causes behind them. I will only add that in a time like the one we are currently experiencing, it is crucial to frequently examine ourselves, to assess the state of our inner being — the health of our spiritual life, whether our faith and love are thriving or waning, and whether our affections are inclined towards God or the world. Failure to do so will expose us to greater dangers than we may be capable of escaping on our own. These considerations are not only useful, but necessary for our ongoing obedience. What is particularly emphasized here is their practice and implementation in light of the evil and danger under discussion. Even when we have faithfully fulfilled our duties, we can only rejoice in God’s grace if we are preserved and delivered. However, if we are found to be slothful, negligent, and complacent, what hope can we have of withstanding the pervasive evil that surrounds us on all sides? There is no method of deceit or force that we are not or could not be attacked by. The subtle strategies employed by this apostasy are so numerous that they cannot all be listed. The current, fueled by various winds of temptation, is strongly against us. Each day brings new additions to its strength. New arguments and excuses against the truths and holiness of the gospel are constantly devised and utilized. Some seek to undermine them secretly, while others openly despise them, and Satan’s hand is involved in all of these endeavors. If we were to neglect the watchful care over our hearts and the diligent pursuit of all means for their preservation in sound doctrine and holy living, what assurance would we have of ultimately escaping its clutches?

Having provided these general directions, the following ones must specifically address some of the particular ways and means by which this decline has been carried out and promoted, especially those to which the present age and season are most susceptible. Due to the length of this discussion exceeding my initial intention, I will only mention a few things to indicate the nature of the directions that could be further elaborated upon. Here, I will name just two. Therefore,

Thirdly, Be cautious not to find satisfaction or place trust solely in the outward privileges of the church or in participating in the administration of the gospel ordinances within it. We are aware of the diverse opinions regarding the specific forms of outward worship and the state of the church held by different individuals. However, since all people approve of and adhere to some form of church-state and worship, I am not singling out any one in particular but addressing everyone according to their own chosen way of worship. As previously mentioned, the world was greatly deceived by false pretenses regarding these matters. We cannot exempt ourselves from the need for vigilance in this regard simply because we believe that we currently enjoy the administration of these ordinances in purity, according to the institution of Christ. Even when administered correctly, they remain susceptible to abuse, corruption, and defilement. In some cases, they may be even more prone to misuse, as there is a greater temptation to place excessive confidence in them.

It is indeed a special mercy for anyone to be entrusted with the privileges of the church and the institutions of the gospel. In fact, it is the greatest outward honor and distinction that one can attain in this world. Theodosius, one of the greatest emperors in history, affirmed that he considered being a member of the church to be a greater honor than his imperial crown. While it is true that the downfall of the Jews was primarily due to their misplaced confidence in their spiritual and church privileges, the apostle acknowledges that they had great preeminence and advantage, which could have brought them significant benefit. Those who currently enjoy the administration of holy things, which far surpasses the beauty and glory of what was entrusted to the Jews, have an even more excellent and superior position, as stated in 2 Corinthians 3:10. Therefore, whoever despises or neglects these things, regardless of the excuses they may offer, are completely ignorant of gospel holiness. For how can holiness exist when individuals openly disobey the commands of Christ and neglect the use of the means He has appointed to engender and preserve it in our souls? Nothing should be said to diminish the excellence, dignity, and necessity of the privileges and ordinances of the church when we seek to dissuade people from placing excessive confidence in them, which can be detrimental. If individuals cannot find a middle ground between rejecting all the ordinances of the gospel and blindly trusting in the mere outward performance or observance of them, they have no one to blame but themselves for their spiritual ruin, stemming from their own darkness, pride, and unbelief.

Once again, there is no aspect of our obedience where the continual exercise of faith, spiritual wisdom, diligence, and watchfulness is more essential than in the proper use and application of gospel privileges and ordinances. The giving of glory to God and the eternal well-being of our souls depend on nothing else as prominently as they do on this. A spiritually thriving Christian is one who understands how to rightly utilize the institutions of worship in the gospel and does so accordingly. These institutions serve as the ordinary means through which the Lord Christ imparts His grace to us, and through which we express our love, praise, gratitude, and obedience to Him. This spiritual communion forms the essence of our spiritual life and significantly impacts our growth or decline in holiness, as well as our perseverance or apostasy in our profession of faith. The proper use of these privileges is therefore of utmost importance.

Therefore, in accordance with my current objective, I simply wish to warn against placing undue reliance on these external aspects: the name, title, privilege, and mere observance of them. Countless individuals have been deceived into a false sense of security and have fallen into apostasy by doing so. There are some (and not an insignificant number) whose entire religious practice consists of attending church and remaining there for the duration of the worship service that aligns with their preferences. They believe that by doing this, they have fulfilled all their obligations towards God, especially if they partake in the sacraments at the appointed times. There are also many others who, it is feared, content themselves with merely listening to the preaching of the word and thus pacify their consciences into a state of tranquility and complacency. Otherwise, it would be impossible to explain why so few among the large crowds that gather to hear the word are truly converted and led to wholehearted and obedient devotion. However, my specific concern is for those who profess to surrender themselves to gospel obedience and consequently partake in all the privileges afforded by the gospel in accordance with the established order. I urge them to be cautious not to place excessive reliance or trust in these external elements, as doing so can be detrimental to their spiritual well-being in various ways.

One area where men can deceive themselves is through spiritual gifts, which are among the privileges of the church. Some individuals find contentment in the gifts possessed by others and the satisfaction they derive from them. The use and exercise of these gifts can stir people’s emotions and even evoke temporary faith and fleeting joy. Regrettably, some individuals rely solely on these experiences without pursuing a continuous source of living water within themselves. Others may place their confidence in their own gifts, whether it be their knowledge, understanding, or ability to pray or speak about spiritual matters. However, the apostle’s intention, as previously discussed, is to emphasize that even the most remarkable spiritual gifts, along with their impact on the souls and lives of those who possess them, or their contribution to the edification of the church, will not guarantee immunity from complete apostasy. At the final judgment, some individuals will be rejected despite being able to boast about their prophetic abilities and their ability to cast out demons in the name of Christ, even claiming to have performed "many wonderful works" in his name. This is evident from the words of Jesus in Matthew 7:22-23. Consequently, when his disciples (who were true believers but still spiritually immature) became enthralled and possibly prideful due to their successful experiences of casting out demons in Jesus’ name, he redirected their focus away from relying on such accomplishments for their eternal well-being. Instead, he urged them to place their trust in God’s sovereign electing grace and its accompanying fruits, as recorded in Luke 10:20. The reason for this redirection is that these gifts are not inherently linked to any of the specific and distinctive causes of salvation. That which was obtained through his death, given into his power upon his resurrection, and first shared on his ascension. But all that follows from this is that they are inherently good and holy, and intended for good and holy purposes - namely, the confirmation of the gospel and the edification of the church. However, it does not necessarily mean that they bring salvation to those who receive them, unless they are accompanied by special grace towards them and their obedience to God’s commands. These two aspects can be separated. Therefore, it is of great importance for all those who have received these spiritual gifts to ensure that they are animated and guided by special grace. Without careful attention, these gifts can give individuals a false sense of what they possess and elevate their significance beyond what they truly deserve. Since these gifts pertain to spiritual and heavenly matters, similar to the realm of special grace, people are prone to assume that they are exercising genuine grace when, in reality, it may be far from them. Additionally, these gifts can enhance the outward appearance of one’s profession, making it appealing to others and satisfying to oneself. Both of these tendencies clearly contribute to the destruction of souls if not managed and utilized wisely. Therefore, to provide some insight into this matter, it is worth noting a clear distinction between the operations of spiritual gifts, which are limited to specific functions, and the comprehensive nature of saving grace. Gifts have their designated works, in which they act powerfully, but they do not exert any influence on the soul beyond those specific tasks. On the other hand, the work of saving grace is universal, equally relevant in all times, occasions, seasons, and duties. While it may manifest more prominently at certain times or in specific instances of duty, it enlivens and prepares the heart for obedience in all aspects of life. A more detailed exploration of the differences between spiritual gifts and saving grace, as well as their nature and purpose, will be addressed extensively in another discourse, with the help of God. For now, it is important to caution against finding comfort or security solely in the exercise of these gifts during times of genuine spiritual decline in grace and obedience.

However, placing too much importance on a particular form of worship can lead some individuals to develop a harmful confidence in these matters. Believing that they alone have attained the correct way of gospel worship and the administration of its ordinances, and perhaps based on misconceptions, they begin to highly regard themselves and then despise all others, and if possible, even persecute them. This gradually leads them to place their trust in what they consider to be excellent, to the point of neglecting more significant matters. It is not uncommon to observe individuals who are strongly committed to a particular religious opinion and practice, making it their sole focus, using it as the measure for everything and everyone, and using it as the basis for communion and genuine love. They evaluate and esteem themselves and others based on whether they embrace that opinion or not. This bears resemblance to what God laments in the prophet Isaiah 65:5. It is unfortunate that such principles and practices often coincide with a decline in love, humility, meekness, self-doubt, condescension, and zeal in other areas. When this occurs, regardless of one’s outward profession, the danger of apostasy is present. Therefore, while it is important to value and strive for the proper order of the Church of Christ, the purity of worship, and the orderly administration of ordinances, we must be cautious not to overestimate our own achievements. If we do so, we are likely to justify other forms of neglect, which will undoubtedly lead to spiritual sickness and decline. Undue confidence is evident when any or all of the following characteristics are present among us:

(1.) Neglect of personal spiritual disciplines is a detrimental sign. This unfortunate outcome often arises among believers due to being overly engrossed in worldly affairs or being controlled by a dominant sinful desire, or by mistakenly relying solely on public worship. Unless God awakens the soul, when these factors converge, the individual is in a perilous state. Specifically, when individuals are content with public religious practices or communal worship to the extent that they neglect their personal devotional times, they are on a dangerous path towards apostasy.

(2.) Indulging in any private sinful desire to gratify the flesh is another red flag. This significant deficiency in the power of godliness is often accompanied by outward strictness in its form. It is a profound deception of sin when it convinces people to justify a particular sin using the names, titles, reputation, and privileges of the church or the participation in its ordinances. Detecting the hidden influence of this deception is no easy task.

(3.) Likewise, when believers adopt a loose and careless lifestyle, it is a cause for concern. It is indeed perplexing how many gospel-professing individuals have embraced a negligent and carefree manner of living, but the reality is undeniable. It is widely acknowledged that walking closely and strictly with God, with conscientious fear of sin, is essential for acceptable evangelical obedience and holiness. However, numerous believers exhibit a degree of laxity and recklessness in their behavior, displaying audacious boldness when confronted with opportunities for sin and engaging in a liberty or rather licentiousness in their conduct that is entirely incompatible with such obedience. While there may be various contributing factors, one possible reason is that they find excessive satisfaction in their association with the church and its privileges, as well as in their adherence to public worship and the observance of its ordinances according to their respective roles and capacities.

Therefore, the essence of this guidance is that if we want to be protected from the prevailing apostasy of our time, we must pay close attention to our principles and actions regarding the privileges of the church and the practices of gospel worship. Neglecting or disregarding them means rejecting Christ’s authority, and we cannot expect His acceptance or involvement in our lives if we defy Him. On the other hand, if we become so reliant on these privileges that we tolerate any of the mentioned evils, we will follow in the footsteps of those who, under the guise of the church and its privileges, openly abandoned Christ and the gospel. The same causes will yield the same effects in us as they did in them. However, there is a balanced approach between these extremes, which, when followed, brings rest and peace to our souls. This approach involves humbly, carefully, and conscientiously utilizing these privileges for their intended purposes. It might be helpful to mention some indicators by which we can assess whether our hearts are upright and properly disposed in the use of gospel ordinances. Let us evaluate ourselves in this regard:

If our hearts are improved or humbled by them, or if we feel remorse when they do not have the desired effect. Their purpose, as far as we are concerned, is to stimulate and manifest all aspects of grace. Therefore, if we notice that our faith and love are strengthened, that we take pleasure in God, that we yearn for increased grace and holiness, that we detest sin, that we bear fruit in good works and perform all our duties of obedience, that we experience joy in spiritual matters, that we humble ourselves and marvel at grace, then we need not condemn ourselves for lacking sincerity in these acts, even if we are aware of our weaknesses and imperfections. However, due to the influence of our corrupt nature, temptations, the frailty of our flesh, and the prevalence of unbelief, there may be times when we fall short of a palpable experience of this effect on our souls through these means. In such cases, it is still possible to find comfort in the evidence of our sincerity by refusing to entertain other excuses and prejudices and instead holding ourselves accountable for our unfruitfulness, which should lead us to humble ourselves. The absence of this humility has led some to reject the efficacy of gospel ordinances, considering them lifeless and pointless, while others have become formal, careless, and unfruitful despite having access to them. When all disguises are removed and unveiled, these attitudes will be exposed as the fruit of pride and the deceitfulness of sin.

It is so when, in the administration of the ordinances, spiritual realities are made tangible and close to us. When we encounter Jesus Christ being vividly portrayed and crucified before our eyes in the preaching of the word, when the essence of the teachings becomes imprinted on our minds, when we have a sense of feeling and grasping the word of life, and when the things we hope for acquire a degree of reality in our souls, then we are engaging in this aspect of obedience in the appropriate manner. The apostle speaks to this effect in Romans 10:6-9. The preached word and other ordinances do not merely direct us towards distant realities; they bring the Lord Christ and all the benefits of His mediation into our hearts. However, if we content ourselves with mere intellectual understanding, with detached notions of spiritual matters, if we find satisfaction in the outward performance of our own duties and those of others, then we have reason to be concerned that our hearts are not right in the sight of God in this regard. When we observe that our conscientious participation in all the appointed worship ordinances stimulates our diligence and watchfulness in fulfilling all other required acts of obedience, we are engaging with them in the proper manner. Conversely, when individuals, under the pretext of these ordinances and a mistaken satisfaction in them, allow themselves to neglect other duties, they create a pathway for further apostasy from holiness, as previously explained. Therefore, the greatest evidence of our proper attendance to these ordinances is when they inspire, invigorate, expand, and establish us in the pursuit of universal obedience. Thus, those who conscientiously make use of church privileges and gospel ordinances are the ones whose hearts are most devoted to fulfilling all other duties through them.

Lastly, it is of great significance when, in the administration of gospel ordinances according to Christ’s command, we have a personal experience of His grace to the extent that we are strengthened to endure suffering for Him and for the sake of these ordinances when called upon to do so. A time will come when mere intellectual understanding and conviction of truth, as well as the possession of ministerial gifts, will not secure individuals in their profession. However, those who have tasted the graciousness of Christ through the means He has ordained will not easily waver from their determination to follow Him wherever He leads.

Fourthly, Beware of being influenced by the prevailing vices of the nation. I have previously explained what I mean by this caution. It is especially crucial when these vices are most widespread among the people, as familiarity diminishes the sense of guilt, and societal acceptance gradually erodes shame. Moreover, when some individuals indulge in open excess, others are inclined to justify themselves in vain practices and sinful behaviors, considering their actions less provocative compared to those who engage in more extreme behavior. Consequently, lesser forms of vanity, such as extravagant clothing, indulgence in pleasure-seeking activities, wasting time in idle chatter, overindulgence in food and drink, engaging in corrupt conversations, and adopting a carelessly bold demeanor in common interactions, become increasingly prevalent among us. Some individuals openly display their true desires, restrained only by reputation and the power of convictions, rather than a genuine love for gospel holiness that restrains them from descending into the same unrestrained indulgence as others. In the past, Israel dwelt apart and was not counted among the nations (Numbers 23:9), while the remnant of Jacob was intended to be a blessing in the midst of many people (Micah 5:7), without being corrupted by them. If professing believers immerse themselves so deeply into the practices of the wider population that they unconsciously adopt their behaviors, they will be carried along with the current towards destruction. The danger of this is greater than most people realize. Under the Old Testament, God only imparted His grace sparingly to the community, and after giving the law, He did not trust them to live among other nations, nor did He trust other nations to live among them, understanding their inability to resist the temptations of conforming to their practices. Consequently, God ordained that the nations inhabiting the land should be completely eradicated, so that the Israelites would not learn their customs (Leviticus 18:30). However, under the gospel, the Spirit is poured out more abundantly, and now God entrusts all who are called to obey it to live among nations throughout the world. Nevertheless, He warns them of the dangers inherent in this and requires them to remain constantly vigilant. This is what the apostle James refers to as "keeping ourselves unspotted from the world" (James 1:27). However, most people mistakenly believe that it is enough for them to avoid openly committing sinful acts, without considering the worldly behavior and attitudes that may stain their lives. They are unaware of the ultimate consequences of such contamination.

Someone may argue that unless we conform to prevailing customs in matters such as clothing, appearance, and behavior, we will be despised by the world and receive no respect for ourselves or our families.

I respond as follows: First, I am not arguing about trivial matters or prescribing specific modes of dress or conduct for anyone. I have no regard for making religion about clothes, gestures, or the refusal of appropriate and courteous interactions. Nor do I hold any harsh judgments against distinctions in these matters among individuals based on their social status or position, although it is clear that excesses exist in all spheres. What I mean is a conformity to the world in things that closely align with and represent the prevailing vices of our time and place. And even if you believe that you will be despised for not keeping up with the rest of your social class in these matters, you will still face contempt unless you fully embrace all the abominable practices of the world (1 Peter 4:3-4). Therefore, you must consider whether it is appropriate to forsake God, Christ, the gospel, holiness, and morality in order to gain the friendship of the world.

Secondly, make sure to surpass others in unwavering integrity, kindness, benevolence, usefulness, gentleness, a spirit of moderation, charity, compassion, and a readiness to help and support others to the best of your abilities. By doing so, you will quickly discover, even in this world, how little concern you should have for the contempt of the most depraved individuals that you seem to fear.

Furthermore, it is crucial to carefully avoid the misconduct of professing Christians that causes others to have a negative view of the gospel and encourages contempt towards the Christian faith. We have already mentioned some of these behaviors, and many more of a similar nature could be added. Just as the scandalous and immoral lives of those who claim to be Christians have caused offense and brought about contempt and detestation of Christianity among Jews, Muslims, and people from all over the world, resulting in the use of force and violence in religious matters, the failings of even the most strict professors of the faith greatly contribute to the dislike and enmity against genuine godliness. If we persist in such behavior, we share in the guilt of the current apostasy. Without going into specific details, these failures can be categorized into three main areas:

Lack of love and unity among fellow believers.

Failure to demonstrate usefulness and kindness towards all people.

Spiritual pride, being judgmental, and hastily passing judgment on others.

These are the common accusations leveled against certain professors of the faith. While it may be the case that only a few individuals are guilty of these charges, or perhaps not to the extent that they are accused by others, it is still essential for all of us to understand what we should particularly avoid, so as not to give any opportunity to those who seek it and would rejoice in our failings. Our duty is to silence the ignorance of foolish people through a watchful and holy conduct in all aspects of life. We should strive to universally demonstrate our sincerity before God and humanity, so that even if we are spoken ill of and portrayed as wrongdoers, others may be put to shame when they witness our virtuous behavior in Christ, and ultimately glorify God on the day of visitation. This is the standard by which we have bound ourselves, not to become agitated and seek revenge when we are slandered and maligned, but to triumph over all the evils that may be cast upon us through patient and persistent good deeds. If we are not willing to embrace this law and principle, it would be best for us to renounce our profession, for it is an essential requirement for all disciples of Jesus Christ. Those whose hearts are fortified by grace to do good even in the face of slander will find immediate satisfaction in the knowledge of their acceptance by Christ, making them affirm that "this yoke is easy, and this burden is light." It is particularly important to carefully avoid the behaviors mentioned earlier, as well as any appearance of them, which may cause public offense and provide evildoers with an excuse to justify their sins. While you may think that your efforts in this regard may have little significance in halting the general decline of gospel holiness, it is hoped that others have been warned in a similar, or even more effective, manner than you. Nevertheless, every individual must take responsibility for their own actions, for "the just shall live by his own faith," and "each one of us will give an account of himself to God." You are only required to fulfill your own personal duty.

While it may not be possible to completely eliminate differences, divisions, and lack of love among professing believers, you can take responsibility for ensuring that none of these things can be justly attributed to you. Love the fellow believers sincerely, bear with patience and meekness those who hold different views without compromising essential doctrines, refrain from imposing your opinions on those who cannot accept them, and avoid hasty judgments of perceived shortcomings. Be ready to engage in universal fellowship in all religious duties with those who genuinely love the Lord Jesus Christ. Not only are these actions our duties, but they also serve as effective ways to represent the Lord Christ and the teachings of the gospel to others. Moreover, by doing so, you disarm Satan and the world of a powerful weapon they use to harm the cause of religion.

Furthermore, if all professing believers were meek, peaceable, and quiet in their communities and among their neighbors, leading sober, humble, and temperate lives; if they were kind, benevolent, and condescending to all; and if they remained cheerful in trials and afflictions, always rejoicing in the Lord, those who do not hold them in contempt would eventually come to admire and seek to emulate them. Similarly, if believers were to diligently adhere to the rules prescribed for their conduct in this world, it would greatly benefit the cause of religion. These guidelines include focusing on whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, and virtuous (Php 4:8), maintaining good conduct among unbelievers so that they may see your good works and glorify God (1 Peter 2:12), examining yourselves to ensure that you are living in obedience to the faith (2 Corinthians 13:7), casting off the works of darkness and putting on the armor of light (Romans 13:12-13), leading a quiet life, minding your own affairs, and working with your hands (1 Thessalonians 4:11-12), and praying that you may have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things (Hebrews 13:18). If honesty, sincerity, and uprightness were to shine more brightly in the lives of professing believers, manifesting themselves in every aspect of their interactions with the world, it would undoubtedly bring immeasurable benefits to the cause of religion.

Lastly, when it comes to judging or condemning others, there is only one way to do it without causing offense, and that is through the example of our own lives. The practice of holiness serves as a judgment on all those who live in unholiness, as it exposes the sin and impiety within their own hearts. If they are provoked or angered by our holy lives, it only serves to further highlight their own sinful condition. Therefore, rather than engaging in judgment and condemnation through words or attitudes, let us strive to live lives of genuine holiness, which will convict and challenge others by the power of our example.