He that is not with me is against me
William MacDonald emphasizes that in matters of faith, one must decisively choose to be with Christ, as neutrality is impossible and compromise on core doctrines undermines true salvation.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores Jesus’ declaration that one is either with Him or against Him, emphasizing the impossibility of neutrality in faith. He unpacks the serious consequences of rejecting Christ and the essential, non-negotiable doctrines that define true Christianity. MacDonald calls listeners to a decisive commitment to Christ, warning against compromise and highlighting the eternal implications of their spiritual allegiance.
Text
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” (Matt. 12:30)
The Lord Jesus spoke these words concerning the Pharisees. They had just committed the unpardonable sin, attributing His miracles to Beelzebub, the prince of the demons, when actually they were done in the power of the Holy Spirit. It was now evident that they would not accept Him as the Messiah of Israel and the Savior of the world. Because they did not take a decided stand for Christ, they were necessarily against Him. Because they didn’t serve on His side they worked against Him.
When it comes to the Person and work of Christ, there can be no neutrality. There is no way of straddling this fence. A man is either for Christ or he is against Him. Anyone who says he cannot decide has already decided.
When it comes to the truth concerning Christ, there can be no compromise. In biblical Christianity there are some areas where there can be a reasonable difference of opinion but this is not one of them. As A. W. Tozer has reminded us, “Some things are not negotiable.” We must adhere steadfastly to the absolute deity of the Lord Jesus, His virgin birth, His true humanity, His sinless nature, His substitutionary death for sinners, His bodily resurrection, His ascension to God’s right hand and His coming again. When men start to hedge on these cardinal doctrines they are left with a demi-Savior, who is no Savior at all.
The poet laid it on the line when he wrote:
“‘What think ye of Christ?” is the test
To try both your state and your scheme;
You cannot be right in the rest
Unless you think rightly of Him:
As Jesus appears to your view,
As He is beloved or not,
So God is disposed to you,
And mercy or wrath is your lot.
Sermon Outline
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I. The Context of the Statement
- Jesus addresses the Pharisees' rejection
- Their attribution of miracles to Beelzebub
- The unpardonable sin and its implications
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II. The Necessity of Decisive Allegiance
- No neutrality in relation to Christ
- Either for Him or against Him
- Indecision is effectively opposition
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III. The Non-negotiable Doctrines of Christianity
- Affirmation of Christ’s deity and humanity
- Virgin birth, sinless life, substitutionary death
- Resurrection, ascension, and second coming
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IV. The Consequences of Our View of Christ
- Our view of Christ determines our spiritual state
- Mercy or wrath depends on this decision
- The call to a clear and unwavering commitment
Key Quotes
“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gathereth not with me scattereth abroad.” — William MacDonald
“When it comes to the Person and work of Christ, there can be no neutrality.” — William MacDonald
“Some things are not negotiable.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Make a clear and decisive commitment to follow Christ without compromise.
- Examine your beliefs to ensure they align with the essential doctrines of Christianity.
- Recognize that indecision in faith is effectively opposition to Christ.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'with Christ'?
Being 'with Christ' means actively choosing to follow Him, accept His lordship, and live according to His teachings.
Why is neutrality impossible in faith according to the sermon?
Because not choosing to follow Christ is effectively opposing Him, as there is no middle ground in spiritual allegiance.
What are the non-negotiable doctrines mentioned?
They include Christ’s deity, virgin birth, true humanity, sinless nature, substitutionary death, bodily resurrection, ascension, and future return.
Who were the Pharisees and what was their sin?
The Pharisees were religious leaders who rejected Jesus and attributed His miracles to demonic power, committing the unpardonable sin.
How does our view of Christ affect our spiritual state?
Our perception of Christ determines whether we receive God’s mercy or face His wrath.