The Gospel in Its Purity and Simplicity by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Dec 3, 1914

The Gospel in Its Purity and Simplicity

By F. M. W.

In its purity and simplicity is found the power of the gospel message. Whenever these qualities have become corrupted with an intermingling of error or a departure from simple forms, the power of the gospel message has waned. The apostle Paul declares that in his preaching he “determined not to know anything . . . save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” The message which Paul bore did not meet the standard of unbelief erected by the Jew, nor the philosophical reasoning of the Greek. In the sight of the former it was a stumbling-block, and with the latter it was counted foolishness. But to the one who received it as a little child, whether Jew or Greek, it became “the power of God unto salvation.”

The Gospel in the First Century

The power of the gospel message in the first century was symbolized in the prophecy of the seven seals by the white horse. “And he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” Rev. 6: 1, 2. But this glory of character which clothed the church of the first century, and the power of conquest which attended it in spiritual warfare, soon passed away. The red horse of the second seal became the fitting symbol.

The apostle warned the elders of the church at Ephesus that soon after his departure grievous wolves would enter in among the flock, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. Acts 20: 29, 30. With the passing away of the early disciples this work of disintegration made rapid strides. The mystery of iniquity, which worked in Paul’s day, early developed into the man of sin.

The direful result to the church of God every student of history knows. The church lost its God-given power, and substituted the feeble power of human aid. Forsaking its true husband, the Lord Jesus Christ, it joined affinity with the governments of earth.

The Reformation Period

We see the operation of these same principles in the days of the Reformation. The blessing of Heaven attended in a signal manner the preaching of the gospel under Luther, Melanchthon, and their associates. Thousands forsook the communion of the Roman Church, and enrolled under the banner of Prince Immanuel. The darkness of superstition was swept away by the light of the gospel truth; the formal ritualism of the Roman Church was supplanted by a simple worship. But with the passing of the pioneers of that movement, the fine gold became dim; the pearls of truth became intermixed with the rubbish of earth; the simplicity of the gospel message was corrupted, and a loss of spiritual power came to the church of Christ. The experience was repeated in the days of Methodism. No student of history can deny that the mighty power of God attended the preaching of the Wesleys, Whitefield, and other pioneers in that movement. And we are glad to believe that in our own day many devoted Christian men and women are still found in the membership of that church. But with the growth of members and increase in material prosperity, that old-time simplicity has given place to formalism and indifference.

Learning From Others’ Experience

These lessons are for us as a denomination. The power of this message in its beginning was found in its purity and simplicity. These qualities must constitute its power in the present time. Since the beginning of this movement, a new generation has come onto the stage of action. Gathering impetus with the passing years, the last decade has marked a wonderful growth in our membership. The majority of our members and of our laborers know little by actual experience of the trials, the sacrifice, the self-denial which marked the early days of this work. Many false standards exist in the world around us. Many voices are demanding recognition. Do the changing times and the new conditions demand a change of standards, new ideals? In our judgment, far from it!

The old standard of sacrifice, of simplicity, of consecration, must be maintained if this work shall accomplish its divine mission under God; and this standard will be maintained by those who go through and triumph with this work at last.

Two Classes in the Church

We appreciate the loyalty of our people today. Men and women on the firing line, away out in the great beyond, meeting darkness and error and superstition, are standing true to God. They have not counted their lives as dear unto themselves, but have laid all upon the altar of God’s service. And we remember as well the fathers and mothers who have given their sons and daughters for this work; the toilers in mill and mine, in office and field and factory, who by closest economy are giving of their hard-earned means to carry forward this work in its various departments. But others, we regret to see, are permitting the spirit of worldliness to enter their lives. By the time spent in worldly sports and pleasure, by their manifest love of money, by their dress and deportment, by the way they relate themselves to the church and its activities, they indicate that another spirit than the spirit of this message possesses their lives. To these Heaven calls today. While yet there is opportunity for repentance, they need to find in God a new experience.

Temporal Versus Eternal Riches

As the man in the parable gave all his possessions to buy the field containing the priceless treasure; as the apostle Paul in his day knew nothing but Jesus Christ and him crucified; as the pioneers in this movement were controlled by the one absorbing purpose to give this message to all nations of men,—in the same way we ourselves must place all upon the altar. It may require the sacrifice of property, of friends, of position; it will mean the turning aside from the honors and emoluments which the world holds out to us; it will mean the giving up of personal pleasure and convenience; but O, the reward is worth the sacrifice! Let us maintain a oneness of purpose, a simplicity of life, and Christian living befitting those who expect the speedy return of their Lord and Master. Let us not permit the standards of the world to become our standards, the forms and fashions and follies of the world the gauge of what we shall say and do. Let us not mistake denominational activity and material prosperity for individual Christian experience. Denominational religion will not save us. We must have a personal, individual experience in God. The gospel in its power, its purity, its simplicity, must fill our hearts and mold and fashion our lives. F. M. W.