Another Threefold Message
It is interesting, if not especially instructive, to note that a leading teacher of the “New Theology” declares that every minister now has a threefold message for the people—the message of science, the message of history, and the message of literature. He introduces Herbert Spencer as the interpreter of the message of science, Matthew Arnold as the interpreter of the message of history, and Tennyson as the interpreter of the message of literature. Of these three, Herbert Spencer and Matthew Arnold could hardly be classed among even the nominal believers in the Bible and the God of the Bible, and yet their conclusions concerning God and religion are quoted and emphasized as the basis of a better conception of God and his truth than has been held in the past by religious teachers. How much additional help would be brought to those who are struggling with the daily trials and temptations of life if they should substitute for the God of Jacob, “a very present help in trouble,” Herbert Spencer’s “Infinite Energy” or Matthew Arnold’s “power working for righteousness” ? “There is but one power that can break the hold of evil from the hearts of men, and that is the power of God in Jesus Christ. Only through the blood of the crucified One is there cleansing from sin. His grace alone can enable us to resist and subdue the tendencies of our fallen nature.” It is true that there is a revelation of infinite energy in the work of God in upholding the things that are made, but it is only in Jesus Christ, Son of man and Son of God, that this power is revealed for salvation from sin. It is God manifested in the flesh who is the Saviour of sinners. “And in none other is there salvation: for neither is there any other name under heaven, that is given among men, wherein we must be saved.” He who accepts the threefold message of science, history, and literature in place of the threefold message which God is sending to this generation, rejects the living Word of God for human speculation, and will find himself robbed of the power to overcome sin. And this is the real purpose of the inspiration which is behind the “New Theology.” Beware of it.