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Witnessing for Christ

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Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 30, 1916

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 93, No. 59.

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Witnessing for Christ

By Meade Mac Guire

MEADE MAC GUIRE
THERE is one phase of Christian life which we do not often hear emphasized. It is stated forcibly in Rom. 10:9: “If thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”
Many people today seldom testify in a social meeting, as in former times. Especially is this true in the large churches and institutional centers. Even when given an opportunity, they remain silent. When asked why they do not witness for their Master, they reply that they do not consider it necessary to speak in public; that the main thing is the life, and they prefer to show by their lives that they are God’s children, rather than by speaking in meeting.
Now, in theory this may have a show of plausibility, and may pass off as Christian humility or as timidity; but is it really in harmony with the teaching of the Scripture? If the life is given to God, then God works his work through that life. If the body is surrendered to God, its functions are used for him—the hands to work and the brain to think. The function of the vocal organs is not silence, but speech. If they are God’s, he will use them. We read in the Bible of a poor sinner possessed of a dumb devil, but when delivered he witnessed for Christ.
The scripture quoted presents two conditions of salvation: “Confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus,” and “believe in thine heart.” Why should any one think that he can dispense with one of these conditions?
One may say that he is ready to testify to sinners, but not in a meeting of Christians. By such a course he is sure to miss a great blessing, for one of the most precious messages the Lord has left for his people is on this point. “They that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name: and they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels.” Mal. 3:16, 17.
“The Lord has shown me that great interest should be taken by Sabbath keepers to keep up their meetings and make them interesting. . . . All should have something to say for the Lord, for by so doing they will be blessed. A book of remembrance is written of those who do not forsake the assembling of themselves together, but speak often one to another. The remnant are to overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. Some expect to overcome alone by the blood of the Lamb, without making any special effort of their own. I saw that God has been merciful in giving us the power of speech. He has given us a tongue, and we are accountable to him for its use. . . . We should not come together to remain silent; those only are remembered of the Lord who assemble to speak of his honor and glory and tell of his power; upon such the blessing of God will rest, and they will be refreshed.”—“Early Writings,” pp. 114, 115.
Those newly come to the faith or just starting in the Christian life should surely have wise, earnest instruction on this point. As a rule, one who is prepared for church membership is ready to testify to his satisfaction in a new-found Saviour, and seeks opportunity to do so.
Suppose I have a friend who is on trial for his life. Circumstantial evidence is against him, and he is about to be sentenced to death. I know he is innocent, and my testimony would free him. The judge solemnly asks the question, “Does any one know reason why sentence of death should not be passed on this man?” I am silent, and he is condemned. I did not have to say anything. My silence testified against him. Let us never again deny our best Friend even by our silence.