Religion More Than Theory

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Nov 16, 1911

Religion More Than Theory

A MAN may have a theory of the truth, he may know the arguments of the Bible, and yet not experience in his life the power of the living Word. Of this the Lutheran Witness of August 31, says:—

“A man may even believe, in a way, the truth of the Scripture doctrines, without being a Christian. He may be convinced that Jesus is the Son of God and the Saviour of the world, and feel assured that in his merit lies the only salvation for sinful mankind, and yet, in spite of his convictions, he may himself be far from the kingdom of God. A mere assent of the intellect is not faith. . . . Religious knowledge was revealed to man, not only that he might learn it and assent to the doctrine, but, above all things, that it might become an active power in him. It must rule his heart and govern his will. Only when a man applies the teaching of Scripture to himself, learns to know himself as a lost, helpless creature before God, sincerely repents of his wrong-doing, and confidently trusts that he is reconciled to God by the merit of Jesus alone,—only then has he received a living faith.”