“Not by might, nor
by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.”
...such
conversions as could be brought about by physical force, or by mere
mental energy, or by the prestige of rank and pomp are not conversions
at all! The kingdom of Christ is not a kingdom of this world, otherwise
would His servants fight! It rests on a spiritual basis and is to be
advanced by spiritual means. Yet Christ’s servants gradually slipped
down into the notion that His kingdom was of this world and could be
upheld by human power.
[See chart:
"In
the World but not of it"]
A Roman emperor
[Constantine]
professed to be
converted, using a deep policy to settle himself upon the throne. Then
Christianity became the religion patronized by the State—it seemed that the world
was Christianized, whereas, indeed, the Church was heathenized!
...
This incongruous thing is half
human, half Divine! As a theory it fascinates, as a fact it betrays! It
promises to advance the Truth of God and is, itself, a negation of it! Under its influences
a system of religion was fashioned which, beyond all false religions
and beyond even Atheism itself, is the greatest hindrance to the true
Gospel of Jesus Christ!
Under its influence dark ages
lowered over the world. Men were not permitted to think. A Bible could
scarcely be found and a preacher of the Gospel, if found, was put to death!
That was
the result of human power coming in with the sword in one hand and the Gospel in the other and developing its pride
of ecclesiastical power into a triple crown, an Inquisition and an “infallible Pope”! ...
Frequently do we meet with the idea
that the world is to be converted to Christ by the spread of
civilization. Now civilization always follows the Gospel and is, in a
great measure, the product of it, but many people put the cart before
the horse and make civilization the first cause. According to their
opinion, trade is to regenerate the nations! The arts are to ennoble
them and education is to purify them. Peace Societies are formed,
against which I have not a word to say, but much in their favor. Still,
I believe the only efficient Peace Society is the Church of God and the
best peace teaching is the love of God in Christ Jesus!
The might of the Omnipotent One
shall work out His purposes of Grace and as for us, we will use the
simple processes of prayer and faith. “Ask of Me and I shall give You.” Oh, that we could
keep in perpetual motion the machinery of prayer! Pray, pray, pray and God will give, give, give—abundantly and
supernaturally above all that we ask, or even think! He must do all things in the conquering work of the Lord Jesus.
We cannot convert a single child, nor bring to Christ the humblest peasant, nor lead to peace the most hopeful youth!
All must be done by the Spirit of God, alone...
"Blessed are all they that put their trust in
Him.”
Read the
whole sermon at
www.spurgeongems.org/vols25-27/chs1535.pdf
“Sermon #1535 Metropolitan
Tabernacle Pulpit 1 Volume 26, April 25, 1880
www.spurgeongems.org