The first words that C.H. Spurgeon (the most renowned pastor of the 1800’s) spoke at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London, England were, “I would propose that the subject of the ministry in this house, as long as this platform shall stand and as long as this house shall be frequented by worshippers, shall be the person of JESUS CHRIST. I am never ashamed to avow myself a Calvinist. I do not hesitate to take the name of Baptist; but if I am asked what is my Creed, I reply JESUS CHRIST. My highly honored predecessor, Dr. John Gill, has left a Body of Divinity, admirable and excellent in its way; but the Body of Divinity to which I would pin and bind myself, God helping me, is not his system or any other human treatise; but CHRIST JESUS, who is the sum and substance of the Gospel, who is in Himself all; theology, the incarnation of every precious truth, the all-glorious personal embodiment of the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” As a preacher I have learned that certain terms are offensive. Some saying that these are offensive and confusing, discourage their use. They say that we ought to preach the Bible and stay away from “terms.” Those who say this are lacking knowledge and as uniformed as they would have their listeners. Some people dislike the terms sovereign, election, predestination, foreordained, limited, irresistible or effectual. What is a term? It is a word having a specific meaning. “Term” therefore defines a word or subject. To define means to settle the meaning of a word. What is it to preach the Gospel, but to use terms? What does the term truth mean? TRUTH is precise; it has no tolerance of error. It is plus or minus 0. Truth is inflexible, it does not bend, you may break it but you cannot bend it. It is exact; it is without error, not careless or slip-shod. Truth is absolute! If you are put on the witness stand you are sworn to tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” Our Lord was an advocate for truth; He said in the scripture; “I am the truth.” It is written, “He was full of grace and truth.” Again that “grace and truth came by Him.” He prayed the Father to “sanctify His people through the truth.” Therefore God’s people do not have an option of ministries; they are to seek out a ministry of truth, as precise as possible. The Apostles also were advocates for the truth. Paul rebuked the Galatians (3:1-3) for adulterating the Gospel of free grace. Read his prophecy concerning the reprobation of the apostate church in the last days (2 Thess.2:7-12). Read Ephesians 1:11-13 as to what converts a man. “Of His own will begat He us with the word of truth…” (James 1:18). JESUS CHRIST is truth incarnate, the embodiment of TRUTH. Dear Reader seek a ministry that declares the truth of the Person and work of JESUS CHRIST. --WTW
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