All Articles For Harbach Robert C

The modern theology and its representatives deny the impeccability of Jesus. Says Emerson, in “Unitarian Thought,” p. 165 (ital. added), “Tempted in all points, as we are, and not without sin would he the logical result from the doctrine of the complete humanity of Jesus. From this conclusion the Unitarian does not shrink.

The term Agnosticism, probably invented by T. Huxley (1869), is used to express the philosophy that no knowledge of absolute reality is possible. It holds that man can not have any real, valid knowledge, but can know only phenomena (Kant), or only impressions (Hume). Certain half-agnostics, denying theoretically all objective truth did nevertheless practically speak of a rough approximation to what we might loosely and colloquially call “truth” under some such designation as “value judgments” (Ritschl).

Billy Graham is, undeniably, a prominent revivalist. That is not the same as saying he is an eminent preacher. Strictly, a preacher represents a true church, is called and sent by such a church, and labors both out from and with a view to the church. Billy Graham does not necessarily do any of these things. Nevertheless, he is prominent, we do not say eminent, as a public figure. To be prominent means to be conspicuous in position, character or importance. Graham is so in all these respects. But “eminent” is a richer term.

The writer in early childhood spent many a summer on the East coast at the seashore of Atlantic City, N.J., where daytimes were spent on the beach, bathing in the surf, reveling in glorious sunshine and embibing the delicious, invigorating salt air. Evenings, when in our teens, we were permitted to “walk the boardwalk” alone, visiting the auctions, the gadget demonstrations, and, among the many other intriguing sights, the free lectures. It was at the latter dubious place we were first introduced to astrology.

The constructive and warrantable critics of Billy Graham, the “one-world” evangelist, are on the increase as multitudes of people are being alerted both as to the wrong doctrine, as well as to the shockingly unscriptural methods of the man. It has been his policy in the past not to pay any attention to his critics, to ignore giving them any answer. He has announced over his radio broadcast that he can neither burden nor side-track himself with answers to critics. His own words were, “I never answer my critics.”(1) Yet Dr. John R.

Campus Crusade for Christ claims to do work for Christ, and in proof points to the results it obtains. But the appeal is not valid, for results do not prove a doctrine, a cause or a movement. Dazzling productions with an imposing array of “stars” are not necessarily adjuncts of the truth. Moses learned this in connection with the divinely directed use of his rod. Jannes and Jambres also produced astounding results. Apparently good results may be obtained by application of the poultice or salve of a modern cult.

Christianity has a very strong view of personal assurance of salvation. This is so because the Christian believes that the objective word of his sovereign Lord determines being, reality and destiny. He said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me: and I give unto them eternal life, and they shall never perish.” The Christian believes that Christ spoke these words, and believing them he has that eternal life through His name. He knows that Christ’s word was written and recorded in order that he might know that he has eternal life.

The system of religion known as Arminianism originally came from Rome. It was also meant to, and does, lead to Rome. Indeed, Arminianism is the point at which Romanism and Pelagianism meet. But then Arminianism is also the back alley to Atheism. It received its notorious sobriquet from its namesake Jacob Arminius, pastor of the Reformed church in Amsterdam, and later professor of theology at Leyden.

One is not and never ought to be surprised at being severely criticized for standing on the sure foundation of Reformed truth. But it is something else when, out of a clear blue sky, one who uncompromisingly takes such a stand is charged with committing no less than the unpardonable sin. By the March 15, 1970 issue of The Standard Bearer intelligence of this pitiful attack comes, revealing its source to be the March issue ofMissionary Monthly, which rarely, and not in this instance either, comes to our hands.

In Campus-Crusade-for-Christ activities, continued reference to the Holy Spirit is made and to His indispensable work; yet in the bustling business of “winning souls” He is allowed to do very little of it. Babes in Christ, “carnal Christians,” mature Christians, all treat the Spirit of God as though He were at their beck and call. When they become “filled with the Spirit” their will is said to be under the control of the Spirit, but the impression is given that He is under their control.