Magyar Egyház, 1979 (58. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1979-04-01 / 4. szám
MAGYAR EGYHÁZ 9 them the more hardened. When we see such disorder, have we not reason to sigli and be ashamed of ourselves, knowing that God doth not rule at all among us, but that the devil hath full possession? Shall we boast that we have the gospel? It is true, His Word is preached among us, but do we not see that it is contemned, and that men make a mock of it? But let them flatter themselves in hardening their hearts against God: yet notwithstanding, this doctrine will continue, and will be preached for a witness against us in the latter day, unless the Lord come speedily and reform us. Paul writeth these things to Timothy, that if he tarry long, before he come, he may know how to behave himself in the house of God. Here Paul exhorteth Timothy, and in his person all the faithful, to walk warily and carefully in conformity to the spiritual government of the church. For the house of God, if He dwell therein, is the upholder of the truth. Therefore it is no trifling matter to be called of the Lord, to serve Him in the office spoken of by Paul. We must beware and fail not, seeing God bestoweth upon us the honor of governing His house: yea, that house wherein He hath His abode and will make known His majesty: which is, as it were, a closet where His truth is kept, that it may be maintained and preserved in the world. If the matter stand thus, have not those whom God hath thus honored great occasion to be watchful, and to endeavor to execute the charge committed to them? Thus we see Paul’s meaning. But we will go farther. It was not the meaning of Paul, that the church cannot err because it is governed by the Holy Ghost, and that whatsoever they think good, must be received. But on the contrary, Paul observes that the church is the upholder of the truth; because God will have His truth preached by the mouth of men; therefore He hath appointed the ministration of His Word that we might know His will; for God useth this means, that men may know His truth, and reverence it from age to age. This is the reason why the church is called a pillar. How is that God promiseth that He will reign in the midst of His people? He doth not say, because He inspireth them, that they have leave to coin new articles of faith! No, no: but He saith He will put the words of our Lord Jesus Christ into the mouths of such as must preach His name. For that promise was not made for the time of the law only, hut is proper for the church of Christ, and shall continue to the end of the world. Thus we see how the church must be the pillar to bear up the truth of God. God will not come down from heaven, neither will He send His angels to bring us revelations from above; but He will be made known to us by His Word. Therefore, He will have ministers of the church preach His truth, and instruct us therein. If we attend not to these things, we are not the church of God; but are guilty, as much as lieth in us, of abolishing His truth; we are traitors and murderers. And why so? Because God could maintain His truth otherwise if He would: He is not bound to these means, neither hath He any need of the help of men. But He will have His truth made known by such preaching as He hath commanded. What then would become of us, if we should leave off this preaching? Should we not thereby endeavor to bring this truth to nought? It is said, the gospel (as it is preached) “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth” (Rom. 1:16). And how so? Is it because God hath no other means, but by the voice of men? in this sound that vanisheth away in the air? No, no; but yet He hath appointed this means, to the end that when we are restored by His grace, we may attend to the hearing of His Word with all reverence: then shall we feel that His doctrine is not vain and unprofitable but hath its effect, and is of such efficacy as to call us to eternal life. For Paul saith, “Faith cometh by hearing” (Rom. 10:17) and we know it is faith that quickeneth our souls, which otherwise would be helpless and lost. Therefore, first of all, those that have charge to preach the doctrine of the gospel, must take heed to themselves. And why so? Because they are set in God’s house to govern it. If a man do any one the honor to put the rule and government of his house and goods in his hands, ought he not to conduct himself in such a manner, as to please the one who committed this trust to him? If a prince make a man overseer of his household, is he not bound to do his duty faithfully? So the living God appointeth those that must preach His Word in His house and temple: He will have them govern His people in His name, and bear the message of salvation. Seeing they are called to this high station, what carefulness and humility ought there to be in them! Therefore, let those that are appointed ministers of the Word of God know that they have not only to do with men, but that they are accountable to Him who hath called them to this high office: let them not be pulled up with the honor and dignity of their station, but know that they shall be so much the less able to excuse themselves if they walk not uprightly; and that they commit horrible sacrilege, and shall have a fearful vengeance of God prepared for them, if they labor not to serve Him as they ought.
