From a lecture by A. D. McIntosh:
The content of Reformed Preaching is Calvinistic teaching, and Calvinistic teaching is Covenant teaching, and Covenant teaching systematically sets forth Scripture truth. It is tragically true that the inseparable doctrines of grace, set out so plainly and so pointedly in our ‘Confession of Faith,’ are fast becoming unknown to the vast majority of professing Christians of our day. It is evident that, in this land, among zealous professing Christians a very large majority are disciples of Arminianism and that their beliefs are dictated by a flood of Arminian teaching from pulpit and press. That influence is expanding and penetrating further and further. It is possible that this influence has reached further than we like to admit.
The method of its introduction has been very subtle and very successful. It has come in under the outward garb of piety and charity. Under the cover of piety, unwitting disciples of Arminianism are still demanding ‘not a creed but Christ,’ ‘not theology but living, practical Christianity.’ This all sounds very pious and commendable. But, on examination, what has it done? This is what has happened. Systematic doctrines have become unpopular, and have largely ceased to be preached. The ‘Confession’ and its contents have become largely forgotten – forgotten long enough for Arminianism, sounding so like neglected Calvinism, to secure its foothold on vacated ground. Then, in the garb of charity – alas, false charity – it has claimed immunity from attack while establishing itself wherever it has penetrated. Under cover of this false notion of brotherly love, it has so lauded and misapplied its favorite slogan, ‘All one in Christ Jesus,’ that, so long as anyone professes to ‘love the Lord,’ what doctrine he teaches must remain beyond criticism. But we are called upon to bear witness to the truth, and, in so doing, we are to defend it against error. And if, in so doing, offence is given, it need hardly be said that the faithful minister finds no pleasure in offending. But if it is the truth that offends, then we cannot proclaim and defend the truth without offending someone.
Filed under: Bible, Christianity, Church, History, Preaching
