In The Master's Service

THE OLD BAPTIST TEST

Elder John M. Watson   From the book "The Old Baptist Test"

Having obtained full fellowship for the Colossians through the Apostle's letter to them, I will seek for the same among the Thessalonians.

 

Let us imagine a few things; it will not require much fancy to do so. Suppose that awhile before the Apostle wrote his letters to them, some one among them had conceived and propagated the tenets of Campbellism; that much confusion and controversy had by that means been engendered; and that in the midst of these contentions Paul's letter had been received by them. May we not easily imagine that they would have examined it carefully and inquiringly in reference to the things in dispute: One contending that the Gospel in word only was sufficient for the conversion of the unbeliever; and the other that without the demonstration of the spirit it would not be received. The latter party would have heard this clause read with great delight: "For our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance." No words, no declaration could have been more in point. Those who had said that it came in word only would have been plainly contradicted by the Apostle, just as all others are who say so in the present day! This would probably have settled the controversy then forever; for Apostolic authority was greater in the churches at that time than it is now in assemblies called churches. Men can contradict the Apostle and carry along with them a host of followers; and, were it possible, would deceive the very elect. But all have not been deceived; all have not become the followers of false Apostles. Out of thousands I will mention an individual case:

 

I knew a man who, in 1827, took and read a religious paper, entitled, the Christian Baptist, and afterwards Millennial Harbinger. An article appeared in it subversive, in its import, of Christian experience. This he saw, read. and felt, and stated at the time to the agent of the paper that he had no further use for it, and wanted it discontinued. That which contradicts the Christian's experience cannot be agreeable to him. Not a single Thessalonian, after the reception of Paul's letter, could have tolerated the tenets of Campbellism, and, like the man in 1827, would have repudiated the Christian Baptist. The Gospel came not to that man in word only, but in power and demonstration of the Spirit. His heart, like Lydia's, was opened for the reception of it. He had felt its spiritual power, and realized in his soul that it was the power and wisdom of God unto salvation, and not the word only in the letter to the natural understanding. No, he did not so learn Christ nor his Gospel. Had he received the Gospel in word only, he might then, like thousands, have given up his experience, and the Bible also, for the Christian Baptist. But having an inward witness opposing it, and a surer word of prophecy, he was able to withstand "the wind of doctrine"which he then encountered. To the praise of God's grace, he was enabled to receive, believe and maintain the truth "through a sanctification of the spirit." Thus is the Christian's faith the gift of God, the product of His power, and not of "the wisdom of men." This faith which is the fruit of spirit, secures the soul against all such delusions; and the plain letter of the inspired teacher furnishes positive proof in support of the same. Thus, with a few pebbles gathered from the crystal stream of truth, we may vanquish all the Goliaths of Campbellism.

 

But, alas! the Campbellite is as far removed in his state from our teachings, as we are from his; for the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit. And while our expositions are foolishness to him, his tenets are heresy to us. Whence this difference? We say with primitive christians that we have nothing but what we have received. Though we differ with the Campbellite friend, we do not boast as though we had made ourselves to differ from him. We sympathize with him in his fleshly errors, and recommend Paul's letter to him, that he may see how these "other sheep" were brought in; how Paul knew their election of God; how they believed the Gospel through a sanctification of the Spirit, and how plainly it is said not to have been received in word only. So that, if they are unwilling to be taught by an Old Baptist the same things in the 19th century, they may go back and learn that which was taught in the first century, for which we have full fellowship, and constantly teach. Thus, brethren, we have full fellowship with the Thessalonians if not with the Campbellites and other Arminians. Though the church be distant and the age remote, yet the fellowship is good-it is of the same power-of the same spirit-of the same assurance.

 

I do not design to give offense, unless it be unavoidable, in contending for the faith once delivered unto the saints; in that event I must abide the consequences.

 

How did Paul know the election of these Thessalonians? By a sign which the Campbellite does not acknowledge, the going forth of the Gospel in power, in the Holy Ghost, in much assurance. This he ignores, and it cannot be a test of any one's election with him; but with us it is. When any one gives reliable evidence of having received the Gospel in this way, we recognize his election of God.

 

The way of election which the Gospel took among these Thessalonians, is either ignored or denied by all Arminians, though plainly taught by Paul, both in word and example. So that, we cannot get fellowship in this church without fellowship for the doctrine of election, even the doctrine of a choice from the beginning. The Apostle taught these primitive christians that they were chosen unto salvation from the beginning; that they became believers through a sanctification of the Spirit; and that he was bound to thank the Lord for them. Thus do we teach and act. We always feel bound to thank God for the manifestation and fellowship of His elect. This fellowship, alas! takes not the way of Arminianism; how can it, according to Paul's letter now under consideration?

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