The Doctrine of a Lost Eternity
The new Education Secretary, Mr John Patten, has come under fire from any quarters because he expressed the view that, if the doctrine of hell-fire was preached today in the Churches, there might be less serious crime in the nation. In this Mr Patten is right, but for expressing such a view, he has been ridiculed in the Press and regarded as someone who is out of touch with reality. The doctrine of a lost eternity the men of this present ‘enlightened’ generation cannot abide, no more than they can suffer many other teachings of God’s Word. However the time is coming when men will have to face up to the reality of hell — in eternity, if not in time, according to the testimony of the Lord Jesus — “These shall go away into everlasting punishment.” Men will then be faced with these solemn questions — “Who among us shall dwell with devouring fire? Who among us shall dwell with everlasting burnings?”
No doubt Mr Patten’s view of a lost eternity is affected by his acceptance, as a Roman Catholic, of the doctrine of purgatory. Yet, even then, the mere mention of hell-fire stirs up a hornet’s nest of revilers of the Word of God.
The Mother’s Union and Prostitution
The Mother’s Union, long regarded as a defender of Christian morals, is to debate the legalisation of prostitution. It is a concern for the growing danger of Aids which has brought this about. The Bishop of Liverpool supported the move but said he was not condoning prostitution. The decision of the Mother’s Union is a controversial one, and has angered some people who think the debate will be seen as condoning prostitution. Mrs Mary Whitehouse, referring to the Bishop’s comments, said that this will encourage the use of brothels rather than encouraging chastity before marriage and faithfulness within it. It should surely require no debate to establish that the most urgent need of these women is deliverance from the degradation to which they have brought themselves, and have been brought through the lusts of men. Only the Gospel of God’s grace can effect this.
The Resurrection of Christ
It is clear that Dr David Jenkins, Bishop of Durham, is not the only clergyman in the Church of England who denies such doctrines as the Virgin Birth and the Resurrection of Christ. A recent television documentary brought others of the same ilk to the fore. One of the clergymen interviewed, when asked if he believed in the bodily resurrection of Christ said he did not think so and, on scientific ground, it seemed difficult to believe. The abandonment of belief in the fundamental doctrines of the faith continues in the Church of England and in other Churches, too. Men will only accept what conforms to their own natural reason. All else must be jettisoned. A day of reckoning is coming, when men, to their dismay, will meet the Risen Christ whom they have rejected.
Rock Stars, the modern gods
Rock charity shows have become popular. At these shows rock stars perform and obtain for charities large amounts of money. A recent one was held at Wembley Stadium in London which thousands attended. The concert was in memory of a rock star who became an Aids victim. Many rock stars participated and through television there was estimated to be an audience of half a billion people. Millions of pounds were expected to be raised for Aids charities. Often it is thought that the end justifies the means. Not so at all. In this case it appears all too obvious that these rock-star entertainers have become modern gods to their votaries. The adulation they receive from their worshippers is such that they must be regarded by them as gods. This generation, having forsaken the Living and True God, must find other gods to worship. These have been found in the cult of rock music and rock musicians. How sadly has our nation fallen when devil-inspired false worship of man-made gods takes the place of the worship of the God of heaven! Young people need to be warned of these dangers.