“Warning every man, and teaching every man” (Col 1:28) was the Apostle’s practice when he preached Christ. “In humility correcting those who are in opposition” (2 Tim 2:25) was his instruction to Timothy. Denunciation is not of much value. It tends to stiffen resistance. Nor are wild threats of hell; all warnings must be reasonable and spoken with tenderness. Any representation of punishment that makes God sound harsh is a wrong course. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Ps 103:8). It is an awful crime to misrepresent God to men. Yet we are to warn all that they are “condemned already” (Jn 3:18). As well, they must be told that death is coming and that “after death” is “the judgment” (Heb 9:27) for “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb 10:31). In these warnings, keep close to the language of Scripture, and do not apologize for God’s judgments. Proclaim the Word and allow the Spirit to do His convicting work.
Today’s Reading: Psalms 5-7 Memorize: Matthew 28:5-6