The Christian Message: Prophetic, Not Diplomatic

    By A. W. Tozer
 

    For Christ sent me. . .to preach the gospel: not with
    wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be
    made of none effect.
                                   --1 Corinthians 1:17

        We who witness and proclaim the gospel must not
    think of ourselves as public relations agents sent to
    establish good will between Christ and the world.

        We must not imagine ourselves commissioned to
    make Christ acceptable to big business, the press,
    modern education, or the world of sports.

        We are not diplomats, but prophets, and our message
    is not a compromise, but an ultimatum!

        God offers life, but not an improved old life.  The life
    He offers is life out of death.  It stands always on the
    far side of the cross.  Whoever would possess it must
    pass under the rod.  He must repudiate himself and
    concur in God's just sentence against him.

        What does this mean to the individual, the condemned
    man who would find life in Christ Jesus?  How can this
    theology be translated into life?

        Simply, he must repent and believe.  He must forsake
    his sins and then go on to forsake himself.

        Let him cover nothing, defend nothing, excuse nothing.

        Let him not seek to make terms with God, but let
    him bow his head before the stroke of God's stern
    displeasure and acknowledge himself worthy to die.

        Having done this, let him gaze with simple trust upon
    the risen Saviour, and from Him will come life and
    rebirth and cleansing and power. The cross that ended
    the earthly life of Jesus now puts an end to the sinner;
    and the power that raised Christ from the dead now
    raises him to a new life along with Christ!
    ______________________________________________
    Yours in Christ,
  Paul N. F.