Re: Popular Christianity

It is possible to go through life believing that we believe [in Christ], while actually having no conviction more vital than conventional creed inherited from our ancestors or picked up from the general religious notions current in our social circle. If this creed requires that we admit our own depravity, we do so and feel proud of our fidelity to the Christian faith. But from the way we love, praise and pamper ourselves it is plain enough that we do not consider ourselves worthy of damnation!

The poor quality of Christian faith and the uncertainties that mark the lives of a host of church members grow out of our modern evangelistic scene's absence of real repentance. So, too, the absence of repentance is the result of an inadequate view of sin and sinfulness held by those who present themselves in the inquiry room.

"No fears, no grace," said Bunyan "Though there is not always grace where there is fear of hell, yet, to be sure, there is no grace where there is no fear of God. For the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom and they that lack the beginning have neither middle nor end." --A.W.Tozer

"The transgression of the wicked declares within my heart: There is no fear of God before his eyes. For he flatters himself in his own eyes, until his iniquity and hate is found. The words of his mouth are wickedness and deceit; he has left off acting wisely and doing good." (Psa 36:1-3)

"..you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray...that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place.."(Mat 6:5-6)

"I saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and the train of His robe filled the temple. Above it stood seraphim...And one cried to another and said: "Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; The whole earth is full of His glory!" So I said: "Woe is me, for I am undone! Because I am a man of unclean lips, And I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; For my eyes have seen the King, The LORD of hosts." (~Isa 6:1-5)

"I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, But now my eye sees You Therefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes." (Job 42:5-6)

And to man He said, 'Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom, And to depart from evil is understanding.' (Job 28:28)
(VW)