Comment By Torchlight

Roman Pontiff

The visit of the Pope to Israel and Jordan at the beginning of January, and his meeting with the leader of the Greek Orthodox Church, were superbly publicized. An army of news reporters and photographers tracked his every movement and secured for a hungry press a vivid record of what was regarded as a great historical occasion. The implications are still being debated by astute commentators and there is almost universal acclaim for the man and for the policy he is pursuing.

Amid all this adulation it is pertinent to enquire into the credentials of the Roman Papacy. Its claims are taken for granted by millions today, but the fact remains that they are devoid of Scriptural authority. Pope Paul is a mere man, no different in his nature from the rest of Adam's posterity. Those gorgeous vestments he wears have no authority whatever in the Court of Heaven. The present Pope's claim to be a successor to the apostle Peter is utterly without foundation. There is no factual evidence that Peter ever visited Rome and certainly he was never a Pope. This much needs to be said, and it is a sign of the times that in this so-called Protestant country so few are prepared to say it.

The New Age

In spite of the moral and spiritual decadence which prevails, political leaders are pointing forward to the glorious vistas ahead. Technological progress, expansion of educational facilities on an unprecedented scale, and the introduction of automation in this country are being hailed as the heralds of a new age of prosperity. That the world can become richer, more cultured and mere prosperous we do not doubt, but the nature of fallen man is such that he will find no solution to his problems along this road of scientific achievement and material wealth. "Ye shall be as gods" is still the will-o'-the-wisp which deludes vast numbers of fallen mankind.

This new scientific and technological age will bring new dangers and problems for the Christian. To keep warm and fresh spiritually will demand a new assessment of values. The materialistic outlook which abounds on every hand will have a chilling effect upon us unless we turn from the wisdom of this world and hear afresh our Master's Voice-"If any man would come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. For whosoever would save his life shall lose it: and whosoever shall lose his life for My sake shall find it" (Matthew 16.24, 25).

Seventh-Day Adventism

The present activities of this strange cult indicate the need for a warning to be issued. It operates under a cloak of anonymity and because some orthodox doctrines of Christianity are propagated by its evangelists and colporteurs the unwary can easily be deceived. It should be known that the advertisements which many find attractive appearing in some secular magazines under the heading "Voice of Prophecy" emanate from Seventh-Day Adventists. Interest in Biblical prophecy is exploited, and readers of these advertisements are invited to send for booklets. Like some other cults the subtle but erroneous teaching is not placed in the forefront until the convert is indoctrinated.

In spite of an appearance of orthodoxy and much that is attractive and appears wholesome, the teaching of Seventh-Day Adventists is a denial of the Faith. It insists that salvation is not only by faith, but by keeping the Jewish law. Some of the strangest errors appended to its teaching sprang from the supposed visions of one, Ellen White, early in the nineteenth century. It is claimed that some Seventh-Day Adventists have now disowned these visions, but the unscriptural ideas emanating from them have certainly not been discarded. "Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and the commandments of men who turn away from the Truth" (Titus 1.14).

Serve Him today

The recent increase in the number of fatal accidents on the roads, on the sea and in the air emphasizes the hazards of modern life. They are part of the price which is being paid for the current craze for speed. We frequently warn the unsaved, in view of the uncertainty which surrounds human life, not to defer a decision for Christ. Should we not ourselves also, for similar reasons, he impressed with the wisdom of using each day of our lives in the service of God? We should pray, as did Moses, the man of God, "So teach us to number our days, that we may get us an heart of wisdom" (Psalm 90.12).

One recalls an event of 40 years ago when a young man of great promise in spiritual things was suddenly cut off in the prime of life in a fatal road accident. Some time before his death he penned the words of hymn 434 in Psalms, Hymns and Spiritual Songs. The words of verse 4 are almost predictive, and are deeply impressive

Life's last thread may soon be spun

Fleeting tasks be ended;

This our web of service done,

Our days here espended;

But within the courts above,

With abiding pleasure,

We shall serve Him whom we love,

Without stint or measure.

Today, let me serve, I have no promise of tomorrow!

unknown | Mar 1964
Comment By Torchlight