Looking diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and thereby many be defiled; Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birthright. For ye know how that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears.
— Hebrews 12:15-17
For Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just man and an holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. And she came in straightway with haste unto the king, and asked, saying, I will that thou give me by and by in a charger the head of John the Baptist. And the king was exceeding sorry; yet for his oath’s sake, and for their sakes which sat with him, he would not reject her.
— Mark 6:20, Mark 6:25-26
The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions.
— Matthew 19:20-22
Again, When a righteous man doth turn from his righteousness, and commit iniquity, and I lay a stumblingblock before him, he shall die: because thou hast not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness which he hath done shall not be remembered; but his blood will I require at thine hand.
— Ezekiel 3:20
And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient, In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth; And that they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
— 2 Timothy 2:24-26
Other Causes and Occasions of the Decay of Holiness, by John Owen. The following contains Chapter 10 of his work, “The Nature of Apostasy from the Profession of the Gospel and the Punishment of Apostates Declared, in an Exposition of Hebrews 6:4-6; With An Inquiry Into The Causes And Reasons Of The Decay Of The Power Of Religion In The World, Or The Present General Defection From The Truth, Holiness, And Worship Of The Gospel; Also, Of The Proneness Of Churches And Persons Of All Sorts Unto Apostasy. With Remedies and Means of Prevention.” London, 1676.
Search the Scriptures. — John 5:39a
For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, And have tasted the good word of God, and the powers of the world to come, If they shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance; seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame.
— Hebrews 6:4-6
Other Causes and Occasions of the Decay of Holiness.
II. Many people are led into and encouraged in sinful and profane ways by falsely associating justifying names and titles with their actions. They freely indulge in their lusts and corrupt desires, relying on false claims to justify their sinful behavior. This was a significant factor in the hardening of the Jews in their wickedness and immoral lives. Whenever the prophets confronted them about their sins and warned them of God’s impending judgments, they would respond with a defiant cry,”We are the true descendants of Abraham, the only chosen people of God.” This was their way of dismissing the prophets’ message. The prophet Jeremiah, in particular, faced this contention. In Chapter 7, he conveyed the Lord’s message, urging the people to amend their ways and actions in order to continue dwelling in their land. However, their defense was centered around the temple of the Lord, using it as a shield against the prophet’s exhortations. In response, the prophet sternly rebuked them, asking,”Will you continue to engage in theft, murder, adultery, false oaths, and worship other gods while standing in my house, which bears my name?” In essence, he challenged them, saying,”Will you persist in your wickedness and find comfort in your identity as a people associated with the temple and its worship?” A similar situation occurred when John the Baptist called people to repentance. They proudly claimed their status as children of Abraham, assuming that this entitled them to all the privileges of the covenant, regardless of their personal conduct. These examples clearly demonstrate that when churches or individuals are on the brink of losing all their privileges and facing destruction due to their sins, they are even more inclined to boast and rely on their outward appearance as their sole source of confidence. If people could use this pretext to justify their sins against the extraordinary prophetic ministry that sought to challenge them and call them to personal holiness, how much more will they attempt to shield themselves under its cover when they are taught to do so?
When individuals who have surrendered themselves to a vicious, sensual, and worldly lifestyle, either succumbing to their own desires and temptations or never being corrected from their inherent vices, discover that despite their true nature and the judgment others would pass on them, they are still considered part of the Christian church and enjoy all its outward privileges, it only serves to increase their complacency in sin and weaken the effectiveness of any attempts to reform them. Similarly, when others, who are not as deeply entangled in sin and profanity, witness that they can partake in the external signs of God’s love and favor even while indulging in the same excesses and debauchery as others, it subtly diminishes their diligence in fulfilling their duties and makes them more susceptible to temptation. After all, only a few are willing to strive for a better life than they believe is necessary. Just as the church in Sardis, although spiritually dead, clung to the appearance of being alive, it became the primary factor in perpetuating its lifeless state.
Let us, therefore, reflect on how this has unfolded in the world. When these things have been indiscriminately granted to all kinds of people, even to the most wicked individuals on earth, it is evident that the name of the church and the observance of its rituals would be employed to justify neglecting holiness and even harboring contempt and hatred towards it. When these sacred names, titles, and privileges, serving as tokens of God’s love and the benefits of Christ’s mediation, are forced to follow after individuals as they engage in the most sinful and offensive behaviors, what can possibly restrain their lustful desires? If the church is indeed the exclusive object of God’s special love and grace in the world, and if the primary purpose of administering its ordinances is to confirm people’s claim to the benefits of Christ’s mediation, how can the lusts of individuals be more accommodated than by applying these things to them while they actively pursue their sinful desires? It may be assumed that Jesus Christ has established obedience to the gospel as the unshakeable standard for belonging to His church. In fact, it should not be a subject of debate among those who acknowledge the truth of the gospel’s doctrine that obedience to its precepts is the sole and necessary condition for partaking in its privileges. Since everything required for our eternal salvation is encompassed within the precepts of the gospel, individuals can have no external assurance of the welfare of their souls other than what accompanies the church and its rites. Consequently, when they discover how easily they can maintain an unassailable claim to these privileges by merely conforming to outward forms or regulations, allowing them to secure their entitlement even while leading the most immoral lives to satisfy their desires, what other external means can possibly restrain them?
This was the mechanism through which Satan facilitated the widespread apostasy from evangelical obedience that befell the Roman Catholic Church and its various branches, members, and followers. Once countless individuals were brought into the Christian profession, not due to a genuine conviction and personal experience of its truth, power, holiness, and necessity for the present peace and eternal well-being of their souls, but rather as a result of conforming to the rulers of the nations and their own worldly interests, they were easily settled within the church on lenient and undemanding terms. Consequently, they swiftly dismissed any notion of the necessity of the holiness required by the gospel. Assured that even if their lives were more depraved than those of the pagans—engaging in all sorts of lewd, immoral, and wicked behaviors, with a plethora of sins that can be named or should not be named flourishing among them—they alone were considered the true church of Christ, and could not be anything else. In light of this assurance, why should they bother themselves with practices such as self-discipline, self-denial, purity of heart and actions, and other unappealing duties? What reason is there to anticipate the same level of obedience from those who enter into the Christian profession on these terms, compared to those in the early days who embraced the truth out of love for it, with a resolute determination to forsake all things rather than renounce their faith or deviate from its commands?
Men were particularly entrenched in their complacency when they witnessed others being condemned to damnation, both in this world through fiery persecution and in the next through divine judgment, simply for not aligning with their supposed identity as the “church.” Such spectacles only served to reinforce their own perceived happiness, as they believed they were safely exempt from present and eternal fires on account of the ease with which they had gained their status. Furthermore, to address any lingering doubts, they devised various means of relief, such as confession, penance, the exchange and redemption of sins through external acts of supposed piety or charitable deeds, and the convenient fallback of purgatory for unresolved cases. With these provisions in place, the majority of people bid farewell to the demands of gospel holiness, considering it irrelevant to their own lives and not worth the trouble.
It is within these elements that the workings of profound wickedness, the hidden mechanisms behind the extensive apostasy that occurred during the reign of the Papacy, can be found.
1. The gospel’s distinctive doctrine, encompassing its unique nature, causes, motives, and objectives, had largely been lost. This was due to a combination of widespread ignorance among some individuals and the destructive errors propagated by those entrusted with its preservation. The detrimental consequences of such a loss or corruption of the gospel’s core principles on the vitality and efficacy of obedience are readily apparent. In some instances, truth diminishes first within a church, subsequently leading to a decline in holiness. Conversely, the rejection or hostility towards holiness can precipitate the loss of truth. In either case, the rejection of one inevitably leads to the decline of the other, as previously elucidated. This was the lamentable outcome of that significant apostasy, where these intertwined afflictions reinforced one another.
2. The void created by the absence of truth was filled by indiscriminately ascribing the name, titles, privileges, and promises of the church to individuals of all kinds, even those persisting impenitently in their sins. By doing so, an implicit assurance was extended to them that they were in the state mandated by the Lord Christ, one that He accepts, approves, and to which He has attached the gospel’s promises. When people are pronounced to be in such a condition, why should they expend any effort or incur any cost to effect a change or improvement? In general, they are overly enamored with their desires, transgressions, and indulgences to willingly part with them, unless they perceive a greater necessity for doing so than what their current condition allows. To further reinforce their sense of security, they were taught that the mere administration of the church’s sacraments, irrespective of their inner disposition, automatically conferred all the grace symbolized by those sacraments. In particular, they were led to believe that anyone, regardless of the wickedness pervading their heart and life, could partake of the flesh and blood of Jesus Christ (at least by concomitancy), which Christ Himself has assured us grants eternal life. Through various other means too numerous to enumerate, these flagrant sinners were assured of immortality and glory based on their purported affiliation with the church and its privileges.
3. To further enhance their satisfaction and strengthen their sense of security, they discovered that hell and destruction were exclusively reserved for those outside the church. They clung to a maxim of supposed truth, albeit falsely applied for their benefit, which asserted that salvation could only be found within the church—of which they were members. They also embraced the notion, albeit less truthful, that the church resembled Noah’s ark, ensuring the salvation of all who resided within its confines while dooming those outside it to drown. These and similar affirmations served to encourage them. Moreover, they witnessed these declarations being demonstrated in reality. Whenever they encountered individuals who did not belong to their church and refused to conform, even if these individuals were clearly more righteous in their conduct and lifestyle, they saw them cursed, condemned to hell, imprisoned, and consumed by flames under the authority of the church. Consequently, they were completely satisfied that there was no fear of danger or trouble, in this world or the next, except in not being a part of the church—an offense they were determined to avoid, given how easily they could conform. It is always true that while persecutions and the sufferings endured by God’s saints can serve to magnify the grace of some and bolster the faith of those who genuinely believe, they also contribute greatly to the obstinacy and unrepentance of wicked individuals in their sinful ways. No invention is more detrimental to the glory of the gospel than when professed Christians persecute, harm, and destroy others who profess the same Christian faith, especially when these others visibly excel in a holy and fruitful manner of life but happen to differ in certain beliefs. For what can provide greater security in one’s impiety than persuading oneself that, according to the gospel’s standards, they are justified in their actions more than those who surpass them in all moral duties? It is certainly not an accurate portrayal of Christianity for blasphemers, drunkards, profane individuals, and the impure to persecute those who, for the sake of their religious convictions, demonstrate visible piety, sobriety, temperance, prayerfulness, and good deeds.
4. However, these privileges and affirmations did not always serve as impenetrable shields for sinners. Every now and then, arrows of conviction would pierce through their minds and consciences, causing significant unease and trouble. Whether through a glimmer of truth from the gospel, the voice of conscience, fear, or the anticipation of divine judgments, certain occasions would arise that unsettled them inwardly and went beyond what the aforementioned advantages could assuage. These moments had the potential to awaken them from their state of security and prompt them to inquire about what God truly required from them. It was during such times that the additional aids and remedies mentioned earlier were discovered and presented to them. “If you find yourself still unsatisfied with your general participation in the church’s benefits, if sin continues to trouble you, then you must resort to confession, penances, and works of redemption, along with other approved methods and remedies for troubled souls. But if anyone’s conscience remains stubborn and unyielding even after these soothing treatments, and the wound refuses to heal, rest assured that everything lacking will be fully resolved and secured in purgatory, where no soul has ever been lost.”
Through such means and others like them, the majority of humanity became completely indifferent to the pursuit of gospel holiness. They neither comprehended it, felt any necessity for it, nor had any inclination towards it. Eventually, a distorted form of blind devotion,
filled with various superstitions, took its place and was mistakenly regarded as true holiness. Consequently, the world became immersed in ignorance, profanity, and all sorts of wicked behavior, while the true message of Christ and the gospel was nearly lost among humanity under the banner of the church and its privileges. This pattern will continue wherever these same principles prevail to varying degrees. If it were not for certain restraints that influence people’s minds, it would be impossible for so many self-professed Christians to surpass heathens and followers of other religions in wickedness in their lives and conduct. The commands of the gospel are inherently holy, its promises are magnificent, and its threats are profoundly severe. Yet, under the guise of professing adherence to all these, many individuals live lives that are even worse than those who are ignorant of the holy standard, the promises, and the eternal consequences upon which the highest state of blessedness and deepest misery for our human nature depend.
To entertain the notion that the gospel in any way supports or condones such a mindset is to show the utmost disrespect and contempt towards it. This outcome is primarily a result of the misapplication of outward symbols of God’s favor and assurances of eternal bliss to individuals living in a state of sin, by those who claim to have been entrusted with their administration by Jesus Christ. It is unrealistic to expect a return to a way of life that aligns with the principles of the gospel among Christians until the church establishes proper order, ensuring that no one can delude themselves into thinking they possess a supposed entitlement to the promises and privileges of the gospel while living in open disobedience to its precepts. As long as everything is jumbled together indiscriminately, and being labeled a Christian requires nothing more than being born in a particular place or belonging to a certain nation, as long as there is no requirement of submission to and compliance with all its commandments, we must resign ourselves to enduring the consequences of the widespread departure from the truth that plagues the world.
III. Significant examples of individuals in positions of prominence surrendering themselves to a bold pursuit of sin have played a pivotal role in the advancement and intensification of this apostasy throughout the later centuries of the church. This influence has been particularly pronounced when these individuals profess to be religious leaders. The scandalous and immoral lives led by many popes and high-ranking prelates of the Roman Catholic Church, for instance, have driven numerous individuals into the depths of atheism and provided validation for a carefree, indulgent, and sensual lifestyle. The impact of such behavior is incomprehensible, as an entire generation of self-proclaimed Christians can swiftly be corrupted and debased by the example set by a person who holds a prominent religious role, acting as the figurehead of publicly practiced faith and bearing the ultimate responsibility for its guidance, as is the case in various regions under the Papacy. When an individual in a position of leadership, whose conduct is highly visible due to the eminence of their office, exhibits vanity in speech, profanity in their beliefs, sensuality in their way of life, and negligence in the performance of their duties, failing to rebuke open sin but rather deriving pleasure from those who engage in it, it is astounding how quickly an entire era or generation of professed Christians can be influenced, corrupted, and morally debased. For what can be expected of a household when its stewards resemble the wicked servant described in Matthew 24:48-51? As individuals are consistently admonished not to be wiser than their teachers but rather to obediently follow their guidance, they generally fail to perceive any reason why they should conduct themselves better than their leaders or venture down a different path than the one they have paved. When the sons of Eli, who succeeded him as high priests and directly assumed the priestly office, set an openly profane and immoral example before the people, the entire nation quickly became so corrupted that God’s judgments, including the initial captivity of the land, followed soon thereafter. Presently, the world is so impetuous and headstrong in its pursuit of sin that even the best examples are incapable of partially curbing the torrents of immorality. However, when encouragement is provided to individuals by prominent examples of sin, which helps alleviate the remaining restraints of fear, shame, and reputation, their audacity in sinning escalates to an excessive and uncontrollable level of outrage. Thus, the defection from holiness, which we lament, has been greatly fostered in every era, as few, if any, periods have lacked an abundance of such examples. In truth, the initial visible decline of Christianity coincided with and was caused by the evident pride, ambition, strife, contention, and conformity to the world that pervaded the minds and tarnished the lives of the majority of prelates and prominent church leaders following its alliance with the Roman Empire. Men sought to secure a stake in religious benefits or at the very least, a representation of them, by endowing power, wealth, and honor upon individuals who were no better than themselves but had acquired the name and title of “clergy” or “guides of the church.” They endlessly contended over these matters, which brought shame upon the Christian faith and resulted in the ultimate loss of its genuine power and virtue for the majority. In subsequent ages, as conditions deteriorated, the immoral and wicked lives of popes, prelates, and others, who gained notoriety for their power and prestige, gradually led to a public conformity with their vices, whenever circumstances and capability coincided. Therefore, wherever individuals fall within the sphere of the church’s ministry or are elevated to positions of eminence and dignity as guides of the church, irrespective of the principles on which they have been raised, if they do not surpass others in visibly exemplary holiness or if they are not blameless in a godly conduct that genuinely reflects the grace of the gospel—such as humility, meekness, detachment from worldly pursuits and sensual pleasures, and zeal and diligence in the dispensation of the word—then the apostasy from the true power and holiness of the gospel will inevitably persist and be furthered. It is imperative that those in leadership positions within the church exemplify the transformative power of the gospel through their lives, for their actions have a profound impact on the spiritual well-being and moral direction of the entire community. Only when leaders strive for personal holiness and faithfully discharge their responsibilities will there be a restoration of genuine devotion to the gospel and a rejection of the prevailing apostasy.
IV. This apostasy has been greatly influenced by persecution. I am not referring to the persecution suffered by sincere and steadfast followers of Christianity at the hands of its avowed enemies, based on their profession of the faith. Such persecution is far from being a cause or occasion for a departure from the holiness of the gospel. On the contrary, it has been the distinctive glory of our religion and a significant means of its growth. This applies to the overall doctrine of the gospel as well as to specific aspects of it. In its early days, Christian religion exhibited its splendor in the face of universal opposition from the world, not only maintaining its position but also flourishing amidst the most severe persecutions until it accomplished the glorious conquest it was intended for. These persecutions not only ensured the survival and expansion of Christianity but also played a role in preserving its purity and manifesting its power in the hearts and lives of its adherents. The church never ultimately lost either truth or holiness due to violent persecution by its acknowledged enemies. However, I am not referring to the outrages committed against the flock of Christ by wolves disguised as sheep; rather, I am referring to the persecution among professing Christians themselves, concerning differences in their understanding of spiritual matters and the practice of divine worship. This form of persecution, particularly prevalent in later ages, raises doubts as to whether more blood has been shed, families ruined, and nations devastated by those who professed the same religion in general, than by all the Pagans in the world since its inception. Anyone who impartially reads the Gospel cannot fathom how such things could ever occur among those who claim to embrace it as their rule and guide in any measure. The entire purpose and all the principles of the Gospel are so explicitly opposed to any such practices that it would be inconceivable for anyone not to have learned the contrary from the consequences, without having renounced the Gospel itself beforehand. Yet, as time passed, such occurrences did happen, causing irreparable scandal and harm to the Christian religion. This was foretold, for the primary intention of the book of Revelation is to prophesy and depict a state of apostasy in which the prevailing external power within the church would persecute, destroy, and kill those who refused to conform to the apostasy. For this reason, that state is referred to as Babylon, along with its idolatry. We all know how this unfolded under the power and influence of the Roman Catholic Church. Furthermore, it is worth noting that after the downfall of Babylon, it is said,”In her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth,” which pertains to the gospel and its profession. Thus, anyone who commits violence against the lives of others solely because of their profession of the gospel and the religion of Christ, regardless of their pretext, aligns themselves with that apostate state that will be destroyed. Our Lord Jesus Christ came to restore the love of God that had departed from our human nature, along with the love for and among mankind that was originally required by the law of creation. He elevated this love to a higher level of worth and excellence by adding new motives, duties, and goals to it. He came to save lives, not to destroy them—to deliver people from a state of enmity and mutual hatred and usher them into a state of peace and love. Can any sensible person believe that harming, imprisoning, fining, banishing, killing, and destroying individuals solely because they believe in Christ and worship Him in the manner they are firmly convinced they should is a proper representation of Christ’s purpose? On the contrary, it is evident that such practices obscure the glory of His mission, obscuring the primary attractive qualities of the gospel and teaching the world a distorted version of Christianity that is fierce, cruel, oppressive, vindictive, and bloody, completely contrary to its true essence. There is no more effective way to divert people’s attention from one of the main purposes of Christ’s mediation, which is to turn them to the true gospel, than for those who profess to follow Christian religion to persecute others of the same faith simply because of their beliefs, and to claim that such persecution is a duty of their religion. Therefore, when the majority of people are persuaded, based on what they hear and see, that this is the true religion—namely, to persecute others in various ways and eventually destroy those who profess the same faith but differ from them on certain matters—they have indeed lost the true gospel and all the benefits that accompany it.
Moreover, any religion that does not reflect the spirit, virtues, and character of its author cannot be aligned with the gospel; rather, it signifies a significant deviation from it. In fact, engaging in external coercion and persecution appears more akin to the practices of Mohammed and Antichrist than to the example set by our Lord Jesus Christ. This approach infects people’s minds with false notions and misconceptions about the essence of Christian religion, leading them astray from its true glory and power. It has been extensively demonstrated elsewhere how fundamentally contrary this practice is to the clear principles and ultimate goals of the gospel. Whenever such forms of persecution prevail among Christians, there remains no semblance or trace of genuine Christianity among people. The essential qualities of love, charity, peace, meekness, humility, mercy, compassion, and kindness that are inherent to Christian religion are utterly disregarded, giving way instead to anger, strife, vengeance, baseless accusations, disorder, violence, and every form of evil. Therefore, when this course of action has been adopted and maintained in various parts of the world, as it continues to be, it is inevitable that the majority of individuals will be profoundly misguided about the truth of religion. For any profession of faith that aligns with such practices is in no way guided by the teachings of the gospel. Consequently, when people’s minds are shaped by this approach, they become ill-suited for the fulfillment of any other evangelical duties. Although some may claim certain benefits and advantages for the truth through this means in a few isolated cases, it is impossible to deny that it has served a thousandfold more to promote falsehood. No purported advantage of truth can outweigh the corruption of Christian morality that has been introduced and endorsed through such practices.
V. The lack of vigilance against the infiltration of national vices and prevailing sins of any given era has effectively contributed to a departure from evangelical holiness among the majority of Christians. Certain vices, crimes, or sins tend to be more prevalent in specific nations (without delving into the reasons for this phenomenon), and as a result, they abound within those societies. The power these vices hold over people’s minds and their ease of imposition are evident. Individuals are constantly surrounded by them in their daily lives, and their commonness diminishes the sense of guilt associated with them. Behaviors that would be considered severe moral transgressions in one nation are casually overlooked in another due to the influence of custom. Therefore, the progress of the gospel within a particular nation can be measured by its success in confronting these well-known national sins. If these sins are not, to some extent, subdued by the gospel, if people’s minds are not turned away from them and made vigilant against them, if the true guilt of these sins is not exposed without the veneer or camouflage provided by their commonplace acceptance, then any profession of adherence to the gospel is in vain and serves no purpose. The apostle Paul acknowledged the prevalence of national sins among the Cretans when he said,”One of themselves, a prophet of their own, said,’Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true. Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith” (Titus 1:12-13). Regardless of their profession of faith, if they were not delivered by the gospel from the grip and practice of these deeply ingrained national sins, to which they were naturally inclined, they would not remain steadfast in their faith nor bear the fruit of obedience for long. Similarly, among the Jews, there existed a distinct type of stubbornness and obstinacy surpassing that of any other nation on earth, a characteristic evil that God lamented throughout their successive generations and that continues to define them to this day. Hence, King Josiah was highly esteemed for having a tender heart (2 Chronicles 34:27). He resisted the prevalent sin of his people, which, in fact, encompassed all other forms of evil. To find someone with a tender heart among the Jews was a rarity.
And we can clearly observe (as it is easily demonstrable) that the significant departure from true faith and practice among nations that have embraced Christianity consists of a regression into the customs, manners, attitudes, and ways of life that prevailed among them before the introduction of Christianity. If we disregard the outward profession and mere formalities of worship, the majority of people in most nations live as they did in the past, and indulge greatly in the same vices that were prevalent during their pagan times. This serves as compelling evidence that the power of the gospel truth has been lost among them, for its efficacy lies in transforming the inherent vices of human nature and rectifying the evils to which people were most accustomed, as the prophet Isaiah eloquently declares (Isaiah 11:6-9).
For instance, sensuality of life, characterized by excessive eating and drinking and its associated consequences, has long been regarded as a prominent sin in this nation. Recently, this has been accompanied by a preoccupation with vanity in clothing, adopting foolish, frivolous, and lascivious styles and attitudes, as well as an immodest boldness in conversation among both men and women. These corruptions, influenced by neighboring nations and interwoven with our own traditions, have borne the fruit of vanity and pride in abundance. It is a clear indication of a degenerate society when people are inclined to embrace the vices of other nations but disregard their virtues, even if they excel in any particular aspect. Thus, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life join forces with the lust of the flesh, forming a complete antithesis to God in the world we inhabit. Some individuals may restrain these tendencies due to the dominance of other vices such as greed and a strong desire or ambition to amass wealth for their families and establish a lasting reputation among fellow human beings. However, this is simply another manifestation of the same sin, as it stems from the same root desire for self-exaltation, which can be traced back to the builders of Babel and their pursuit of “making unto themselves a name” (Genesis 11:4).
Now, when sins are so deeply ingrained in the fabric of a nation and are commonly practiced, it becomes easier for individuals to protect themselves from a raging epidemic than to remain untainted by their influence to some degree. It is almost indescribable how effectively these sins insinuate themselves into the minds and lives of people. They surround individuals from every side with temptations and occasions for indulging in them, presenting themselves with enticing justifications. The only safeguard against them is to be fully equipped with “the whole armor of God,” a matter that few truly understand or earnestly pursue. Without such protection, it is impossible for individuals to withstand and prevail against the collective alliance of a nation in sin. Those who refuse to align themselves with such sinful practices or in matters where an entire population may consent to wrongdoing must be willing to be “signs and wonders,” subjected to disdain and even ridicule (Isaiah 8:11,12,18). Nevertheless, it is evident that these national sins openly and visibly promote the general apostasy we are addressing.
Some individuals are ensnared by these sins due to a corrupt upbringing, while others are lured into them through laziness, negligence, and a false sense of security. The commonness of these sins causes some to lose a sense of their guilt, while others succumb to the arguments put forth for their justification or mitigation. In one way or another, multitudes of people from all walks of life are led astray from obediently following the gospel. Consequently, Christianity, in terms of customs, behaviors, vanities, vices, and ways of life, has sunk down into heathenism. Prevailing national sins have overwhelmed its transformative power, leaving only a superficial semblance of the faith in the world. In such a state, the life, essence, and genuine benefits of the gospel are abandoned. The gospel’s purpose is not merely to transition people in their outward profession from “dumb idols to serve the living God,” or to change the external form and state of religion, as some Roman missionaries have done in converting indigenous people by replacing their old idols with new images and substituting new saints for their former deities. Rather, its aim is to turn individuals away from “all ungodliness and worldly lusts, to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world.” When this transformation does not occur, it suggests that either the gospel never truly took hold among people or they have departed from it. Furthermore, when individuals profess a religious faith and reject and condemn national vanities, vices, and customs, the public endorsement of these sinful practices leads to numerous individual apostasies every day. This is a primary reason why the Protestant faith has been on the verge of extinction in certain neighboring nations, as they are unable to withstand the national vanities and vices that receive public endorsement, ultimately leading them to renounce the religion that condemns such practices. I consider this to be the main cause of the widespread departure from evangelical holiness that prevails in most nations.
The gospel enters a nation like a wilderness or forest filled with wood, thorns, and briars, as the soil itself is naturally inclined to produce. It cuts down these impediments to the ground and replaces them with good and noble plants, transforming the barren wilderness into a fruitful field for a time. However, without continual care and cultivation, the earth naturally gives rise to the weeds and briers that are inherent to it. These rapidly sprout and suffocate the other plants and useful herbs, causing the once fruitful field to revert to a wilderness. All that is required for this apostasy to occur is for national vices, momentarily suppressed by the power of the Word, to overrun the majority of the population, resulting in the suffocation and suppression of the graces of the gospel. The national sins, allowed to flourish unchecked, ultimately strangle the growth of these graces, leading to a widespread apostasy. It is crucial, therefore, for individuals and society as a whole to remain vigilant against the insidious influence of national vices and prevailing sins. This requires a concerted effort to uproot and reject these sinful practices, promoting a culture of righteousness and holiness that aligns with the teachings of the gospel. Only through such watchfulness and steadfast adherence to the principles of the faith can the tide of apostasy be stemmed, and the transformative power of the gospel restored in the hearts and lives of people.
Mistaken notions regarding the beauty and glory of the Christian religion have played a significant role in the apostasy from its power and holiness. It has always been acknowledged that Christianity should possess a certain glory that would attract and inspire awe in people. This is true, provided that those individuals possess the ability to perceive and accurately judge that glory. To cater to this human inclination, religion was outwardly depicted and symbolized among the Jews. The apostle Paul affirms that the worship of God in the administration of the gospel is truly glorious, surpassing that of the law. Christian religion, in and of itself, is genuinely honorable and encompasses everything that God and enlightened reason deem as such. However, grievous errors have arisen concerning the true understanding and perception of this glory and honor inherent to religion. Its essence primarily lies in the magnificent internal work of the Holy Spirit, who renews our nature, transforms us into the image of God, and produces the fruits of His grace in righteousness and genuine holiness. It manifests in a meek, humble, gracious manner of living and the faithful performance of all duties in accordance with the divine standard. Unfortunately, few possess the discernment to recognize the beauty, glory, and honor in these aspects. Consequently, where these qualities go unnoticed, the gospel is inevitably scorned and forsaken, replaced by something else. This misconception has greatly contributed to the widespread apostasy and remains a powerful force that keeps multitudes ensnared in its grip even in the present day.
1. Due to a loss of spiritual enlightenment and a neglect of God’s grace, the leaders of the church had reached a point where they themselves could no longer perceive the true glory in the essential aspects of the religion taught in the gospel. This remains the case for the majority even today. Consequently, any profession of faith in these aspects is commonly regarded as hypocritical and superstitious, and is thus despised. In fact, there is nothing more scorned in the world than the possession and declaration of those ways that are truly, if not exclusively, noble. Since the leaders of the church had lost sight of these truths, it was not to be expected that they would be instrumental in opening the eyes of others or diligent in teaching them how to seek after that which they themselves did not discern.
2. They were fully convinced that these things held no inherent splendor in the eyes of the general populace, whom they deemed it wise to accommodate their religious notions to. Just as the Jews failed to see any beauty in the spiritual power of Christianity when they rejected Christ because it did not align with their expectations, so too men naturally struggle to perceive the glory of religion. It was deemed their responsibility to present and portray religion as truly glorious and honorable in the eyes of people. However, instead of aligning their judgments with those of God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit as revealed in Scripture, they conformed to the carnal understandings of those with whom they interacted, which also suited their own preferences. Thus, they did not conceive or expect that the true glory of religion resided in a humble and holy ministry within the church, characterized by diligent service and marked by the graces and gifts of the Spirit. They did not perceive that worship ought to be simple, unadorned, and spiritual, deriving its vitality and excellence from the invisible and efficacious workings of the Holy Spirit. They did not grasp that meekness, self-denial, the mortification of sin, and the fruits of righteousness arising from the grace of the Holy Spirit constituted the essence of glory. The world, on the contrary, generally assumes the direct opposite of all these qualities to be honorable and glorious. It craves religious practices that exude a sense of grandeur and sophistication, a form of worship adorned with outward ornaments and modes that appeal to the senses while also satisfying both lust and conscience. Consequently, as the power of religion dwindled into an empty and superficial form, the supposed glory of Christianity in the world manifested itself in three distinct ways:
(1.) The first manifestation of the supposed glory of Christianity was through the secular splendor and extravagance displayed by the leaders of the church. This was intended to inspire reverence towards their positions and authority, without which religion itself would be disregarded. It is understandable how, through this pursuit, their minds became detached from a proper consideration of the truly honorable aspects of their roles. Neglecting these essential elements would inevitably lead to the loss of the power of religion among the majority. Once they had secured the honor, respect, and reverence they deemed necessary for the glory of religion, and found it to be in line with their personal desires and objectives, there was little incentive for them to trouble themselves with the demanding duties of exemplary self-denial, mortification of the flesh, and diligent labor in the ministry. After all, everything they sought or needed had already been prepared for them. The corrupting influence of this approach to leadership has been discussed previously.
(2.) The second manifestation of the supposed glory of Christianity was in the form of a pompous and ceremonial worship. It began with a pretense of solemnity and eventually devolved into plain superstition and idolatry. As a result, people’s minds were diverted and distracted from pursuing the genuine spiritual exercise of the graces and gifts of the Holy Spirit, which constitute the true beauty of evangelical holiness.
(3.) The third manifestation of the supposed glory of Christianity was evident in grand displays of magnificence and generosity, through which the clergy amassed wealth and appeased the consciences of people engaged in sinful or unholy practices. Once the world became convinced that these things constituted the beauty and glory of religion, and found them to be in perfect alignment with their own sinful desires and ignorance, true holiness and obedience as required by the gospel were increasingly neglected and scorned. Moreover, the extent of wicked and scandalous behavior that emerged from these principles, including pride, ambition, divisions, and contentions among the leaders of the church, is indescribable. A significant portion of ecclesiastical history became occupied with fierce disputes and quarrels concerning preeminence, dignities, privileges, and jurisdiction among the prelates. Even wise and sober observers among the heathens recognized this evil within Christian circles, perceiving it as a debasement and corruption of their religion. Ammianus Marcellinus provides an account of such wickedness in his description of the bloody and scandalous conflict between Damasus and Ursicinus over who would become the bishop of Rome (lib. 27 cap. 6).
VII. Throughout these periods, Satan, ever watchful for his own opportunities and advantages, was not absent; and those who do not perceive his workings even in the present time are completely ignorant of his strategies. It is impossible for the glory of the gospel to diminish in any age, time, or place without his involvement. He is the chief instigator and leader of every apostasy from God. It was in apostasy that he commenced his work in this world, and he will continue to promote it until its completion. Just as he exerted all his power and cunning against the Head of the church, displaying his utmost pride and malice against God, he is not discouraged from pursuing the same objective against the entire church. The path outlined here has been the primary route he has taken, for from the very beginning of Christianity, he sought to intertwine himself with all the sinful desires of humanity in order to incite and effect a departure from the power and purity of the gospel. He waged his attack in both his capacities, resembling a lion and a serpent. As a lion, he instigated, acted, and animated all the brutal persecutions by which the Jews and the pagan world sought to annihilate the Christian faith for three hundred years. Yet, his success in this endeavor was commensurate with his defeat in his attempt against the Head of the church and will always be so, owing to the victory achieved by the Lord Christ in the same type of conflict. Once the power of the devil and the world had been fully broken and subdued by Christ, they would never ultimately prevail against his followers. Satan, in alliance with the world, may create a tumultuous uproar like a roaring lion, scattering the churches of Christ for a time, but he will never triumph in destroying the church through these means.
And even if, at times, he succeeds in temporarily expelling the gospel from a place or country through national devastations, it will ultimately work to his disadvantage and the advantage of the gospel in general and in other places. Therefore, let no one fear his bloody fury when it comes to the cause of Christ and the spread of the gospel in the world. Just as he was conquered and triumphed over at the cross of Christ, he will ultimately be defeated in all his attempts. Blessed and fortunate are those whose blood and temporal ruin break his power at any time. This was evident in his initial attempt against the Christian religion, where, through the efficacy of Christ’s grace and the steadfastness of countless holy souls, he was overcome until he was cast out of the havens of the world and his rage was quelled. However, during this time when the enemy of the church raged as a lion and raised storms of persecution that many Christians were prepared to endure, he also secretly worked as a serpent. He gradually infected the minds of many with ambition, worldliness, superstition, and a neglect of the power and simplicity of the gospel. The apostle attests to his work as a serpent in 2 Corinthians 11:2-3, where he disguises himself as an angel of light, enticing people away from the gospel by suggesting greater piety or devotion, or by introducing outward practices beyond what the gospel requires. This was evident even in the days of the apostles, as referred to as the “mystery of iniquity” in 2 Thessalonians 2:7. Satan worked secretly, employing insidious methods to draw people away from evangelical truth and holiness, sowing the seeds of ambition and superstition that eventually spread throughout the visible church. He was the driving force behind the gradual apostasy that occurred in the following ages. Though those who were involved in the apostasy were largely unaware of the overall design, they contributed to its growth by adding various elements to it opportunistically. But Satan himself had devised and carried out the plan from the beginning. Hence, it was called the “mystery of iniquity” due to the unfathomable methods or depths of Satan, wherein those who served his purpose were often ignorant of their own actions, despite being sufficiently warned in Scripture of his intentions and the future events. Therefore, after being unsuccessful in his attempts through outward force and persecution (as he always will be), he turned to exploit the darkness, ignorance, errors, ambition, and lusts of men to gradually draw them away from the truth and holiness of the gospel. He did not cease until Christian religion came to be seen primarily, if not solely, as comprised of the things that were introduced into it through his craft and human desires. He pursued this work almost unnoticed, until the majority of those who professed Christianity were given over to the power of sensual lusts on one hand or brought under the sway of superstition on the other. All of this he attempted and, to a large extent, accomplished by his own accord. However, after people willingly surrendered themselves to his delusions, rejecting the truth and holiness of the gospel out of their love for and delight in them, God, in His righteous judgment, gave them up to be infatuated by Satan and hardened for their eternal ruin. This is expressed by the apostle in 2 Thessalonians 2:11-12: “Therefore God sends them a strong delusion, so that they may believe what is false, in order that all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.” Thus, the apostasy was completed under the Papacy, and through the same cunning tactics, Satan continues to work among us and deceive people for the same ends and purposes. Satan, in his relentless pursuit, seeks to lead individuals and even entire nations astray from the truth and power of the gospel. His tactics remain consistent throughout history, employing a combination of worldly allurements, false doctrines, and spiritual delusions to draw people away from genuine faith and obedience. It is crucial, therefore, for believers to be vigilant, discerning his schemes, and standing firm in the truth of God’s Word. By relying on the power of Christ, who has already defeated the enemy, and being led by the Holy Spirit, we can resist the deceitful schemes of Satan and hold fast to the beauty and glory of the true Christian faith. In doing so, we thwart his attempts to promote apostasy and ensure that the gospel shines forth with its transformative power and holiness in the world.
VIII. Furthermore, among the factors contributing to the current decline of holiness and the influence of Christianity in the world, we must acknowledge the scandal caused by, or rightly taken at, those who have professed unwavering obedience to the teachings of the gospel. It is not difficult to find prominent examples of such occurrences, as they are abundant and evident. I do not refer to offenses that some individuals maliciously pursue or baselessly create, but rather to those that are genuinely committed and readily observable by people from all walks of life. I will mention only two of these instances, as they are the most prominent and far-reaching. And so, —
1. Offense has been taken at the divisions that have occurred among them, and continue to do so, along with the contentious manner in which they have been handled. The Lord Christ has declared and commanded that the mutual love among his disciples should serve as a profound testimony to the truth of his teachings and the authenticity of their obedience. He has also enjoined them to be united in heart, mind, and affection, praying that they may be so. His commands and instructions in this regard are well known to those acquainted with the gospel, and thus need not be repeated or emphasized here. The blessed outcomes and fruits of unity were evident among the early followers of the gospel, and their love for one another provided a compelling argument for the truth, effectiveness, and holiness of the doctrine they professed. For where unity and love prevail, there is peace, order, and a readiness to do good works for the benefit of humanity. Conversely, the absence of unity and love leads to strife, envy, confusion, disorder, and all manner of evil deeds. It is true that certain divisions occurred among the early Christians, but they were swiftly resolved through the apostolic authority and the prevailing love among them. However, as time went on, matters deteriorated, and the initial deviation of Christianity became evident in the strifes, divisions, and contentions among its adherents, particularly among their leaders. These divisions eventually escalated to extreme levels and were driven by a spirit of pride, ambition, envy, and malice, to the extent that even the pagans took pleasure in their conflicts. They observed that there was no group more prone to and entrenched in strife than the Christians of those days. Yet, once one party gained power and seized the sword of force and violence from the pagans, which had been tainted with the blood of holy martyrs, they began to persecute one another in the pursuit of their divisions. Carnal individuals, having tasted the sweetness and advantages of such persecution as it gratified their envy, malice, and ambition, and seemingly secured their earthly interests, refused to let it go. This continued until it became the cornerstone of many people’s religious practice. It was only due to God’s immeasurable care and mercy that the gospel did not become abhorrent to all humanity. For who, lacking the light and grace that could shield them from the influence of such temptation, could witness the fierce, devouring, and bloody contentions among its followers solely on its own account, and not assume that the gospel itself was born out of a spirit of malice, strife, and disorder? Nevertheless, the truth and faithfulness of God preserved it against all opposition, even in the face of treacheries perpetrated by its supposed allies. This was evident in the early times when the initial substantial hindrance to the advancement of the gospel arose, and it became a significant factor in corrupting the conduct of many individuals, instilling within them a disposition that stood in direct opposition to the teachings of the gospel. The differences that arose among the first reformers, along with their unfavorable handling, constituted the primary obstacle that impeded the universal success of their work.
Is it not much different among the strictest types of believers today? Do some not appear to aim solely at multiplying and divisions, finding delight in living and arguing amidst the flames of discord? There is no difference of opinion in matters of religion, however small, that these individuals do not consider sufficient grounds for perpetual quarrels and contentions. Such ways and actions give scandal to the world, which is inclined towards apostasy and actively seeks occasions or justifications for it. These things are not done in secret. Those who are unaware of the inward power and virtue of the religion professed by such individuals, upon witnessing these disorders, become truly estranged from all the good that they profess. Not only that, they use it as justification for their own immorality and profanity, considering themselves in a better state than these quarrelsome individuals could ever offer. As a result, religion has lost much of its awe-inspiring authority in the world, which had often served to restrain the minds and consciences of those who were not guided by its power. The rules by which we ought to conduct ourselves in the midst of these differences, and the best means to bring them to an end, have been explored in a treatise dedicated to that purpose.
However, it must be acknowledged that attempts to rebuke these disorders, reconcile dissenters, and unite believers have largely been conducted from principles and a mindset that have only served to intensify and exacerbate them, rather than calming or diminishing them.
The world is greatly offended by the lack of usefulness displayed by believers, as they fail to fulfill their role as a blessing and benefit to humanity as they ought to be. Many are driven by a selfish spirit, satisfied with merely abstaining from known sins and fulfilling their religious duties in worship, without being of any real help to others. While some may show kindness, generosity, and goodness to a certain extent, they place unwarranted boundaries and restrictions on their acts of benevolence. They reserve their care and attention only for their own household and fellow believers, based on their own opinions or prejudices. As for love, humility, benevolence, and a willingness to help and assist all people, even the worst of them, as opportunities arise, they fail to understand the significance of these virtues or make various excuses to exempt themselves from practicing them. However, as Christians, we are called to “abound in love for all people” (1 Thessalonians 3:12), and demonstrating genuine obedience to the gospel involves doing good to everyone, being beneficial to all, and showing kindness throughout the earth.
The actions of a single believer who is kind, humble, accommodating, charitable, and genuinely helpful to others can bring more glory to the gospel than a hundred who are perceived as living solely for themselves. In the past, there was a saying,”Caius Sejus is a good man, but evil because he is a Christian.” Religion gradually gained influence through such convictions. If the world witnessed that as individuals embraced a strict profession of faith, they also became kind, benevolent, merciful, charitable, and useful to all people, it would undoubtedly enhance the reputation of the religion they profess. However, observing the contrary disposition and limited usefulness of some believers can only lead to the opposite effect. Due to these and similar shortcomings, where some believers fail to adorn the gospel of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and instead bring reproach upon it, others are increasingly hardened in their alienation from anything related to it.
These are just a few examples I have provided to illustrate the various means and methods through which a general apostasy from the holy teachings of the gospel, as the standard for our obedience, has been initiated and perpetuated. There are many other similar instances that could be added, but it is pointless to extensively discuss the nature of a disease when it shows no regard for any possible remedies. However, there is still hope in sovereign grace, to which this state of affairs is ultimately directed.
In its own measure and extent, this apostasy shares in the guilt described in the scripture passage that serves as the foundation of this discourse. In this apostasy, Christ is figuratively “crucified afresh and subjected to open shame.” This is because, in departing from the truth and holiness of the gospel, we dishonor Christ and bring disgrace upon Him.
1. All individuals who profess the Christian faith but have deviated from its holiness have effectively renounced and forsaken the commands of Christ, which are accompanied by His promises, in exchange for the fleeting pleasure and rewards of sin. In doing so, they openly declare and affirm, as a judgment and resolution of their minds, that the commands of Christ lack excellence, and that obedience to them does not possess goodness, beauty, desirability, or satisfaction that should be preferred over worldly pursuits and sinful pleasures. As a result, certain commands of the gospel (and those of significant importance for promoting holy obedience) are disregarded and neglected by the majority of Christians.
For instance, the commandment to love one another, which should be a defining characteristic of Christian conduct, is scarcely evident in the world today. The superficial display of love that some may point to as satisfactory, limited to peaceful interactions within civil and ecclesiastical settings, is no different from what can be found among adherents of other religions or even non-religious individuals in similar circumstances. While such displays of love are commendable insofar as they align with the principles of natural morality, they fall short in comparison to the genuine evangelical love that the Lord Jesus Christ expects from His disciples. The watchfulness over one another with love, care, and tenderness, the mutual admonitions, exhortations, and consolations that the gospel repeatedly and earnestly enjoins upon us, are not only neglected but even despised to such an extent that the mere mention of these duties is met with scorn, as if it were a hypocritical display of excessive piety. Many other commands of Christ face a similar reception among the majority of those who are called Christians. Through their actions and conduct, many openly profess that they see no compelling reason to comply with Christ’s commands, and it is difficult to conceive of a greater dishonor or contempt they could show toward Him.
2. Furthermore, by maintaining an outward appearance of Christianity, they falsely depict Christ and the gospel to the world, thereby openly disgracing Him. In professing allegiance to Him and placing their hope for eternal life and happiness in Him through the gospel, they also imply that He approves of the sinful paths they tread and that His teachings endorse all forms of immoral behavior. Anyone who lacks knowledge of Christ or the gospel except through the portrayal presented by these apostates’ depraved conduct would understandably form such a judgment. However, I have previously discussed this line of reasoning in more detail elsewhere.
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