Perhaps of great concern this afternoon might be the question of the relationship of the work of the Spirit to that which is required of us. There are evils which have arisen on both the right and left in connection with the work of the Spirit. On the one hand, there have been the errors of antinomianism and the “stock and block” theory; on the other hand, the errors of Arminianism, synergism, and Pentecostalism which suggest the cooperation of God and man in accomplishing the work of salvation. How are we to proclaim properly the Word of God in order that the children of God may be directed in the proper “walk in the Spirit?”
Somewhat related to the subject is the old antinomian error suggesting even that we can sin that grace might abound (cf. Rom. 6:1). The error suggests that the work of Christ has so freed us from the law that now we are not under its demands anymore. The teaching leads to licentiousness—and thus certainly the opposite of walking “in the Spirit”. The preaching must never suggest this error.
There is also that error which might be termed: the “stock and block” attitude. I think there is danger of such an attitude arising in our midst. There are those who would believe that we are as blocks, or perhaps as empty glasses, into which the Spirit pours some measure of gifts. Now this block or glass simply sets there—if it is not filled, or only partly filled, well, that is God’s fault. If there is any spiritual lack on his part, if he does not do what God’s Word requires—then the fault lies with the Spirit Who has not properly provided for him. Spiritual inactivity is then viewed as the result of lack of gifts, rather than as sin on the part of the inactive one.
On the other hand, there is the opposite error which suggests that God and man cooperate in man’s salvation. God does His part and man does his part. God will save—if we first accept Christ. God will perform part of the work of salvation—if man also does his part unto salvation. Or there is the error of Pentecostalism which suggests this idea in the realm of the work of the Spirit. We will receive the special measure of the Spirit, marked perhaps by speaking in tongues, provided we meet certain of the conditions which God lays down.
The question comes down to that age-old one: what of the sovereignty of God as this relates to, what is called, the responsibility of man? Most, if not all, heresies arising from within the church will minimize or detract from the sovereignty of God in order to teach its own idea of the responsibility of man. At the same time, such erroneous teaching of the sovereignty, presents necessarily a wrong idea of man’s responsibility. The same question arises in connection with the work of God through the Spirit of His Son in His elect people. Certainly Phil. 2:12, 13 expresses this proper relationship: “…Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.” That relationship must be retained clearly and emphatically in the preaching of the Word.
Certainly, the full Sovereignty of God also with respect to the work of the Spirit of the Son in the church, must be maintained. There can be no compromise with respect to it. God remains always God—and must be so confessed within the church.
With this, the church must understand well the teaching of Gal. 5:25, “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.” This suggests the truth that one who lives will also manifest the life of Christ in him. There is the “working out of your own salvation with fear and trembling…” Christians may never attribute their own carelessness or lethargy to a lack, or limitation, of gifts of the Spirit of Christ to them. That would be very evil.
But there must be impressed upon people of God that the enjoyment of the Presence of the Spirit of Christ and the experience of His work within one is in the way of faithfulness. The “works of the flesh” (Eph. 5:19) must be strongly condemned—as the Word of God also condemns these. The walk in the Spirit must be evident. The child of God consciously seeks to walk in that proper way. He sows—and as he sows, he also shall reap (Gal. 6:8-9). Even as this is true in the natural sphere, so the Word of God reminds that this is true spiritually. We must face the question, is this truth properly emphasized? Related to this is the question: how ought the work of God through the Spirit of the Christ be impressed upon our people that they may understand well our calling here below? With such proper emphasis, there ought to be little danger of inroads of Pentecostalism in our midst. God grant His blessing upon us in this way of faithfulness for Jesus’ sake.