Warning from A. W. Pink
A.W. Pink, in his classic work Studies on Saving Faith, observed a decline in spirituality and sound doctrine that resonates profoundly with the current state of the church. He wrote, “It is generally recognized that spirituality is at a low ebb in Christendom, and not a few perceive that sound doctrine is rapidly on the wane — yet many of the Lord’s people take comfort from supposing that the Gospel is still being widely preached and that large numbers are being saved thereby. Alas, their optimistic supposition is ill-founded and sandy grounded.“
This warning is not merely historical; it is a present reality. Pink’s analysis exposes a fundamental flaw in modern evangelism that threatens the eternal souls of multitudes. He stated: “The ‘Gospel’ which is now being proclaimed is, in nine cases out of every ten, but a perversion of the Truth, and tens of thousands, assured they are bound for Heaven, are now hastening to Hell, as fast as time can take them!” This is a sobering indictment, it demands serious attention.
The Perversion of the Gospel
The core of the problem lies in how the Gospel is presented. Pink argues that modern evangelism is “radically defective” because it lacks a foundation. It omits the knowledge of sin, which is essential for genuine conversion. Instead of presenting the dark background of God’s holiness and justice upon which the Gospel shines, many preachers focus solely on God’s mercy and love, often at the expense of His wrath against sin.
This approach creates a false sense of security. Pink warns, “Those who really receive the ‘message’ which is now being given out from most of the ‘orthodox’ pulpits and platforms today, are being fatally deceived! It is a way which seems right unto a man, but unless God sovereignly intervenes by a miracle of grace — all who follow it will surely find that the ends thereof are the ways of death.“
The modern message often assures pleasure-seeking people that if they only “believe,” there is nothing to fear. It separates the Gospel from the Law, suggesting that God has relaxed His justice or lowered the standard of His holiness. But the true Gospel demonstrates the “inexorableness of God’s justice and of His infinite abhorrence of sin.” Christ did not come to save us in our sins, but from our sins. As Pink emphasizes, “Christ is a Savior for those realizing something of the exceeding sinfulness of sin, who feel the awful burden of it on their conscience, who loathe themselves for it, who long to be freed from its terrible dominion — and a Savior for no others.”
This decline in sound doctrine is not new. Scripture warns us that “there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers” (Titus 1:10). Furthermore, the Apostle Paul prophesied, “For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires” (2 Timothy 4:3). These words are being fulfilled in our day, as many seek comfort rather than repenting of their sin.
The Ministry of Pride
The problem extends beyond the message to the ministry itself. In his Exposition of the Sermon on the Mount, Pink offers a piercing critique of the modern church leadership. He writes, “Alas, if it be true that, ‘That which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God’ (Luke 16:15), it is equally true that what is of great price in His sight is despised by men—by none more so than by modern Pharisees, who now hold nearly all the positions of prominence in Christendom. Almost all of the so-called ‘ministry’ of this generation feeds pride, instead of starving the flesh; puffs up, rather than abases; and anything which is calculated to search and strip is frowned upon by the pulpit and is unpopular with the pew.“
This observation is crucial. The Beatitudes, which open the Sermon on the Mount, describe the character of those upon whom the Divine benediction rests. The first Beatitude declares, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” This poverty of spirit is the opposite of the haughty, self-assertive disposition that the world admires. It is a consciousness of emptiness, a realization that we have nothing, are nothing, and can do nothing without God. Our Lord did set an example for all to follow in John 8:28, So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me.”
Yet, much of modern ministry promotes the opposite. Conferences are advertised for “promoting the higher life,” but who seeks to further the lowly life? Very few books address being spiritually emptied—emptied of self-confidence, self-importance, and self-righteousness. The result is a generation of professors who are “pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness“. (Proverbs 30:12).
True mourning, the second Beatitude, is also missing. This is not natural grief over loss or hardship, but a godly sorrow over sin. It is the agonizing realization that our sins nailed the Lord of glory to the Cross. This mourning prepares the heart to receive the renewing from the Spirit. Without it, there is no genuine conversion, only a superficial profession that collapses under pressure.
The Nature of Saving Faith
Pink’s study of saving faith reveals that it is far more than a simple act of the will. It is a miracle of grace, a supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. “Saving faith is not a native product of the human heart, but a spiritual grace communicated from on high. ‘It is the gift of God‘ (Ephesians 2:8).“
Many are deceived because they mistake a non-saving faith for a saving one. There is a faith in Christ which does not save—a historical faith, a temporary faith, or a faith that acknowledges Christ as Savior but rejects Him as Lord. True saving faith involves complete surrender to Christ’s lordship. It is accompanied by repentance, a forsaking of sin, and a determination to obey God’s commandments.
The evidences of saving faith are clear. It purifies the heart, produces humility, creates tenderness toward sin, and works by love. It results in an obedient walk and victory over the world. As Pink states, “He only is a Christian who lives for Christ. Many persons think they can be Christians on easier terms than these. They think it is enough to trust in Christ while they do not live for Him. But the Bible teaches us that if we are partakers of Christ’s death we are also partakers of His life.”
The Solution: One Teacher, The Christ
Given the perversion of the Gospel and the failure of much of the ministry, what is the solution? The answer lies in returning to the foundation: Jesus Christ Himself. In Matthew 23:8-10, Jesus said, “But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are brothers…. Nor are you to be called ‘Teachers,’ for you have only one teacher, the Christ!”
Jesus said in John 14:6-7, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. If you really know me, you will know my Father as well. From now on, you do know him and have seen him.” And he also said in John 10:27-28, My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one will snatch them out of my hand. Take heed, only the sheep listen to Jesus’ voice shall never perish, but what about those who are lazy, and don’t want to practice his words.
These instructions are often overlooked. Many believers rely on human teachers, theologians, and second hand information, rather than seeking direct instruction from the Lord. The path to true understanding and spiritual growth is to learn from the only Teacher, the Christ, through prayer and the Holy Spirit. As it is written in John 14:23-26 Jesus replied, “If anyone loves me, he will obey my teaching. My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him. He who does not love me will not obey my teaching. These words you hear are not my own; they belong to the Father who sent me. “All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.
Preparing for Action
We need to prepare our minds for action. 1 Peter 1:13 says, “Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.” This preparation involves living in reverent fear, obeying the truth, and “loving one another deeply from the heart.” (1 Peter 1:17, 22).
We must desire the sincere milk of the Word, as newborn babes, that we may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2). This desire is not passive; it is an eager longing for the gifts of the Spirit, especially those that build up the church (1 Corinthians 14:1). We must pray for these gifts, using the Psalms as templates for our prayers. For example, Psalm 25:4-5 says, “Show me Your ways, O LORD; teach me Your paths. Lead me in Your truth and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; on You do I wait all the day long.”
Living for the Will of God
The ultimate goal is to live for the will of God. 1 Peter 4:2 states, “To this end: that he no longer live his remaining time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God.” There are only two ways of life: one for the flesh, one for God’s will. Only those who take up their cross and die to self can live for God’s will.
Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work” (John 4:34). This is the spiritual food that believers need daily. The “daily bread” in the Lord’s Prayer is not just physical sustenance, but instruction on how to do God’s will each day. Many sheep are spiritually dead because they lack this food, relying instead on man-made doctrines that lead to destruction.
The Lord’s Prayer as Daily Instruction
The Lord’s Prayer is a vital tool for learning from Christ. When we pray, “Give us this day our daily bread,” we are asking for the spiritual nourishment for knowing and doing God’s will. When we pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,” we are acknowledging our need for daily cleansing and the importance of forgiveness in our relationships.
Many believers have not taken these words seriously, and as a result, they are unable to hear Christ’s voice or inquire of the Lord. Confession of sin is essential for maintaining a clear line of communication with God. As 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.“
Abiding in Christ
John 15:5-6 emphasizes the necessity of abiding in Christ: “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire and they are burned.” Abiding in Jesus means walking as He did, doing the will of the Father, and depending on Him for everything.
1 John 2:6 states, “the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.” This is not just a suggestion; it is a requirement for genuine discipleship. We must set our minds on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God, and not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2). Those who refuse will have to face the consequence that was written in Philippians 3:18-19, For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears, many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.
Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things.
Conclusion
The crisis in Christendom is real, but there is hope. The solution is to return to the One Teacher, the Christ, and to learn from Him directly through prayer and the Holy Spirit. We must prepare our minds for action, and follow the example of Christ. As we do, we will find true peace and eternal life. The path is narrow, but it leads to life. May we all be among those who find it.
This time I can see a little deeper, although I know the Scriptures, the correct doctrine, it does not make me any better than those who don’t. It is the heart that makes the difference, as Jesus said ” These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.” Paul also said in 1 Corinthians 4:4-5 My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.
I am not so sure about my heart. It is written in Jeremiah 17:9, The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? “I the Lord search the heart and examine the mind, to reward a man according to his conduct, according to what his deeds deserve.” The Scripture say, “pray without ceasing”, it does not suggest I should keep praying while my heart is on something else. Only the Lord can purify my heart, and I have to pray always Psalms 139, Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
O LORD, You have searched me and known me.
You know my sitting down and my rising up; You understand my thought afar off.
You comprehend my path and my lying down, And are acquainted with all my ways.
For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O LORD, You know it altogether.
You have hedged me behind and before, And laid Your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.
Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence?
If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there.
If I take the wings of the morning, And dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
Even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall fall on me,” Even the night shall be light about me;
Indeed, the darkness shall not hide from You, But the night shines as the day; The darkness and the light are both alike to You.
For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb.
I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.
My frame was not hidden from You, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth.
Your eyes saw my substance, being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written, The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them.
How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them!
If I should count them, they would be more in number than the sand; When I awake, I am still with You.
Oh, that You would slay the wicked, O God! Depart from me, therefore, you bloodthirsty men.
For they speak against You wickedly; Your enemies take Your name in vain.
Do I not hate them, O LORD, who hate You? And do I not loathe those who rise up against You?
I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies.
Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties;
And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.