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PURITAN RISING
Knowing the Past – Looking to the Future
by Jerry Johnson

The failed theologies of Arminianism, Dispensationalism and Pietism, which surrender most, if not all, of the blood bought treasures of Western culture, left a vacuum, a hole, if you will, right through the middle of the modern Christian.

During the middle of the last century, a few men who, like Josiah when he found the law of God buried in the temple, uncovered some dusty old books and through their pages discovered that God was not a lonely old man sitting in heaven wringing his hands hoping men would see the wisdom His plan as modern evangelicals taught.

They came to realize that our great self-contained, Triune God is the dread sovereign of the universe. That He was the one who declared “…the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure…” (Isaiah 46:10)

From such understanding, ministries like Banner of Truth, American Vision, the Southern Baptist Founders and Nicene Council were formed.

But now the question before us is where do we go from here?
In the last twenty years, this question has plagued those who have witnessed a resurgence of Calvinism and have rediscovered the great theological treatise of the Puritans.

Unable to answer this question, some have decided that the best they can do is engage everyone they meet in theological debate. They’re what I call the obnoxious Calvinists.

Others have opted for a view that is practically anti-Puritan. By that we mean they adopt an agrarian lifestyle and depart from city life in search of a more simple life. Some are throwing out their televisions, swearing off movies, dressing like they just walked off a set of “Little House on the Prairie”, raising chickens, basically cloistering themselves in a new asceticism, wearing their monastic moniker as a badge of honor.

What these well meaning folks fail to understand is that if the Puritans had taken the same posture, they would have never set sail for the New World. The Puritans had an objective and a vision for victory. In short, the Puritans longed to see the great commission fulfilled during their lifetime and were pressing the Crown Rights of King Jesus in every sphere.

In fact, the Mayflower Compact gives us a glimpse into the beliefs and motivations that brought the Pilgrims to the American shores,

“Having undertaken, for the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith…”

Like the Puritans of Old, the modern Church, especially the Church in America, needs a new vision – a vision for victory which places first and foremost – the glory of God, and the advancement of the Christian faith.

We need not romanticize the past and look to it as the golden age of Christianity. Nor attempt to religionize 16th century Puritan farm-life. Because, my friends, it is my belief, based upon the Bible alone, that the best years are still before us.

We must take the message of the Puritans into the future! We must not fall for the mistaken notion that we can take the future into the Puritan past. If this is our objective, then I submit that we will fail.

Christ is both Lord and King now, sitting at the right hand of His Father, and He claims the right to rule over every area of human existence. He did not commission His people to fail in their appointed tasks, but to succeed.

What we need to do is to get out of our comfort zone. Like the prophet Elijah, we need to become the troublers of Israel. And we can do this! But first, we must know God’s Word and hide it in our hearts. Acknowledging that the weapons of our warfare are not carnal – and yet, we are well armed and we are still at war. Our King has given us marching orders to disciple the nations and teach them to observe His law.

Second, like the Psalmist, we must confess that “the law of God is good, converting the soul.” God’s Word makes it clear that the Law does not and cannot save. But, while we affirm on the one hand that the Law does not save, we must also affirm that gospel is not lawless.

Third, the Church must repent of its low view of God’s Sovereignty. And we need to do this both doctrine and deed. And this comes by rejecting the false doctrine of the sovereignty of man.

Fourth, we must no longer compromise with the world simply to gain credibility. The world and its systems are at war with the true and living God.

Fith, let us, like Caleb, believe the report of the Lord. Even though the Canaanites appear to be stronger, “Let us go up at once, and possess [their country]; for we are well able to overcome it.” (Numbers 13:30). Because,” For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the world: and this is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith.” (I John 5:4)

And last, understand that withdrawal is equal to surrender.

My friends, we must succeed where others have failed. This does not mean that total victory will be realized within our lifetime, but each flood starts with a single drop of rain. And each of us, who captures this vision for victory, adds to that flood.

The single most important characteristic that creates failure as opposed to success is not only the lack of strength or the lack of knowledge, but rather the lack of vision and having enough grit to see that victory to the end even when it appears all hope is lost!

Remember, “Where there is no vision, the people perish: but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” (Proverbs 29:19)

–PuritanRising.com