WHY NOT BE   Just a Christian R. H. BOLL   THE WORD AND WORK 2518 Portland Avenue Louisville, Kentucky 40212

      In these days of many sects and conflicting teachings it is a great advantage to be simply a Christian, and nothing more than a child of God, a follower of Jesus Christ.

      "But," you ask, "is such a thing possible under the religious circumstances of our day?"

      How is the average man ever to find his way where so many paths cross one another, and each one seems as good as the rest? Where so many guides shout, "Come this way!" and "Go that way!" and "Lo here!" and "Lo there!"?

      It does indeed seem impossible; and many who would be glad to be on the right ground before God, have despaired of the undertaking.

      Some have concluded that none are right, and have settled down in indifference. Some think that all are right, and drift on, compromising and without convictions. Some, weary of the problem, have found a false rest in trusting in an "infallible church," or some "infallible" man who settles all questions by his simple dictum. Another says, "I go to hear them all, and when I find the right one I will accept it." That latter way seems fair to the average man. But what an impossible task it would be to investigate all the creeds and doctrines. Time would fail, and head and heart be confused and bewildered if anyone should seriously attempt it. It usually terminates in the man's accepting the first thing he happens to meet that seems good and plausible. Barring the case of many who lack the interest and sense of need to make any personal, independent search after truth, it is the general way for a man religiously inclined, to take up [3] the first view that strikes and pleases him, or to fall in with any sect or denomination with which he has happened to have been thrown in contact. Having identified himself with the said view or sect, he considers himself thenceforth bound to loyalty to that party, and is henceforth set for its defense, and supersensitive to any criticism of it.

      Such are the usual courses men pursue in regard to religious views and affiliations. But that none of these ways will lead a man to the truth ought to be clear to any man who will think a moment. It is a mere chance game. And the chances are not as good as one out of a hundred. In fact truth is never obtained by blind grabbing or by following the plausible teachings of men.

      Instead of trying to examine and decide upon any or all beliefs and teachings extant, there is a shorter and better way. That way can be summed up in one word:

      "Come unto me and learn of me."--(Matt. 11:28, 29). There is an instant relief in the very thought. We can set aside the whole troublesome tangle of religious beliefs and go straight to Him who is "the way, the truth, and the life." (John 14:6.) He alone is right and true, and every one who would be a disciple must come directly to Him and learn of Him.

      But after the first flash of light and hope such a thought would bring, there arises a misgiving. "Do you suppose that I could understand, that I could find the one, true way by taking the matter up personally with the Lord, through His word? Have not others done so and failed? Is there not vast room for differences and misapprehensions? Where so many good people have erred and strayed can I hope [4] for better success? I am not learned: where the scholars and doctors differ, how can I know I am right?"

      But the difficulty is not so great as it appears. In the first place it is not a matter of scholarship, or of man's wisdom and ability, but a question of Attitude and of Trust: of trust, in that we can not afford, like Peter, to look at the winds and waves of difficulty (Matt. 14), but we must rely on the goodness and faithfulness of the Lord that calls us, He who will let no true soul perish in its search of Him and His ways; and it is a question of attitude, because it is not to the wise and prudent that God shows His ways (Matt. 11:25; 1 Cor. 1:26, etc.), but to the poor in spirit, the humble, the hungering and thirsting after righteousness; to those who will to do His will, to the "sheep" who hear His voice. (Matt. 5:3-6; John 7:17; 10:4, 27.) It was the same breath in which Jesus stated this, that He invited the weary and heavy laden to come to Him that He might give them rest; and to assume His yoke and to learn of Him. (Matt. 11:25-29.) This, then, is the one great step, for every man who would find the way: Commit your life with all its hope and prospect to the Lord Jesus, and address yourself to learn from Him. There is a sphere in which scholarship is helpful; and I do not say that men may not help one another; but the only true help a man can, after all, render his fellow-man is to point him to the word of the Lord that there he may find and see for himself what is the will of God in Christ Jesus to us-ward.

      If everyone were to do this it would be fatal to many a thriving business and institution. The religious philosophers who for ages have darkened counsel with learned words; the theologians; the "infallible" dogmatists; the [5] theorists who spin out "systems of truth"--they would find little market for their wares. True unity would come. It has been feared all along that if every man should go to the Word of God for himself independently, confusion and division would result. Not so. The divisions come by departing from the word, by adding to it, taking from it, setting up men's one-sided views for standards. And, above all, the divisions are kept alive because the vast majority of professed believers blindly follow their religious leaders, and have almost all their religious knowledge at second hand. But those with open, desirous hearts come directly to Jesus for light, obtain such a view of truth, such a mutual consideration, and such a free scope for growth that having become one in Christ they will tend more and more to be one with one another.

      Every theory, every system, every sect has some truth but the Christian has all, has a right to all, and access to all. If any sect in the world holds any portion of truth, the Christian has the greater right to accept and proclaim it. He does not need to join the sect in question to get what truth it may happen to have. He does not even need to sift through the chaff of those human theories. In Christ he has all beforehand. It is his good and pleasant task to explore the rich mine of truth, Jesus Christ, "in whom are all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge hidden" (Col. 2:3). At the same time he does not say, "I am right in the sense that he knows all about everything; but he says, "The Bible is right: Christ is right." He holds his mind open. Every day he comes to the truth revealed to get juster ideas of what he learned before and to learn more. He has no "ax to grind"; no position to force; nothing to "harmonize" or to "explain away"; no theories to promulgate; [6] no human creed to defend. The truth makes him free. He calls no man "Rabbi," no man "Father" upon the earth: One is his Teacher and Master, even Christ; and one is his Father: God (Matt. 23:8-10). No man may bring him into that bondage of human theory and creed which is today so gravely affecting the religious world.

      A minister of a certain denomination once said to one of these simple Christians, "I should like to have a talk with you--I think I could make a -----ist out of you." "How would you go about it?" asked the Christian. "Why, I would show you where you are wrong," answered the preacher. "But that would not make me a -----ist. It would make me a better Christian," he replied.

      These simple children of God come to the Bible with new, fresh minds, divested of all human preconceptions as far as they can know, with open hearts, to drink in the teaching of the Lord. They strive to give Him a clean tablet to write on, not one already scrawled over with opinions of their own or other men's. They are not so foolish as to let some theory-spinner and system-builder prepossess their thoughts by filling their hearts an minds with his specious reasonings wherewith he hopes to build his sect. For when we commit ourselves to a human teacher and leader, we lose the voice of the one true "Rabbi" above. And the prepossession resulting may easily be fatal. It puts colored glasses before the seeker's eyes, and insinuates basic notions and opinions which ever after he reads into the text of the Bible, and which he thinks thenceforth he sees standing out on every page, although they exist only in his mind. It is needless to say that a man who has any regard and desire for just, pure, unbiased truth will not allow his judgment to be affected beforehand by putting himself under the influence and dominance of [7] some man's plausible theories. "And this I say lest any man should beguile you with enticing words,"--says Paul. "As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord so walk ye in Him rooted and builded up in Him and established in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding in thanksgiving. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy or vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ. For in Him dwelleth all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. And ye are complete in Him."--(Col. 2:4-10.)

      Now if it were only a matter of preference and taste as to what a man should religiously believe and be, no man would need to be greatly troubled over the question. One could adopt whatever belief he likes best and follow it sincerely and the outcome would be safe. But "There is a way that seemeth right unto a man but the end thereof are the ways of death." (Prov. 14:12.) "It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jer. 10:23.) Most people think that any course honestly pursued will lead to glory; which is but another proof that man's ideas of religious things are usually wrong. Jesus declared that many would come to Him "in that day" and protest that they had prophesied in His name and done many wonderful works; to whom He will confess "I never knew you: depart from me ye that work iniquity." Therefore," He adds, "Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them" (not what priests and doctors have commanded), "I will liken him unto a wise man, who built his house upon a rock." And vice versa, "Every one that heareth these sayings of mine and doeth them not shall be likened unto a foolish man who built his house upon the sand." (Matt. 7:21-27.) [8]

      It is not by what some man said you ought to do, nor by any human teaching or theory (no matter how correct it seems, and how perfectly it "fits in") that we shall be measured "in that day," but by what Christ has said: "The word that I have spoken the same shall judge him in the last day." (John 12:48.) He that rejects the word of Christ today does so at terrible loss and infinite peril.

      The reader who would become a Christian, a simple child of God and follower of the Lord, can become such in exactly the same way that men were taught of God to pursue in the days of the apostles. In Acts, chapter two, verses 36-41, an account is given. Read, believe and obey. "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly, that God hath made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom ye crucified. Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and the rest of the apostles, Brethren, what shall we do? And Peter said unto them, Repent ye, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ unto the remission of sins; and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call unto him. And with many other words he testified, and exhorted them, saying, Save yourselves from this crooked generation. They then that received his word were baptized: and there were added unto them in that day about three thousand souls."

      The path here marked out is not only infallibly right, but exceedingly simple. It is God's way. Follow its simple pattern, and it will solve the great initial problem for you. For thus men became Christians, and members [9] of the true church 1900 years under the preaching and direction of the inspired apostles. And evidently the man who takes these steps of faith today, will be nothing else, and belong to nothing else. Afterward he may "go on unto perfection," to find milk and meat in the word of Christ, and to grow in His likeness. (1 Peter 2:1; 2 Cor. 3:18.)

      The book of Acts is replete with teaching and illustrations on this point. Anyone perplexed on the matter of baptism should get a concordance and by means of it hunt up every passage in which "baptize" and "baptism" occur. The word of God will leave the right impression on the unprejudiced mind. In fact it is hardly a matter for disagreement, for it is generally acknowledged that whatever else may or may not be "baptism," immersion is certainly baptism. And we should want nothing else than what is certainly right.

      As to church-relationship--there is but one church mentioned in the Scriptures. "There is one body, and one Spirit, even as also ye were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all, and through all, and in all." To this, God will add him as He did those who were being saved in apostolic days. (Acts 2:47.) On any question the word of God will shed true light, and as much light as is needed. So shall a man stand on a firm rock, and be responsible directly to God alone, and deal with Him at first hand through His word, free from all fear and bondage, except the fear of God and the yoke of Christ, which is easy and light, and he shall find rest for his soul. This is the exalted privilege and calling of the simple Christian. Let every man see that he fall not short of it. [10]

      Dear Friend: Perhaps you will remember me when I tell you that I am the young man who asked you some questions concerning the belief of the Christian church.

      I joined the ------ Church when a small boy but, though I was in earnest at the time, did not live as I should have.

      When we moved here, there being no ------ Church here, I joined the ------ Church about seventeen months ago. I joined this church, I think, because I renewed my allegiance to God in one of their revivals and then my mother was a -------. Though I have not lived up to my privilege in "Christ Jesus" I am trying with His help to live as He would have me live; and I hope some day to live a completely "victorious life" with His help.

      There being so many different churches, and good people in all of them, has puzzled me a great deal as to which church is right.

      I am writing to ask you--if it is not too much--if you will send me a list of the names of all the churches who worship the "Lord Jesus Christ." Also the name of the book containing the doctrine or creed of each, and where I may obtain a copy of it.

      Of course any church that does not worship the "Lord Jesus Christ" is wrong. I do not care to study them now. I want to study the doctrines or creeds of all the others though, earnestly, carefully and prayerfully; my Bible also and with God's help choose the church He would have me join.

      I believe you said the Christian Church has no written creed. If there is a commentary in which I can get the general belief of that church, please send me the name of it, and where I may obtain it. If there is any other church which has no written creed, please tell me where I may get its general belief. [11]

      I want the names of all the divisions of all the churches which worship "Christ" and the names of the creeds and where I may obtain them. And I would like to know the name of a good (the best) commentary in every one of them.

      I hope I have made myself clear. I write you because I have confidence in you and I think you will know how to answer my questions. I want to study all the churches and all the divisions of them if I have to study one hundred or more of the driest books, commentaries, etc., in the world.

      If it is too much trouble to answer my questions, please write me. I hope, however, you can give me this information for I am in earnest.

      Of course if after careful study and prayer I think I am now in the right church, I shall remain where I am, but if God shows me I should change I shall do so.

      Anxiously awaiting your reply, I am,

	Yours sincerely,
------ ------

      My Dear Friend: I have already forwarded you the little pamphlet, "Why not be just a Christian"--and trust that it may serve to some extent in your present search for truth. It is already the fact that you are seeking for the truth and the right way that puts you within range of God's blessing (Matt. 5:6; Heb. 11:6) and I should esteem it a privilege if the Lord would use me as an instrument to help you into full light.

      Let me caution you at the very outset against the road you seem inclined to choose; you will never find the truth by examining the different creeds and beliefs. That road [12] leads nowhere but to "confusion worse confounded." In the first place it is an impossible task. Neither you nor I are capacitated to enter into the merits of each creed and system, and discern the false from the true. In fact such an undertaking would pre-suppose on you the very thing you have not got, and for which you are searching: the knowledge of the truth. Not until you know what the truth really is would you be able to pass on the relative value of the creeds, etc.

      Nor could you trust your inclinations or tastes to guide you aright. There has never been an error that has not been dressed up attractively in the garb of logic and plausibility; nor has there ever been a falsehood propagated but it had its point of appeal. If then you start out in your search to find among the doctrines promulgated one that seems plausible and meets your taste and appeals to you, you will certainly fall victim to some error. To have good intentions is not enough; and to seek is of itself not enough. Men have sought after God in the field of philosophy and failed. (1 Cor. 1:21.) Israel sought after righteousness and failed. Because they sought it in the wrong direction. (Romans 9:30 to 10:3.) We must seek as God directs. And God directs us always to Himself by the way of His Word. "It is not in man that walketh to direct his steps." (Jer. 10:23.) "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Ps. 119:105.) "Take my yoke upon you and and learn of me." (Matt. 11:29.) Everyone therefore that heareth these words of mine and doeth them shall be likened unto a wise man who built his house upon the rock." (Matt. 7:24.) "And if any man hear my sayings and keep them not, I judge him not . . the word that I spake, the same shall judge him in the last day." (John 12:47, 48.) These passages throw you upon your personal [13] responsibility toward God's word. There you must look; there alone can you find certainty. Sincerity alone is not sufficient: you must have both sincerity and truth. (Rom. 10:1-3.)

      When you take up your Bible note the distinction God draws between the two parts of it: the one part, the Old Testament, spoken by the prophets in time past, was addressed to "the fathers" and not directly and immediately to us; but the part that came to us came through Jesus Christ. (Heb. 1:1, 2.) That does not mean of course that the Old Testament is of no value to us. Its lessons are all applicable to our day. But the message God directly addressed to us came through the Son.

      Note further that the New Testament or New Covenant dates from the death, (not from the birth) of Christ. (Heb. 9:16, 17.) It was announced to the apostle at the close of the Lord's earthly sojourn (Matt. 28:18-20; Mark 16:15, 16; Luke 24:46, 47), and by the apostles preached to all the world. The book of Acts shows how and when the message was preached, and how men accepted it and became Christians and how they became members of God's church. That is the teaching you want and need in the present exigency. You will find (as in Acts 2:36-42; 3:19; 8:12 and 8:26-29, etc.), that the gospel was preached, men heard, believed, and were baptized (Acts 18:8) and added by the Lord to His church. The epistles that follow after the book of Acts contain instructions to Christians.

      I would suggest two important considerations to you: First, Do not trouble too much about difficulties: such as why Christendom is so divided, and good people in all the sects, and whether they shall be saved. It is sufficient for the navigator to know the exact course of the safe and clear channel--he need not know the why or whereabouts of all the rocks and shoals. When you see the way, the evident, [14] clear, plain way, then walk in it. Do not ask if any other way would do; or try to presume on what God has not forbidden, but rather find what He has clearly said, and follow that. Secondly: Do not wait till you know everything, or till you feel strong enough to continue to the end. If a locomotive should attempt to get up enough steam for all its journey before it starts, it would explode. It needs sufficient to start on; the rest will be generated on the way. So you need just enough light and strength to make the first step. Do nothing you are not sure of; but what you know and see, that do without delay. At the first opportunity confess your faith in Jesus (Rom. 10:9, 10), turn to Him with all your heart, and be buried with Him in baptism: and trust Him to add you to His church, and give you His Holy Spirit as He did to obedient believers of yore. Adopt no sectarian name, and subscribe to no man's creed. The name of Christ is sufficient for you. [15]

[WNBJC 3-15.]

      The electronic version of R. H. Boll's Why Not Be Just a Christian? (Louisville, KY: The Word and Work, [1916]) has been produced from a copy of the tract recently acquired from Work and Work. The essay was first published in Word and Work 9 (March 1916): 110-114.

      Pagination in the electronic version has been represented by placing the page number in brackets following the last complete word on the printed page. Inconsistencies in spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and typography have been retained; however, corrections have been offered for misspellings and other accidental corruptions. Emendations are as follows:

            Printed Text [ Electronic Text
 -----------------------------------------------------------------------
 p. 4:      --Matt. 11:28, 29.) [ --(Matt. 11:28, 29.)
 p. 8:      Most people thing [ Most people think
 

      Addenda and corrigenda are earnestly solicited.

Ernie Stefanik
Derry, PA

Created 2 December 2000.
Updated 8 February 2002.