The Ministerial Association receives a J- very excellent theological quarterly, Bibliotheca Sacra. Published by the Dallas Theological Seminary, its articles are usually discussions with point, because of the quarterly's fundamentalist background. Al though we cannot agree with everything in this journal, especially on eschatology, we must admire the strong stand taken on the importance of prophecy in this hour of history. In the 1951 April-June number appeared a significant editorial by Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, president of the seminary, who is also a Bible teacher well known to evangelical Protestants. We quote Dr. Chafer on the present revival trend:
"There is a modern tendency to magnify emotionalism which manifests itself in mass confessions, and it is too easily concluded that such emotional ism is a form of revival. Such waves of emotionalism hardly inspire faith in the Saviour on the part of the unsaved, which faith would indicate a true spirit of revival.
"What is revival? As many of God's faithful Christians are praying and hoping for a revival, it is well to inquire what is meant by the term as used. If it means, as it doubtless does, that the gospel is presented to a larger number of the unsaved, there has never been in the later history of the Church such a revival as is now in progress. In every city and important center some form of radio preaching is going on which is reaching more people than any revival in history has ever done.
"If we demand great mass meetings with public demonstration, that may never come again. It is evident God is using new and more effective ways of reaching the hearts of men with His truth. Never has the gospel been so presented in printed form as it is being presented now. There is much reason for thanksgiving and support of the mighty agencies now in use, and an increase in the use of these. But it is a debatable question whether people will attend mass meetings as they did two generations ago. Not many evangelists can report large numbers of unsaved attending their services now."
Dr. Chafer is viewing this present wave of revivals with noteworthy reflection. We hold that his thinking is clear. But now ob serve that this interpreter of the times con siders the solution to the problem the union or community church. With a very definite trend on the part of Protestantism to unify and blend, it is not surprising that Dr. Chafer should lean in this direction. After discussing "water baptism" as one means for pointing the way to community fellowship he adds:
"The sad fact that Christians have allowed themselves to be divided over so unimportant a matter as the mode of water baptism has too often been reflected in the work of the union or community church."
He next infers that rebaptism is too often imposed, and that it deprives the individual of private judgment or interpretation. Then he tells about a plan that he admits was a "perfect success":
"One of the largest independent churches in America maintained for years a plan which was a perfect success. Whatever the pastor's practice might be, he was not called upon to baptize anyone. There was one elder of the church who himself believed in immersion and he immersed all candidates who preferred that mode. Likewise, there was an elder who baptized others who subscribed to affusion. The baptisms were always private and the subject was not open for debate or discussion. The plan worked perfectly. It is needless to add that people were received into the church without baptizing any. . . .
"The outside world needs to see believers in fellowship regardless of various interpretations. An intelligent unbeliever cannot see a sufficient reason for Christians to be separated on a mode of baptism, and they should not indeed be so separated."
Some Observations on Revivals
Recently we had occasion to attend a series of youth revival meetings in one of our Great Lakes cities. With an open mind to recognize good wherever it may be found, we made certain observations that gave cause for reflection. In this particular type of revival the evangelist did not overlook stressing the return of Christ as a climax to "earth's last hour." When preaching on the Ten Commandments he introduced his remarks with a positive statement that the law of God was still binding in every respect. Aside from the fact that in the fourth commandment he mainly stressed church attendance on Sunday instead of visiting a ball game or participating in some other worldly pleasures, the evangelist's discourse was most sincere and powerful.
Neither would one want to conclude that emotionalism was pronounced, although the emotions were wisely appealed to. There was an altar call every evening, but sometimes less than three persons responded by finding their way to the altar or into the inquiry room. One concluded that this evangelist was somewhat baffled by the lack of audience response. Comparing it with similar revivals he had previously conducted in other areas, he must have been perturbed with the present situation. This launched him out to venture a question for which he solicited quiet, un- hasty forethought. The moment of reflection was tense, and its effect was most impressive. The question asked of the audience was this: "How many feel that if Christ would come today, or if death would overtake you suddenly, you would be ready to meet Jesus?" Almost in a body the entire congregation responded affirmatively by raising of hands. Again the same question was pressed with even more fervor and appeal for personal reflection, only to receive the same response. One was compelled to wonder whether this large group of Christians was truly "saved" or simply smugly deceived into complacency about their spiritual well-being.
Is There a Lesson for Us?
This experience and similar ones we may observe today should guard Seventh-day Adventist evangelists on various points. First, we have had an era of revival in various Christian groups, and the people have been responding. There is an aware ness of the need to get ready for the end of the world; but that does not say that the grace of God has done its complete work in the lives of individuals. It is now popular to talk religion and also to take part in revivals. Not infrequently when these are held thousands are in attendance, and many make decisions at each meeting of the brief series. Next, there is also a spirit of fellowshiping, which has its wholesome aspects. Christian groups are drawing together. But after the revival the emphasis seems to be placed on social activity.
Today there is also a decided note for unionizing the church, for confederating its smaller parts not always weaker ones, however into more powerful bodies. To many theologians, at this stage the problem of unifying on doctrine is apparently hope less. A practical conclusion on the part of others is that doctrines do not matter. Stat ing it charitably, the Christian Church is at present more confused than blamable.
Now, where do Seventh-day Adventists fit into this revivalism? We dare not condemn everything outside of our own ranks, for surely the hour calls for revival. For that reason we should first be looking within the church to study our own needs, it is likely that we may be influenced by this shallow revival trend of our times, rather than stress a holy and significant experience. To meet our personal need, first of all, as well as that of our denomination, we must be primarily conscious that this is the hour of the Holy Spirit's outpouring. Earth's darkest hour must be matched with heavenly power. There must enter into our ranks an awareness that this revival mood is not just timed; neither is it merely a concerted movement the world around. A true revival must now spring out of our own deplorable condition as a church. But it should not be animated by a merely convenient slogan or some intensified, important emphasis or program; it must be an experience touching individual hearts and then resulting in collective action God- ward.
From what we have been observing in various sections our believers generally respond to these revivals. They are indicating their sincerity by humility of heart, sacrifice for God's work, and earnestness in missionary activity. Brethren and leaders of our flocks, let us guard that such a willing response may not become merely an avenue for exploitation or promotion of a church project with which we may be connected. Forgetting the human instrumentality, in this era of revivalism, let us plead earnestly for that heavenly unction which will enable God's ministry to prepare a people for Christ's soon return.
