"Means" Hymn #1

It probably goes without saying that inconsistencies exist between what some professed Christians sing and what they actually believe. The greatest example would be that of 'Amazing Grace'. Multitudes of souls sing this wonderful hymn but yet profess a works system for salvation, and therefore do not truly agree with the contained message of salvation by grace alone.

When I was among the Primitives I noticed how this was especially true, as some of the hymns sung were contrary to the doctrine being taught from the pulpit. An anti-means theology is preached, but a means theology would often be sung! The words to many songs contain concepts, phrases, and doctrinal points peculiar to Calvinistic theology, and which therefore are not believed. Nevertheless, they are still sung with no apparent objections. I used to wonder if any others recognized this, and if there would be any attempt in the future to correct it.

In my previous posting, in order to demonstrate the inconsistency between the anti-means or time salvation paradigm with some of the more popular hymns which are sung, I asked this question:

Is it hypocritical to sing the following words 'I Know Whom I Have Believed' in the song service?

"I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.
I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing men of sin,
Revealing Jesus thru the Word,
Creating faith in him."

For anyone who is aware of the anti-means theology declared by today's extremists, you can easily see how it would be utterly inconsistent to sing such words as this and yet teach a doctrine which denies it. There are three major things in the verse which are not compatible with the time salvation paradigm advocated today. First, the very mention of saving faith. This is a doctrine commonly found in Calvinistic circles and is used to convey the truth that not all faith is saving, and that some men make a mental assent to Christ and His Word, but yet are not saved. Today's ultraists have a very difficult time with the subject of faith, many of whom would not be caught dead using the expression saving faith. To some of the more extreme ones, there is no such thing, as no faith of any kind is essential for salvation. Still others might possibly use the term, but only if it is understood that seed faith, or subconscious faith, is what constitutes saving faith. If the idea were pressed, however, that faith is set forth in the scriptures as cognitive, and that THIS is what is essential for salvation, then there is no way such an expression would ever be condoned.

Second, the hymnist declares that this saving faith comes by means of the Word. This is the kicker! It's so blatantly obvious in the verses that it's a wonder that an anti-means advocate could sing it and be honest with himself. The hymnist mentions two things: 1) believing in His Word, and 2) Revealing Jesus thru the Word. But believing in God's Word does not constitute saving faith according to our modernists today. Rather, it will simply usher in an optional gospel faith connected to a temporal salvation. Nor will it be believed Christ is revealed 'thru the Word'.

Third, this same faith is recognized as a creative act of God. If they are being consistent with their own paradigm, today's extremists must deny this as well. Since gospel instrumentality is mentioned, their premise that no means are involved in eternal matters would be violated. It is quite clear to the hymnist, however, that created faith, gospel faith, and saving faith are all phrases which denote the same thing.

'I Know Whom I Have Believed' is a "Means" hymn, obviously written by one who agreed with the same. As a result, it is entirely strange to sing it when something entirely different is declared in the pulpit. The very words which come forth as the fruit of the lips must therefore, in this case, be denied. As Brother Garrett has often stated in his writings...'Consistency, thou art a jewel!'

No exception here!

SUMMARY CHALLENGES:

1) Is there such a thing as saving faith?

2) Is saving faith created by God?

3) Does saving faith come thru the Word?

4) Is Jesus revealed thru the Word?

5) Does the Spirit of God convince of sin? For all the elect, or some only?