No Life In The Bible?

The following is a citation from professor John Crowley ("Primitive Baptists of the Wiregrass South") and cited by me (here)

"During this time, a major dispute erupted between the Alabaha and its parent organization, the Suwannee River Association. In 1860, Job E. W. Smith, moderator of the Suwannee River Association, preached at the Alabaha River Association’s annual meeting. During his sermon, Smith unequivocally advocated for the antimeans position when he held up the Bible and told the congregation, “You have been told that this is the word of God; do you believe it? I say it is not, it is ink and paper.” Smith also stated “the Gospel had no saving efficacy in it to the awakening of sinners; it was only for the feeding of the flock.” The Alabaha, who had long advocated the instrumentality of the Gospel, declared that Smith’s words were “a departure from the faith” and recommended “that this body withdraw her correspondence from the Suwannee Association until she becomes reclaimed.” (pg. 34)

Notice how the anti means Hardshells believe that there is no life in the word preached, or in the bible. They do not believe that the scriptures are the word of God, are the words of Christ, which are "the words of eternal life" (John 6: 68). Jesus said "my words are spirit and they are life." (vs. 63)

Paul wrote to the Hebrews and said that "the word of God is living and powerful" (4: 12). Paul said that believers "hold firmly to the word of life" (Phil. 2: 16). The words of God are "living oracles." (Acts 7: 38)

The scriptures are the breath of God. Paul said “all scripture is breathed out by God” (2 Timothy 3:16).

A man who does not take into himself the scriptures does not have the life or breath of God. When we take God's word into our hearts (faith act) we inhale God as it were, his life and Spirit. Paul asked:

"Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?" (Gal. 3: 2)

When the word of God, especially the gospel, is heard and received (believed) so too is the Spirit of God heard and received. In receiving the Spirit the believer also receives Christ and spiritual life.

Elder Hosea Preslar wrote of the Hardshell "Two Seeders" and their anti means view, saying:

"And as to their views of the use and design of the gospel being for nothing but for the edification of the Church, and believers being the only subjects of gospel address, I believe it not." (Page 186)

"But some object to these ideas and say all this is the work of the spirit of God; and the gospel has nothing to do with it. Ah, a gospel without a spirit! Well, God save me from a gospel that has not His spirit. God says His word is quick and powerful, and He says by Peter, This is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you; I Peter 1: 25. And as to the subjects of Gospel address, it is to every creature the disciples were commanded to preach the gospel; and Paul said, Whom we preach warning every man, and teaching every man, in all wisdom, etc.; Col. 1: 28. So we see that their idea on that point is false as the balance, and we will now give their last, but not least error a passing notice."  (pg. 187) (See here)

Yes, the Hardshells preach a gospel "without a spirit." And, without life. The gospel they preach has no life in it.

I am glad that I am no longer a Hardshell, one who believes that there is no life in the word preached.

Many Christians sing the hymn "Wonderful Words of Life" I wrote on this. See here. Some PBs also sing it, but do they believe what it says?

"Wonderful Words Of Life"

Sing them over again to me,
Wonderful words of life,
Let me more of their beauty see,
Wonderful words of life;
Words of life and beauty
Teach me faith and duty.

Refrain:

Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life;
Beautiful words, wonderful words,
Wonderful words of life.

Christ, the blessed One, gives to all
Wonderful words of life;
Sinner, list to the loving call,
Wonderful words of life;
All so freely given,
Wooing us to heaven.

Sweetly echo the Gospel call,
Wonderful words of life;
Offer pardon and peace to all,
Wonderful words of life;
Jesus, only Savior,

Sanctify us forever.

The scriptures are words of life. They give life to all who receive them.