In the last chapter we saw that many known as non-Christians are, at heart, really true Christians. In this chapter we shall see that there are many known as Christians who are yet non-Christians. Christ said: “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life.” We can know the Way only by walking in it, the Truth only by seeking it with our whole heart, and the Life only by living it.
There are many so-called Christians who have no desire to walk in the Way, or to know the Truth, or even to live the Life; so they have no part in the knowledge of the Truth, or in experience of the Life lived in the Living Christ, and they leave the Way to take their own ways, of which the end is destruction. Consequently, they are not only without Christ, and are themselves unbelievers, but are worse than many non-Christians.
His Own Received Him Not
In many Western countries which are known as Christian there has been a great extension of education and of social and political freedom which is the direct outcome of the teaching of Christ, but it must be remembered that no nation is altogether Christian. Numbers of sincere Christians are to be found among all peoples, but we can never go the length of saying that the community may be regarded as wholly Christian. My opinion is that the nations which owe their uplift to the blessings of the Gospel of Christ have, in our days, often turned away from Him and disobeyed His commands. Instead of their people having individually accepted Him as their Saviour, they have too often forsaken Him and dishonoured Him by denying His divinity. Thus they have confirmed the words which He quoted, “He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me” (John xiii. 18). He came to His own that He might lift them from their fallen and sin-spoiled lives and fully restore them to sonship with God—“but His own received Him not” (John i. 11).
A Student
After a meeting which I had in Cambridge, a promising Hindu student came to me. He had been a Mission school-boy in India. He said that while he was at that school his heart had been so drawn towards Christ that he had decided to become a Christian. He had gone to the missionary and had asked for baptism, but, as he was under the age for baptism required by Government, the missionary could not do it. Still he was determined that, when he reached the required age, he would be baptised. After this, he entered a Mission college, and later on had been sent by his parents to England. “When I was preparing to come here,” he said, “I was overjoyed, because I was to have the good fortune to be sent to a Christian country and receive education and spiritual blessings in the land from which our good missionaries had come. But after I had landed and had lived here for some time, and seen the conduct and ways of life of the people, I was greatly disillusioned. During my vacations, I visited France, Switzerland, Germany, and other countries on the continent, and found that the people there were worse heathens than are to be found in non-Christian countries. In the latter countries, if people are not Hindus they are Mohammedans, if not Mohammedans they follow some other religion; but in these European countries if they are not Christians they are nothing at all, and have no religion except worldliness. And this applies not merely to the common people, but to some of the highly-educated leading men as well. Even some of my professors have told me that they do not specially believe in any religion, but look on all as equal.
“Besides this, even from among those who call themselves Christians, I have met some who have driven an axe into the root of Christianity, that is, they have denied the divinity of Christ—the very foundation of the Christian faith. When I first found out these things I was so greatly distressed that, had I not already tasted the fellowship and love of Christ in my life, I should have become altogether irreligious, and have lost my faith in Christ. Indeed, this is what happened to a friend of mine who believed in Christ as a Saviour, though he had no deep experience of Him. He is now most emphatic in maintaining that Christianity is nothing but a show and a sham, and says that when he returns to India he will tell the missionaries that, if there is any truth in Christianity, they had better go back to their own people and teach them, for they need it more than we do. I have decided,” concluded my visitor, “that I will never become a member of any of these churches-without-charity, though I will, as far as possible, follow and serve my Lord.”
Reality
I replied to him: “To a great extent I agree with you, for my experience is somewhat similar. I know there are many who call themselves Christians without having had any kind of experience of Christ. I call them Christians-without-Christ. If the members of a Church are without Christian life, that is Churchianity without Christianity. The religion of those Christians who deny the deity of Christ is truly Christianity-without-Christ. They are shells without kernels and bodies without souls. Mere civilisation and moral life, however beautiful it may be, is like a cold and lifeless statue. Do not be upset about this. It is no fault of our Living Lord. It is not He who has failed, but the people who have failed to understand and follow Him, for they have given Him no chance to change their lives and make a paradise of their hearts.”
The Divinity of Christ
Before we can know the divinity of Christ we must be made new creatures. The old nature, sin-stained and fallen, is incapable of knowing Him. A new life and a new nature must be ours before we can know Him who is the image of the invisible God, and in whose image we have been created (Col. i. 15; iii. 10); only then shall we know Him as “the true God” (1 John v. 20).
Breath and Spirit
Man not only has fallen from his original state, but is dead as well; hence he cannot feel the presence of God which is about us like air. As a dead man neither breathes nor feels the air in which he lies, so a man dead in sin neither feels God’s presence about him nor breathes the breath of prayer.
When God breathed into Adam the breath of life he became a “living soul” (Gen. ii. 7), but by sin that soul became dead; so it becomes necessary that the Lord should again breathe into him the breath of life (John xx. 22).
The Light of the World
The sun may be seen only in its own light, and the “Light of the world” can be seen and known only in His own light; but we must have spiritual sight before we can see it. But the blind and they “that seeing, see not,” are like the owls and the bats which have eyes yet get no help from the sun.
The Manifestation of Christ
The realisation of God and spiritual knowledge do not depend on the knowledge of this world. Mere worldly knowledge of isms and ologies often silences the inner voice and in its place makes an artificial voice which misleads men, instead of directing them to the right way. Real spiritual knowledge comes only through prayer and meditation, because God then speaks to man in the secret chamber of the heart and there we hear His “still, small voice.” At such times God reveals to His children things hidden from the wise of this world who have not experienced that new birth by which alone they could have entered into the new relationship of being His children. Jesus reveals Himself to the man who believes on Him, and in Himself reveals God the Father to him (Matt. xi. 26-27; John xiv. 21-23). We can get worldly knowledge by tuition, but spiritual knowledge comes only by intuition enlightened by Him.
An American Professor
In Boston, an educated man who was a Christian-without-Christ asked me: “If God is Love, why does He hide Himself from the world? He should show Himself and save men from their error and destruction.” I replied, “Once He revealed Himself to the world in Christ, and now He shows Himself to every soul of man who seeks Him with His whole heart. It is true that He is Love, but He is at the same time a consuming fire (Heb. xii. 29), for He consumes all things that are unclean and unholy and contrary to His will. The sun by its heat and light helps the growth of a tree, but if there is any sickness or defect in the tree the same sun and its heat wither it up instead of helping it. This is no fault of the sun, but it is due to a condition in the life of the tree itself. So the God of Love, the Light of Life, gives every man every kind of help for his spiritual growth; but man, by the condition of his own nature, turns this life-giving light to his destruction. In no other way is there anything in the whole universe of God which can injure man, who is made in God’s own image and likeness, unless he, by his disobedience and foolishness, brings injury on himself and becomes his own enemy.”
Injuring Others
When a man, by living without God, has already injured himself to such an extent that his spiritual perception and feelings are dulled, then he begins to do injury to others, and he is no longer conscious that he is causing injury to others who are members with himself. If he were spiritually awake to the feelings of others, then he would seek their good instead of their hurt, and so would fulfil the purpose of the Creator in his life.
A Rich Man
In Europe I once met a man of considerable wealth, who was also well read in philosophy. But neither his wealth nor his learning had brought him peace of heart. Shortly before I met him, he had travelled through many countries in search of a place in which he could pass the remainder of his days in peace. What he had looked for was a country that was neither too hot nor too cold, where there were no deadly diseases nor poisonous insects, and where the social and moral condition of the people was pleasing. “In such a place,” said he, “I will spend the rest of my days in peace.” When this Christian-without-Christ, like Noah’s dove, had found no place to rest on the face of the earth, he had in disgust returned to Switzerland. In conversation with me he said: “My object in travelling about the world was that I might escape from the worries and troubles of life; but what is your object in coming to Europe?” I replied: “There is nothing in the world, and no place, which can give you or any man peace from that inner craving, for that craving is not physical, but spiritual, and it can be finally satisfied only in Him who has created the soul and its craving. My main object in taking this tour is not like yours. I come to give my witness to the Living Christ who has filled my soul with peace. My second object in coming to these so-called Christian countries is that I may study the lives of the people and see what their lives are like, with and without Christ. After having been through several countries I have seen this, that those that have received Him are happy in their lives in spite of all worldly troubles and difficulties; while those who are separated from Him, though surrounded by all their luxuries and possessions, are without peace of heart. I find true Christians as happy in huts as in palaces, while so-called Christians, even in palaces, have not that happiness and peace which even the poorest of true Christians have in their poverty.
The Universal Saviour
“This same difference,” I continued, “is seen between Christians and non-Christians, not only in the West, but in the East as well, and thus we have it demonstrated to us practically that Christ is a Universal Saviour. As there is only one sun that shines in East and West alike, so there is only one ‘Light that lighteth every man coming into the world.’”
People of the East and West are sons of one universal mother, and, apart from a few superficial differences, human nature and its needs are the same all the world over. Experience abundantly proves that there is One only who can completely satisfy the needs of all men, and even that is possible only when they live according to His will.
Materialism
Then he asked: “What do you think of materialism, for Eastern peoples often call us materialists?” I said: “Neither matter nor any other thing is bad in itself, but the consequence of its misuse is evil. If matter is kept in its proper place it is all right, but if, in the attempt to satisfy spiritual desires, it is given a place in our hearts, then it takes the place of God, deadens our spiritual perception and makes our soul as lifeless as it is itself. This materialism is found more or less in both East and West. The proper use of matter is that we should use it as is necessary for the upkeep of the house of our soul, and use it in moderation. When we exceed the limits of moderation in its use, we relegate the soul to a secondary position and exalt matter to the place of worship, and the final result of this is the destruction of our souls.”
A Maharajah
A short time ago, an Indian Prince invited me to visit him, and I stayed in his palace for two or three days. He had travelled in Western countries and had to some extent been influenced by Western materialism and ways of life, but not to such an extent that he was indifferent to spiritual things. One night he privately told me his story. “I thank God daily for the blessings I have received through Jesus Christ, and I also acknowledge my weakness that I cannot confess Christ openly. I know that, if I do so, not only my own subjects, but the British Government, which is called Christian, would at once remove me from my throne. I can therefore call it only a British, not a Christian, Government, that cares less about religious duties than it does about political affairs. Of course I know that I should think much more about my religious duties than about having to give up my rights. As a ruling prince I ought to be prepared to leave my throne for Him who left His heavenly throne for me.
“I also regret to say that before I visited so-called Christian countries I was better, spiritually, than I am now. I was shocked when I went there and saw ‘the darkness that lies beneath the lamp.’ Had I known about it I would never have gone. My real motive in going there was that I might go to the old Mother Church and drink its pure milk and eat its strengthening food, so that I might return prepared to fulfil my spiritual and State duties; but, instead of finding this milk, they gave me liquor, and instead of bread gave me a stone; and I returned worse than I was before. There are other things as well, but I don’t want to mention them. I do not mean by this that Christianity is a failure, but people have failed to follow truly. And this refers not only to ordinary people, but to religious and political leaders as well. Well, let us leave it at that. Now pray for me that God may help and guide me that I may do what I ought to do.”
This is another incident that gives a challenge and a warning to that Christianity which is without Christ, that it may awake and see how far from the real thing it has fallen. As the Lord said in Rev. ii. 5, “Remember . . . and repent . . . or else I will remove thy candlestick out of his place.” So far, as the Maharajah pointed out, “the darkness is beneath the lamp,” but if through disobedience and indifference the lamp itself is removed from its place then how great will be that darkness.
Midnight Sun
In spite of repeated warnings people remain thoughtless and indifferent, and, shutting their eyes to the light, walk in darkness. Once in summer, when I was in Northern Europe, where even at midnight the sun does not set, a Swedish friend wrote to me: “We are glad to see you in the Land of the Midnight Sun.” I replied: “It is true that it is the Land of the Midnight Sun, but in winter it is also the Land of the Mid-day Night, and there are many in this land who still pass their lives in darkness, in spite of the life-giving rays of the Sun of Righteousness.”
A Dumb Man
Many live their lives like the beasts of the field. They have tongues, but no powers of speech, and are as dumb as animals, with no message for themselves or for others. Animals indeed have tongues, but have no ability to speak, because they have nothing to talk about beyond some animal feelings, which they express by sounds and movements. Those without spiritual life are like animals, but in a sense they are worse, for the ox knoweth its owner and the ass its master’s crib, but man, who is the crown of creation, does not know His Creator (Isaiah i. 3). His tongue is very swift to utter falsehood, but is slow to speak truth, because he does not know the Lord his God (Jer. ix. 3).
Cross Bearing
We often wonder at the worldly success that we see in the lives of those who have not received the Spirit of Truth, neither know Him. But, then, they are not restrained by any spiritual consideration, and to gain their end they are at any time prepared to set aside the voice of Truth and refuse to follow Him (Luke xvi. 8; 1 Cor. ii. 14). Many wear the cross on their necks, though many of them, but by no means all, are little better than Simon the Cyrenian, who carried the cross of Christ because he had to (Mark xv. 21). Such people are willing neither to go to the cross with Christ, nor to follow Him daily bearing their Cross.
The Magnet and the Cross
The Lord said: “And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto Me,” that is, Infinite Love revealed on the cross will, like a magnet, draw to it every man that has in him the capacity to be drawn, and His desire is that where He is there may also His servant be (John xii. 26). But as the magnet draws steel, not gold or silver, so the cross of Christ draws sinners who truly repent and turn in their need to Him, but not those who trust in their own goodness and are satisfied to live without Him. Of the two partners of Christ’s crucifixion one repented, and in his need turned to Him and heard Him say, “Today shalt thou be with Me in paradise”; the other, feeling no need of repentance, did not turn to Him for help, and so died in his sin. And this will be the end of all those who die without Christ. They will see Abraham and all the Prophets and they of the East and West and North and South in the Kingdom of God, but they—Christians-without-Christ—will be “thrust out” (Luke xiii. 28-29).
తెలుగులో సారాంశం
పేరుకు క్రైస్తవులే అయినా క్రీస్తుతో సజీవ సంబంధం లేనివారి గురించి ఈ అధ్యాయం. "క్రైస్తవ దేశాలు" అని పిలువబడే దేశాల్లో కూడా ఏ జాతీ పూర్తిగా క్రైస్తవ జాతి కాదని సుందర్ సింగ్ అంటారు. కేంబ్రిడ్జిలో కలిసిన ఒక హిందూ విద్యార్థి — మిషన్ పాఠశాలలో క్రీస్తును ప్రేమించి, ఐరోపాకు వచ్చాక అక్కడి ప్రజల జీవితాలు చూసి నిరాశ చెందిన వ్యక్తి; బోస్టన్లో "దేవుడు ప్రేమే అయితే ఎందుకు దాగి ఉన్నాడు" అని ప్రశ్నించిన ఒక ప్రొఫెసర్; సంపద, తత్వజ్ఞానం ఉన్నా శాంతి దొరకక దేశాలన్నీ తిరిగిన ఒక ఐరోపా ధనవంతుడు; రహస్యంగా క్రీస్తును నమ్మినా సింహాసనం పోతుందని బహిరంగంగా ఒప్పుకోలేని ఒక భారతీయ రాజు — వీరి కథలు ఇందులో ఉన్నాయి. "క్రీస్తు లేని క్రైస్తవ్యం" అంటే గింజ లేని పొట్టు, ఆత్మ లేని శరీరం వంటిదని ఆయన హెచ్చరిస్తారు.