FACTS TO RECKON UPON - During the past quarter century the
Lord has been awakening American believers, causing them to become aware of
their need for spiritual growth and maturity. They have come to realize the struggle of Romans Seven, and this failure has
given rise to a heart-hunger for the life that is Christ.
By means of deeper life conferences and growth literature
these struggling Christians have discovered that they need not try to conquer or
change the "old man," but that it can be freely exchanged for the
"new man," the "not I, but Christ" life. They have found
that spiritual growth is not a matter of their work. but a rest of faith in the
finished work of the Cross-a reckoning upon that which God has already
accomplished in Christ on their behalf.
The Father has shown them in His Word that His purpose for
them is to be conformed to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29), and that this is a
matter of spiritual growth (2 Pet 3:18). The "how" of this growth is
not that of struggle but of counting on their crucifixion with Christ, beholding
in the Word the Lord Jesus as their life and walking in dependence upon the Holy
Spirit (Rom. 6:6; 2 Cor. 3:18; Gal. 5:16).
THE PERTURBING PAUSE
- Nevertheless, in the midst of this
impressive growth awakening, many believers are beginning to experience a
spiritual slackening, a sort of vague vacuum. There appears to be a perplexing
pause, an inexplicable lull, producing an intensified hunger and need.
Some feel that since they have entered upon the path of
growth they are not as aware of the Lord's presence as formerly. Others suffer
from an increasing sense of isolation. Reckoning upon their judicial death unto
sin that occurred at Calvary 2,000 years ago, and counting upon their position
in the heavenlies, all seems to be so very long ago and far away.
The effect of these feelings is a deepening sense of
loneliness and depression, a growing awareness of unaccountable but very real
fear and apprehension. This unrest and inner turmoil is intensified by the
tormenting surmise that the Lord is not doing anything about it and that no one
else seems to understand or be of any assistance.
PROBLEMS PREDOMINATE - Personal problems develop, only to be
provoked by problems in the family and church relationships, and these seem to
be aggravated by the world having become one gargantuan Problem. This
combination presses in to become just too much for one's present spiritual
development despite the progress heretofore experienced and enjoyed.
Here, generally speaking, quavers an increasing number of
awakened believers today. There has been a certain amount of freedom from the
reign of sin, coupled with appreciable growth in the life that is Christ via the
truths of identification. Yet the spiritual resources do not seem to keep pace
with the need for adequate coping, much less overcoming.
One reason for this Tri-S-VI material is to scripturally and
practically answer this burning question: Is this widespread "progress
pause" one that refreshes, or one that depresses? Is it good, or is it bad?
Is it of Satan, or is it of the Holy Spirit?
C.H. Mackintosh wisely stated, "Many have, through grace
and faith, found the Lord Jesus, in the divine efficacy of His Blood, between
them and all their sins; but they are not yet able, in the same simple way, to
realize Him as standing, in His divine wisdom, love, and power, between them and
their circumstances.
"Nothing tends more to glorify the name of the Lord
Jesus than that quiet repose of spirit which results from seeing Him between us
and everything that could be a matter of anxiety to our hearts. There is nothing
in all the world so precious to the Father as a heart that, in any measure,
appreciates His Son."