Preaching and the Danger of Compromise, Kenneth MacRae, Banner of Truth Ministers Conference, 1962

Preaching and the Danger of Compromise, Kenneth MacRae, Banner of Truth Ministers Conference, 1962

Some years ago, I came across the early addresses of the Banner Ministers Conference. I decided to order a number of CD's with preachers such as Iain Murray, Professor John Murray, Professor Loughridge, W. J. Grier and some others. Among the CD's that I ordered, there was a single recording by Kenneth MacRae. I am not ashamed to say that I have listened to it countless times, most especially on journeys in the car. I cannot commend it enough. But what does it contain that is so gripping and that it has compelled me to keep listening?

First, the tone of the man simply conveys seriousness about the Lord when he speaks. This is something I found refreshing, especially in an age of much levity. This levity even enters into some churches and pulpits, with what I presume must be driven by a hunger to be popular.

Second, the title caught my attention. Ecclesiastes 9:11 has been an important verse in my reflections of Christian endurance and it states that: "the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong". Therefore, it is not speed or power that counts, but endurance without compromise and that by the grace of God. This is the heartbeat of MacRae's address to the ministers in his own day.

Third, the content of his address is like "iron sharpening iron". What does he highlight for ministers in order that they preach without compromise? It is an eminently practical address and he uses Paul as the model preacher, one who "was careful to present the truth as it is recorded in the Word of God" stated MacRae. Also he warns that we must avoid false teachers as Paul warned in Galatians 1:9: "If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed". He commends Paul as an "out an out man" and the type of man we need today. However, if we are to guard the truth carefully then we need a norm or standard from which we will not depart. This standard to which we are to be faithful and to be aware of a contrary power or influence to compromise. There should be no bargaining of the truth, in order to get accepted what a preacher has to declare. The norm or standard is the word of truth as expressed in holy Scripture. Preachers must be careful to preach the whole counsel of God and every doctrine worked into the gospel (Acts 20:27).

Election is a doctrinal example. We must preach this truth because it is found in the Word of God. We must preach the whole counsel of God, without modification or compromise, to hold firm to the trustworthy word as taught (Titus 1:9). We do not desire needless offense explained MacRae and common sense is needed for ministers also. In preaching, we must not weary our hearers by preaching for too long, when we should stop. MacRae warns of the "fatal gift of fluency" where men dispense with much study. He believed that men who do not study are in danger of being finished before God. A sober comment indeed in my view.

Another warning is the danger of compromising by trying to please our audience. This danger may lead some preachers in going too far and in coming down from the platform of the truth. Another warning is to preach only one side of the gospel, the bright side of the Gospel such as the love of God in giving Christ Jesus the Saviour, and the prospects of the promises of God. But we must not neglect to preach sin in its reality, as that which is an unspeakable offense and man as a sinner with its consequences. Compromise enters into the church, when we try to improve the gospel or to try to make the gospel acceptable. We cannot and must not tamper with the gospel and cut things out or add things to make it acceptable.

Why do men expect us to compromise? Men by nature have an innate dislike of the gospel and certain truths men will not accept and they want a preacher to remain silent on some things. Such truths that need heralding without shrinking back, should be done so repeatedly. These include the doctrines of: the total corruption of man by the Fall; that man's righteousness is by grace alone without works; that we can have no hand in our salvation, but it is the sovereign will of a merciful God; that professors must repent from the love and practice of sin and realise that there are no short-cuts in repentance; and the doctrine of the eternal punishment of sin. MacRae understood that the less that preachers preach everlasting punishment, the more people will approve of them. We cannot soften any of these truths or keep them in the background of our preaching. The preaching of the new birth must not be held back either.

The last point is the effect of compromise. This means to be unfaithful to our Master and that grieves the Spirit of the Lord. What is more then, is that we are likely to affect our hearers when there are gospel aberrations.When the preacher compromises, then Christ will hide his face from us and we then lose our power, spiritually. The need is for faithfulness and not success. Noah is an example of a preacher of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5) and we must consider his example. A preacher must desire to hear from the Lord Jesus Christ the words: "Well done good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).