Vol.II No.VI Pg.3
July 1965

Preaching "Christ"

Robert F. Turner

When Christ preached Himself (LUK.24:27) He expounded the scriptures that foretold his crucifixion and subsequent entrance into glory as our Saviour. The Son of God, clothed in flesh, manifested Himself in miraculous wonders, speaking as one having authority, and finally gave Himself for the sins of the world (HEB.10:10).

No mere "philosophy of Christianity", no formal code of law, can take the place of our personal Saviour. To "preach Christ" we must show people "the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world"

But pointing people to Christ is showing them His character -- to be imitated; His authority -- to which we must subject ourselves; His commands -- to be obeyed. If we have preached these things to the neglect of the person of Christ, it was to combat the popular error that one may "accept Christ" without obeying Him.

Philip went to Samaria and "preached Christ unto them" (ACT.8:5-f). What he preached is clearly shown by the result. "When they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women" (ACT.8:12).

"Things concerning the kingdomap>ot; could include an account of its establishment (MAT.16:19,28 MAR.9:1; ACT.1:8; ACT.2:); the moral character of its citizens (MAT.5:, 6:, 7:, 18:1-f.); the means of entrance (JOH.3:3,5) etc. Preaching this, we preach Christ.

"The name of Jesus Christ" refers to His authority. Saying "Lord, Lord" has no value of itself; (MAT.7:21-f) but we must live at His direction (COL.3:17). To act "in the name" of Jesus, was to act at His direction and by His power (ACT.4:7-12). Thus, salvation is "in His name" and preaching Christ would include preaching His name".

And when Philip preached "Christ" he told people to be baptized into Christ (see GAL.3:26-27). The Samaritans heard the preaching of Christ, and were baptized. Philip preached "Jesus" to the eunuch, "and as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water; and the eunuch said, "See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized?" (ACT.8:35-36). Surely no thoughtful student can fail to see significance here.

While Jesus was yet on earth in the flesh He told his disciples that He would send them His Holy Spirit to "guide you into all truth" (JOH.16:12). As His chosen witnesses, they were to "preach Christ" to the world (LUK.24:); to teach "all things whatsoever I have commanded you" (MAT.28:18-f). Those who follow (2TI.2:2) fail in their obligation today if they preach less than the "whole truth".

"A tremendous responsibility!" you say? It is that, -- and sobering. One who regards lightly the "preaching of Christ" -- who neglects study, and substitutes a glad-hand and glib tongue -- is unworthy of the name "preacher".

And what of you, dear reader, who refuse to "accept Christ" in the full glorious meaning of the phrase??