Questions from Our Readers

Idon’t think the answer to this question refers to something that should be more “old fashioned” than the saying itself. It simply means to be instrumental, and with all due respect, I consider any further inference a bit far-fetched. Let me try to explain why I feel this way. A few months ago, I was sitting in a small office in a funeral home, only a few minutes before entering the chapel where I was to conduct a funeral. As I sat down, I noticed a poem hanging on the wall with a description of a pastor’s calling and duty. One line struck me: “and bring the lost to Christ…” Now, I did not know the majority of the guests who had come. Often such occasions are accompanied by high mountains of impossibilities and deep sighs of inability to know what and how to say the right words. “Lord, grant me now the words, help me to speak Thy Word, and use it for the conversion of sinners.” Two things were simultaneously pressed upon me: first, I cannot bring a single soul to Christ, but I am called to do so, and secondly, the emphasis on those lost. One had passed away and was about to be buried, but save them that are ready to die (Revelation 3:1&2). There is no time to lose, no opportunity to neglect, no case too hopeless.

To be a “robber of the hell” is then impressed upon the heart. May the goods of the house of the strong man armed be spoiled; may firebrands be plucked from the fire. Perhaps many in the audience would never say they were lost, let alone feel something of what it means, but it was the statement that made an impression upon me because I was about to address them. Dear reader, at such moments the emphasis is not on what man can or cannot do but on the dire need of the soul of fellow travelers to eternity. While it could be more proper and more honorable to the Lord to state that only God brings the lost to Christ, it would not be the point here. Granted, expressions are expressions and often leave something to be desired, but let us not go overboard in making sure there is no loophole left for a possible misinterpretation thereby losing the force of the statement. In other words, misinterpretation of a statement or saying is always possible. Remember that we can say something totally right while it may produce the wrong effect.

I would be more concerned about a Bible text quoted out of context than an above-mentioned statement being misinterpreted. The point is that if we go down this road, we might as well not consider ministers anymore as “workers together with Him (God)” (2 Corinthians 6:1) because it may convey that salvation is a work of God and man… According to the same reasoning the statement from the Heidelberg Catechism in Lord’s Day 32 answer 86, “that by our godly conversation others may be gained to Christ” could imply that not only the grace of God and the blood of Christ saves a sinner but also our very words. Perhaps the Form for the Ordination of Ministers of God’s Word should then leave out the reference that the Lord Jesus Christ gave apostles and prophets, evangelists and ministers for the perfecting of the saints, for the edifying (building up) of the body of Christ because is this not the work of God alone? We read in Luke 10:16, “He that heareth you heareth me; and he that despiseth you despiseth me; and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me.” The very answer to the question asked and the justification of the correctness of the expression in question we perhaps find in Proverbs 24:11&12: “If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not He that pondereth the heart consider it? and He that keepeth thy soul, doth not He know it? and shall not He render to every man according to his works?”

The explanation of this text by Charles Bridges is as touching as it is sobering. Permit me to share just a paragraph for preachers and hearers alike. “The Lord preserve us from an indictment in the court of heaven for the murder of our brother’s soul, by forbearing to deliver! And does not this ring a solemn peal of warning to those whose special office it is to deliver them that are drawn unto death? ‘We knew it not’ but ought we not to have been ‘watching for souls, as those that must give account?’ (Hebrews 13:17) and what will be the tremendous reckoning for those who perish by the neglect of their pledged and divinely-appointed guardians! ‘While thy servant was busy here and there’— upon his own pleasure—the soul ‘was gone!’ But his blood will be required at the watchman’s hand.” In light of what Bridges states, I would like to answer that the expression “robber of the hell” is not only allowed but implicitly commanded. Ministers are called to be robbers of the hell AND bring the lost to Christ. The command of the parable of the great supper in Luke 14 confirms it: “and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind…and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled.” p

Please send your questions to Rev. H. Hofman, 112 Pratt Road, Kalamazoo, MI 49001, or hofman@premieronline.net.

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