Neutrality Condemned
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"He who is not with Me — is against Me; and he who does not gather with Me — scatters." Matthew 12:30.
In the world there are many opposite subjects discussed, and many conflicting causes advocated — in reference to which we may say that we are on neither side; but as to the claims of Christ, and the concerns of religion — neutrality is altogether impossible. It is clearly revealed in the Word of God, that there are but two ways, in one or other of which, all mankind are travelling. There is no middle condition. If we are not the friends of God — we are His enemies. If we are not quickened by divine grace — we are dead in trespasses and sins. If we are not pardoned — we are condemned. It is impossible to occupy any neutral ground between the armies of the Prince of light — and the Prince of darkness. "We know," says the apostle John, "that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness."
All, it is true, are not equally holy on the one hand; and all have not gone to the same length in sin on the other; but while there may be thus manifold gradations, there is but one separating line whereby the whole race of Adam are divided. "And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked — between those who serve God and those who do not."
"Who is on the Lord's side?" was the inquiry of Moses. A more important question cannot be proposed. Reader, should you not resolve, by the help of divine grace, that you will now be on that side which you will wish to be on — when the trumpet of the archangel shall sound, and when the startled dead shall be swarming from their sepulchres to hear their final doom! Be assured that the Lord's side is the happiest, the safest, and the most honourable side; it is the side on which are found all the holy and faithful throughout the whole universe; it is the side of truth and righteousness, of love, mercy, and peace.
If we are on the Lord's side, He will be upon ours; and having Him for our guardian and guide — we need not be alarmed though ten thousand foes should set themselves against us. "The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?"
If we would, then, be undefended in the hour of danger; if we would be left without support and support in the day of affliction and distress; if we would have our souls uncheered with a single ray of hope when the last enemy shall stare us in the face; if we would be undone to all eternity, and have our portion with those who will be eternally banished from the presence of the Lord; if such is our desire — then let us choose the side of the ungodly, pursue their carnal pleasures, and walk according to the course of this present evil world.
But if we would have peace with God; if we would have a well-grounded assurance of a blessed immortality; if we would have the everlasting arms beneath our dying pillow; if we would hear on the great day the transporting language, "Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world!" — in a word, if we would be happy in life, happy in death, and happy forever — let us choose the side of Christ, follow Him, and yield ourselves unreservedly to Him.
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