The Sin of Being Neutral

If there was ever a time for men to be taking a stand for Truth and right, it is now. The church is facing troublesome times in its battle against sin in the face of a new liberalism and softness toward doctrinal error. We see efforts of brethren on every side trying to take a neutral stand. They think they can win the struggle for right by failing to take a stand. Evidently, they feel that by being quiet the devil will go away. Not so.

You will recall that the prophet Balaam tried to be neutral, but failed. Balak wanted him to place a curse against God’s people. Balaam knew, and confessed, that he must speak that which the Lord put in his mouth (Num. 23:12). At the same time, he seemingly wanted to please Balak. Balak’s doctrine is stated in Numbers 23:25: “And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all.”

We are either for the Lord or against Him (Matthew 12:30). Let it be understood, we are not talking about personal disputes where there is the possibility of both parties being in the wrong. Instead, we are thinking of doctrinal matters. For instance, one preacher said that he is not a premillennialist, but neither was he “anti- premillennial.” Another has said, he was not advocating instrumental music, but that he was not “anti-instrumental music.” There are many who would disclaim false doctrine in their own preaching, but they will embrace those in fellowship who teach and preach false doctrines. Brethren, let us get off the fence.

In Judges 5:23 we read, “Curse ye Meroz, said the angel of the Lord, curse ye bitterly the inhabitants thereof; because they came not to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” God’s people were in a battle for their lives. God was mightily concerned, but where was the house of Meroz? They were still abiding in their sheepfolds. They were content to remain idle and let others do the fighting, but God was displeased. He ordered a curse be placed against them.

What was their sin? The same as many of our brethren today! They wanted to remain neutral. They wanted others to do their fighting. There are those even now who will not join in the battle against error in the church. They look upon themselves as lovers of peace. They even become critical of those who are known as “fighters” or “brotherhood watchdogs.” Some of these are trying to do  a balancing act on the fence of neutrality. If the Truth prevails on some issue and error is exposed to the point that it is unpopular, they will fall off on the side of the majority and proudly claim, “We have won the victory”—yes, and “we killed a bear, but papa shot it.”

B. C. Carr

What Can We Do to Prevent Apostacy?

  1. We need to appoint and support faithful elders who will properly oversee the flock (Acts 20:28-32).
  2. We need to be busy now training other leader to take their place. Consider Joshua’s training and the influence he wielded (Joshua 24:31).
  3. We need to learn again proper respect for the Word of God (Psalm 119:9-16). We must teach this to our children (Deuteronomy 6:4-9).
  4. We must vaccinate against the errors of our day by exposing all false teachers – even if this means being negative (Acts 20:29-32; II Timothy4:1-5).
  5. We must indoctrinate each generation. It is right to teach doctrine (I Timothy 4:16; II John 9-11).
  6. We need to pray fervently for elders and preachers (James 5:16).
  7. We must be set for the defense of the gospel (Philippians 1:17).

B. C. Carr

What We Hear Today

From the same pulpits where brave and faithful men stood we are hearing:

  1. Salvation is by grace alone. There is nothing man can do toward his own salvation.
  2. Others are saying we are saved by faith alone.
  3. We are told that instrumental music is a matter of tradition or opinion.
  4. Pattern theology is to be rejected. We should be less rigid in our beliefs.
  5. The “old paths” mentality should be rejected.
  6. We should not believe we are the only true church.
  7. The Scriptures should not be used as proof texts.
  8. We need to give women a more prominent role in the church.
  9. Preachers are swapping pulpits with denominational pastors.
  10. Fellowship among all who believe in Christ should be practiced.

B.C. Carr