The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum A.W. Pink

How would you describe Pink? He wouldn't be a strong theologian would he? What brings this up is that I asked if there are any Reformed theologians who affirms the trichotomy of man. A friend informed me today that he was surprise that he ran into where Pink affirms trichotomy.

I wouldn't call Pink a "theologian" in the technical sense. But he was certainly well versed in Scripture. He did have a tendency to spiritualize things which I find unfortunate. However, it is true he held to the trichonomy view, which is the in the definite minority.

I have read a bit of Pink over the years and have learned a fair amount from his writing. Pink like all men had his strengths and weaknesses. However, he influenced men such as D. Martyn Lloyd Jones. He also wrote some great material on Covenant Theology from a Credo perspective. In a way, Pink's work on the subject reminded me of John Owen's work on the subject.
I know this really doesn't answer your questions; but I thought it might help you understand A.W Pink a little better.
For further reading on him, below may be helpful.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Pink


Tom

If that made you curious about finding more about Pink. I would recommend you read Murray's bio of Pink.
However, one of the things that stuck with me concerning Pink is that he lived in a day where the Church was becoming more and more Liberal. As a result, rather than Pink trying to influence the Church towards Reformed theology; instead he removed himself from the Church and wrote to "the faithful" to watch and wait for the coming of Jesus. After that, he devoted himself to writing and even when some of his fans tried to see him, they were often disappointed when they were turned away.

Tom

What do you mean by that he left the church. Did he leave his relationships with other churchmen and stayed pastoring his local church, or did he not participate in any church at all? If the latter, it speaks extremely ill of him as a valuable Christian resource.

How so? He spent the remainder of his life writing. And the books, etc., which he wrote certainly reached more people than if he had remained in one church. Admittedly, it would seem Pink contracted the "Elijah Disorder", which I like to call it. Doubtless, in his day where he lived the situation was much like it is in so many places today, i.e., no reasonably good churches that have sound doctrine and life which one can attend. Contrary to popular belief, which is in woeful error in its interpretation of Heb. 10:25, it is NOT mandatory that one attend any church rather than staying at home.

Pilgrim
Although I think you are correct that is is not manditory to go to a Church rather than stay home. From what I read about Pink, he withdrew completely from the Church, believing (in a way) similar to Harold Camping, that the Church is beyond repare and the faithful should expect the coming of Jesus.
His writing then was to "the faithful", who read him.
If what I read was true, he had a nervous breakdown.

Tom

Pilgrim
Although I said I think you are correct, that it is not mandatory to attend a Church when a Biblical Church can not be found. I think I need to qualify that a bit.
Within the confines of a true Church spiritual growth happen better than not attending at all. Therefore, when someone decides they should stay home, rather than attend they should not take that descision lightly.
I know a few people who no longer attend Church, however some of them have become almost like hermits, with their fellowship being with those who they find on the Internet.
Although after years of searching for a Biblical Church I finally found one about 5 years ago. Before that, I found that I needed to attend for my own sake. I found that in a lot of Churches there are true Christians who are in the same boat I am in and most of my fellowship was with them.
In Pink's case, if what I read is true, although I suspect his depression had a lot to do with it. He withdrew completely and had very little fellowship. He was a pastor for a while and I didn't find his reason for stopping that. However, after that he did not try to start a new local body where like minded believers could grow together.

Could you clarify the above [emphasized] statement for me, please? Are you saying that one should attend a non-Reformed church because within them/some of them, there are true believers?

The answer isn't really as simple as yes or no.
I have attended Churches where their statement of faith is in keeping with the doctrines of grace. Yet when the pastor teaches on passages that clearly speak on things like election, the pastor can be so vague that even an Arminian can agree. Worship of course is a very important issue and in this day and age it is really hard to find a Church that believes in the RPW and the doctrines of grace; let alone when you throw in another issue such as the roles of men and women in the Church (which by the way is a hit button with me).

So what I am trying to say is, it isn't an easy descision one way or another.
I personally know that when I am not involved in a local body, my spiritual life is hindered. Yet, I also know that how often I have been grieved when what is being preached isn't in keeping with what I believe.
Yet even in those times I have known other believers of like mind in those Churches, where we were able to encourage each other.
I personally am thankful that the Lord brought me to the Church my wife and I presently attend. I certainly don't take it for granted.

1. Yes, there are "reformed" churches that do not preach and/or teach what is found in Scripture and summarized in the historic Protestant confessions. Unfortunately, this is becoming more and more prevalent in our day.

2. My question still wasn't answered, however. What I want to know is: In your opinion, is it better to attend a church that doesn't hold consistently to the doctrines of grace, the RPW, etc. rather than stay at home? Let me provide a real-life example, which many will be able to identify with. There is no local sound church in a person's area. But there are several "evangelical churches" to choose from, e.g., Pentecostal, charismatic, fundamental Baptist, non-denominational assemblies, all of which are hold to semi-Pelagianism. They are all friendly and sincere about their professed faith. Sooooo, is it your opinion that one should attend one of these churches rather than remain home? I am NOT asking if you think it is desirable to seek membership in such churches, but rather to attend worship services and perhaps any classes being offered?

3. I am certainly in agreement that when one deliberately chooses to not attend a biblically sound and faithful church, one's spiritual life wanes. And, that would be in direct violation to Heb 10:25.

In your number two question, I know that you probably will not agree with me. However, I have attended a non-Reformed Church before that for the most part other than the doctrines of grace issue, I felt at home. I stayed there mainly because at the time, I believed it would open a huge can of worms with my family if I left.
I knew that if I left my wife and two daughters who were very much a part of that body, would not leave with me. However, I also was growing in other area there and I thought until God gave us a more Biblical Church, I would stay there unless the Church started to become liberal.

Believe me, I wrestled in prayer, consulted with other Reformed Christians and in the end, what I said above is what I ended up doing. I knew that not everybody would agree with my decision, but I definitely didn't make that decision lightly.
Hope that answers your question.
Tom

That answers the question. But your answer opened the door to another.

You "wrested in prayer" and "consulted with other Reformed Christians"...

did you pray studying God's infallible, written Word to find out what His will is on this matter? Many have opinions about everything under the sun and are more than willing to share them with you. However, God has no opinions about anything but rather He provides absolute truth, knowledge and wisdom.

Now, can you possibly guess what Scripture says about putting yourself under the preaching of false teachers? And what do you think it says about the inevitable 'war' that will ensue in families when one is given to follow Christ? Pragmatism is easy compared to walking a godly life in Christ Jesus. In fact, re: this last matter which also applies to the first, Paul's inspired words to Timothy flashed into my mind (which is a rare thing for my failing memory to do, hehe): Having reminded Timothy of those who would come with false teachings who reject the truth and who would attract all manner of people to follow them, especially women and who will suffer the same fate as Jannes and Jambres, he wrote:

Bearing a cross is the way a Christian must and will live out this life on earth. But the rewards that await the faithful are beyond one's ability to comprehend. And, there is even great satisfaction and joy to be had during the Christian's difficult journey here and now for suffering for the sake of Christ and God's truth is pleasing to God and it honors His most holy name among men.

Pilgrim
I knew you were not going to agree with my decision and the answer to your question was yes I did read a lot of Scripture concerning the issue.

Tom

1. And how could I possibly agree with your decision?

2. And what did you find in Scripture that helped you make your decision?