What is triumphalism? Should Christians be triumphalists?

Let no reader misunderstand. It is not meant that the blessings of Christianity should have been confined within narrow limits. Far from it. The Gospel was intended to be spread abroad; for God loved the world, and Christ gave Himself a ransom for all. But Christian profession should have continued humble and unworldly, seeking nothing in the shape of power and honour where the Saviour only found a cross and a tomb. Instead of this, that which is called "the Church," whether viewed in its Roman, Anglican, or Nonconformist aspects, has been insatiable in its lust for worldly power. It has frequently been a terror to Governments, and it is at this hour a power in the earth which the civil authorities dare not ignore. This, instead of being matter for congratulation on the part of true Christians, is cause for deepest humiliation before God, that men bearing the Lord's name should have so blindly become the dupes of Satan in the falsifying of their own calling and testimony.

There was no pretension to great power or energy, as was displayed in the Church in Pentecostal days. As we think of the Philadelphian period, how becoming was this feature of a little strength when the whole professing Church was in ruin and Philadelphian believers were but a feeble remnant amidst that which was characterized by abhorrent Thyatira and Sardis conditions. To make an outward show and claim great power would be a virtual denial of the ruin and corruption of Christendom. A little power and the absence of outward display and pretentious claims is what should ever characterize Christians who seek to please the Lord in the present chaotic state of the professing Church. Those who walk in obedience and humility will be granted a measure of spiritual power, which will be manifested as it is employed for the Lord.

It is equally wrong to suppose that the reigning time is now. God overrules no doubt, at all times restraining, if not judging iniquity, and causing man's evil to subserve His will; but it cannot yet be said in the language of our Psalm, "Jehovah reigns." The times of the Gentiles are still running their course, the Beasts have not yet had their dominion taken away, nor has the Son of man been invested with His royal power. To suppose that the reigning time has come is to fall into the disastrous error of the Corinthians to whom the apostle said, "already ye are full, already ye are rich, ye have reigned as kings without us and I would to God ye did reign, that we also might reign with you." Reigning time had not come for the apostle, whatever the carnal Corinthians might think. He faithfully bore the stigma of the cross, and was content to be as the filth of the world, and as the off-scouring of all things, quite unwilling to be in honour and comfort where his Lord had only a cross and a tomb. It is Babylon who glorifies herself, and lives deliciously, and says in her heart "I sit a queen and am no widow" (Rev. 18:7). The kingdom during the present is connected with tribulation and patience (Rev. 1:9; Acts 14:22); presently it will be displayed in power and glory. Now Christ is hidden, then He will be manifested; now the righteous suffer and the wicked are exalted, then the righteous will be exalted, and the wicked be as ashes beneath the soles of their feet. Now creation groans and travails, then it will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the liberty of the glory of the children of God. How complete the contrast!

To create the orbs that roll in space was glorious, but to exhibit in heavenly splendour countless millions of souls who had fallen under the dominion of death through sin, this is surpassing glory! Their sins cannot bar them, for they are without blame in the presence of Him who died for them. "It is God that justifieth! Who is he that condemneth?" Death cannot now retain them! At the "keleusma" of Christ they will burst its bonds; "the gates of hades shall not prevail against" His church. It was to this event that Christ's words pointed forward, not to the earthly success of the Church of Rome. Outwardly the true church may seem to he defeated. Men may point in scorn at Christianity. But the church will yet be seen in glory, and in glorious unity. Then, and in heaven, will be the church's triumph, not now and upon earth. Reader, where are you and I looking for success? Upon earth or in heaven? "Seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. … When Christ who is our life shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory" (Col. 3:1-4).

In the midst of the battle our victory is to trample on the serpent, but to be trodden under foot by the lion, to have our bodies trampled on, in the street of the great city. The victory of Christ was the turning-point; till then, defeat was shame in Israel; now it is the contrary. The book of Joshua is a living book of wisdom, and wisdom is justified of her children. (v. 15.) Is it not strange that the gospel of peace should be used in the field of battle? (v. 16.) A worshipper bows his head and lets a tide of blessing flow over - this is faith. J. G. B.

In the midst of the battle our victory is to trample on the serpent, but to be trodden under foot by the lion, to have our bodies trampled on, in the street of the great city. The victory of Christ was the turning-point; till then, defeat was shame in Israel; now it is the contrary. The book of Joshua is a living book of wisdom, and wisdom is justified of her children. (v. 15.) Is it not strange that the gospel of peace should be used in the field of battle? (v. 16.) A worshipper bows his head and lets a tide of blessing flow over — this is faith. J. G. B.

When victory does not tend to worship we and God part company as soon as the victory is achieved. How sad to see victory often leading to mere joy instead of still greater dependence on and delight in God.

God looks for might now, not in doing, but in suffering; as one of our poets has said in prose, "The irresistible might of nothingness;" to take scorn in a day when not only man but Christendom has departed from God. There is no triumph so great as that of suffering, when it is God's own people who have departed. Nothing gives such power to do and to suffer, as the certainty of what the will of the Lord is. We have all, as children of God, as bright, and brighter, opportunities still for victory as had any who have gone before us. Oh may we win victories! The only victory He values is one won under the shadow and in the power of the cross.

… This is associated with a kind of latitudinarianism which substituting grace in manner for fidelity, makes the supposed possession of superior grace a reason for swamping every principle of God. There is a tremendous deal of putting on of cant (forgive me the word, for I own the love under it at - ) in it, but being flattery and looking like grace it wins people. It must be met kindly but decidedly, for it is insinuating and mischievous, and I think poisons the springs of christian simplicity and plainness. I should always meet assumption, whether in the form of superior grace or otherwise, as being entirely the contrary to grace. And I should be plain in principle, though not in the way of controversy; for the enemy is seeking to swamp it under this pseudo-charity in many a way. At any rate, dear brother, the exercise will do you good. You have had none to deal with at all œquis armis, and your own grace and full trusting in the Lord will be tried. Lean on Him, and fight the good fight of faith. Never allow your own importance thus to come into question, while firm as a rock in disallowing all this false pretension. It is all pseudo-grace, though there be real grace in those who have it: much better to get at this and speak plain English than speak about grace and flatter.

7 As to our service we have seen our precious Lord and Master, in profound self-abasement, wash the feet of His disciples, making Himself an example - for whom? For us, surely. Now I know, at the present time, of no service which is worthy of Him, or agreeable to Him, if it is not done in humiliation. This is not the time to speak of a place for ourselves. If the church of God, so dear to Christ, is dishonoured in this world; if it is scattered, ignorant, afflicted, he who has the mind of Christ will always take the lowest place. True service of love will seek to give according to the need, and because of their need, he will never think of slighting the objects of the Master's love because of their necessity. Men taught of God, for His service, go forth from a place of strength, where they have learnt their own weakness and their own nothingness. They find that Jesus is everything in the presence of God, and Jesus is everything for them in all things, and everywhere. Such men, in the hands of the Holy Spirit, are real helps for the children of God, and they will not contend for a place, or a distinction, or for authority, amongst the scattered flock. The communion of a man with God about the church will shew itself in a willingness to be nothing in himself, and such a one will rejoice in his heart to spend and to be spent.