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The Dilemma of Presumptuous Preaching
There are several people in the Bible who heard the gospel, yet refused to acknowledge what was preached to them about Jesus. We never read in scripture as to whether these people ever did acknowledge what Peter stated of Jesus in Acts 2.36. So we are left to wonder: Did they ever accept Jesus as the Christ? Let us examine some of these individuals and learn some valuable lessons for ourselves.
Felix
In Acts 24.24-27, after Paul reasoned of “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come, Felix became frightened and said, ‘Go away for the present, and when I find time I will summon you. At the same time, too, he was hoping that money would be given him by Paul; therefore he also used to send for him quite often and converse with him.”
While Felix heard Paul repeatedly, the subsequent meetings were not as the initial meeting, for Felix’s reason for continuing to meet with Paul was hope of receiving money from him.
A question is left unanswered: Did Felix ever obey the gospel? While it may be likely that Felix never accepted Christ, the scriptures are silent about it. However, the scriptures condemn the sin of presumption (Psalm 19.13; cf. Exodus 21.14; Deuteronomy 1.32; 17.12-13; 18.20,22).
Those of Athens
In Acts 17.32-34, we read, “Now when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some began to sneer, but others said, ‘We shall hear you again concerning this.’ So Paul went out of their midst. But some men joined him and believed, among whom also were Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman name Damaris and others with them.” This account details three responses: “Some began to sneer…others said, ‘We shall hear you again…some…believed.”
A question is left unanswered: What of those who sneered or did as Felix and sought to find a “more convenient time?” Did they ever obey the gospel? Scripture is silent. It is presumption to affirm either way with certainty.
King Agrippa
In Acts 26.28, we read, “Agrippa replied to Paul, ‘In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.’”
In all three of these examples, the issue is the same: becoming a Christian (acknowledging Jesus as Lord and Christ is to become a follower of Christ, or Christ-like).
Paul spoke to Felix “about faith in Christ Jesus” and about “righteousness, self-control, and the judgment to come.” These matters pertained to Felix becoming a Christian.
Those in Athens heard about “the resurrection of the dead.” In Acts 17.18, they heard of “Jesus and the resurrection.” Specifically, in Acts 17.30-31, they heard of their need to repent and of the judgment day. All of these subjects are crucial in one’s decision in becoming a Christian. So, Agrippa replies to Paul, “In a short time you will persuade me to become a Christian.”
A question is left unanswered: Did Agrippa ever become a Christian? The scriptures are silent on the matter. I can presume, reasoning it is likely, perhaps, but the scriptures condemn presumption.
While these three examples may have resulted in wasted opportunities, we must never presume the conclusion. But let us notice an example of one who did not defer his opportunity.
The Thief on the Cross
This account is provided for us in Luke 23.39-43. One of the two thieves said to Jesus, “‘Remember me when you come in your kingdom!’ Jesus answered, ‘Truly I say to you, today you shall be with me in Paradise.’” The Bible is clear as to where this thief will be in eternity, without any dispute (to my knowledge) on the matter. However, a similarity exists between this case and the others. There is a presumption made in preaching from this example.
The presumption is that this thief was not baptized. Preachers have been telling their audiences an answer that God did not reveal in the Bible about this thief. In their presumptions, they have caused people to do as Felix, the Athenians, and Agrippa did: delay their decision to become a Christian until a “more convenient time.” The presumptions statement they heard from their preacher was, “The thief on the cross wasn’t baptized.” How do they know? Revelation or presumption?
One might just as well make the case with Felix, those in Athens, and Agrippa that, at some later date, all became Christians. They could preach that none of them ever did. But what would be the basis for their conclusions: divine revelation or presumption? Compare:
- Baptism is not essential because the thief wasn’t baptized.
- Baptism is not essential because Agrippa wasn’t baptized.
- Baptism is not essential because some in Athens weren’t baptized.
Does the Bible declare on any of these?
Final Observations
Agrippa said he was almost persuaded to become a Christian. Did Agrippa believe (see v. 27). Is one saved at the point of faith? If so, was Agrippa a saved person (remember his question). Now, for those who preach by making assumptions, here is their dilemma: Agrippa is a saved believer, who was almost persuaded to become a Christian, yet wasn’t ever baptized to show it. One would have just as strong a case by presuming that the thief was baptized. However, his proof is the same as their proof: presumption. Do you see what presumptuous preaching accomplishes? Some individuals in Athens believed. Divine revelation so declares. Were those who believed saved? If so, they were saved believers, yet never baptized to show it. That is the dilemma of presumptuous preaching.
