Lessons from a Legendary Theologian
Some of the greatest teachers in life are those we never meet. For me, one such teacher is Carl F.H. Henry, a brilliant theologian who passed away in 2003. Although I never had the privilege of meeting him, his work has had a profound impact on my life and ministry.
The Heart of an Evangelist
Henry was more than just a theologian; he had the heart of an evangelist. He dedicated his life to organizing evangelicals for global mission, grounding everything in an ethic of love. In his words, “It would be a supreme act of lovelessness on the part of the Christian community to withhold from the body of humanity, lost in sin, the evangel that Christ died for sinners and that the new birth—without which no man can see the kingdom of God—is available on the condition of personal repentance and faith.”
A False Dichotomy
American evangelicalism has long struggled with the tension between proclaiming the gospel and pursuing justice, reconciliation, and righteousness. Do we send missionaries to evangelize unreached people groups or advocate for the vulnerable and oppressed? Henry understood that this question presumed a false dichotomy, underestimating the totality of what it means to proclaim the good news of Christ’s kingdom.
God’s Character and Revelation
Henry’s call for evangelical opposition to injustice was grounded in God’s character and revelation. He believed that evangelicals must make God’s Word and ways known because it is the divine will and demand that is flouted by social injustice. This legacy continues today as evangelicals plant new churches, serve the poor, invest in biblical translation, and organize to oppose human trafficking.
Hope in the Darkest Times
In the midst of cultural and social change, American evangelicals have often been characterized by fear and worry. However, Henry understood that even in the darkest times, the gospel tells us that hope is our “original factory setting.” We labor for truth, advocate for justice, and suffer persecution for righteousness, but we do it all with a hopefulness that only makes sense because of the promises secured by a resurrected Christ who is ruling over the cosmos right now.
A Sober Optimism
Henry’s perspective on the future was marked by a sober optimism, grounded not only in the assurance of the ultimate triumph of righteousness but also in the conviction that divine redemption can be a potent factor in any age. He looked into the darkness and never despaired, anchored in the truth that the God who speaks is also the God who saves. This is a lesson that we can learn from today, as we face our own challenges and uncertainties.
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