'Nonconformity' and 'Comformity' - 'Never' and 'For Ever'

Extract

‘Nonconformity’ and ‘Conformity’ – ‘Never’ and ‘For Ever’
A. W. Pink

Nonconformity

“And be not conformed to this world” (Rom. 12:2). In the preceding verse the believer’s duty Godward is set forth: the same is continued here, first warning against that which will seek to prevent a continuance of his surrender and dedication to Him. The relation and attitude of a believer unto this world is a matter of no small moment, and one upon which the Scriptures have not a little to say. Christ gave Himself for our sins “that He might deliver us from this present evil world” (Gal. 1:4), therefore we are bidden “Love not the world, neither the things in the world” (1 John 2:15), and we are warned “the friendship of the world is enmity with God: whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God” (James 4:4). But before proceeding further, we must ask, Precisely, what is meant here by “this world?” What is signified by “conformity” to it? Is the Christian’s nonconformity to be a relative or absolute one? If the former, where is the line to be drawn? It should be obvious that answers to these questions must be obtained ere we are in a position to render intelligent obedience to this Divine precept.

“This world” is in contrast with another “world:” it is the present and temporal world, as distinguished from the future and eternal one, and since faith is engaged with the latter, then the former is that system of things which is the enemy of faith. It is that world which hated Christ (John 15:18) and whose princes crucified Him (1 Cor. 2:8). It is that world the whole of which “lieth in the wicked one” (1 John 5:19). It is therefore the mass of mankind who are strangers to God, haters of His holiness and of all who exhibit His image (John 15:19; 1 John 3:1). It is both a society and a system. The members of it are described as “men of the world, which have their portion in this life” (Psa. 17:11)—whose chief good resides in the things of time and sense, whose consuming object is to crowd as much as possible of earthly joy into their brief lives. All who are self-willed and self- pleasing belong to its wide empire. As a system it is under the dominion of Satan: he is its “prince” (John 16:11), regulating its politics and policy; its “god” (2 Cor. 4:4), directing its religion. …