The Viper’s Bite—Then and Now

The Viper’s Bite—Then and Now

Under the heading “False Doctrines,” the June 10, 1921, issue of The Missionary listed the names of several people whom, in the editor’s opinion, should be classed as preachers of what the apostles called false doctrines. Last on this list of false prophets were the Smith brothers. So, it could be interesting to examine the matter a little more closely. Among other things, The Missionary writes:

“Origea arose in the third century, Arius in the fourth. Later, the capable and admired preacher Edward Irving arose in London (1822), preaching the same doctrine—that is, that Jesus had a sinful nature. Since he also preached the imminent return of Jesus, and revived the gifts of the Spirit (several started speaking in tongues and prophesying), he gained great confidence among people. In fact, seven Irvingite churches were established in London. But he was expelled from the Scottish synod in 1833, because he taught that Jesus had a sinful nature.

“In this country, the same view has been pursued by modern theologians, and some years ago the Smith brothers arose from among the ‘Pentecostals,’ preaching the same unscriptural doctrine. One characteristic of their followers is that they try to sneak into free assemblies with their false doctrine, sowing discord and causing division. Furthermore, they zealously defend military service. ‘By their fruits you shall know them.’ Since the ‘Smithites’ also have the gift of tongues, it is so much easier for friends in free assemblies to be led astray by them.”

So much for The Missionary. Even though the editor, C. M. Seehus, didn’t personally write the article, he did agree to its publication. So we permit ourselves to hold him responsible for what is written there.

In this context, I was reminded of Paul when he was saved from the dangers of the sea and landed safely on the island of Malta. The natives showed him unusual kindness; they kindled a fire and made Paul and his companions welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold. Acts 28:1-2.

That’s how things are in assemblies today. As long as they are the ones who get to put the wood on the fire, they show human kindness; and as long as people warm themselves by their fire and their message, all is well. However, when Paul gathered sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out because of the heat and fastened on his hand. When people have become mature enough to gather their own sticks for the fire, the viper comes out and fastens onto them, because only the leaders are allowed to think, preach and keep the fire going. The darkness of Catholicism and its priesthood must rule; otherwise the viper will come out and bite. This time it’s the Smith brothers that get bitten because they dared to think for themselves; they allowed themselves to listen to the Spirit’s voice and they searched the Bible for themselves. The Smith brothers have started to lay kindling on the fire, and that cannot be tolerated. Meanwhile, everyone stands around, wondering how it will end up with these people who dare to take on the entire free “papacy,” and on whom the poisonous viper has fastened.

Everyone prophesies doom and destruction, since it is common knowledge that the Pentecostal leaders have a monopoly on “the true doctrine.” We were considered criminals that had been saved from the sea; but an avenging justice sent a poisonous viper to meet us. If, despite all this, we now shake off the viper into the fire, I wonder if they will change their minds, as the heathens did, and think we are gods??

By all accounts, the unity between the free assemblies and the Pentecostals is fairly tenuous. The other day, I read an article by one of the leaders of the free assemblies. He was furious, because a shoemaker who had left his former church and started a new Pentecostal assembly in Horten was using the songbook Maran Atha, instead of Shibboleth, which his former church had used. The shoemaker was advised to stick to his trade—although the leader of the original assembly, because of his current dignified title, would not allow himself to return to his former trade as a painter. After the formation of this new assembly, elders were, of course, appointed according to the biblical pattern. One evening I met one of these elders on the street, and he was upright enough to tell me that he was at his wits’ end, because he had been voted in as an elder despite the fact that he had nothing to give the assembly. I invited him to come visit me at home now and then to go through some biblical questions together, which he in turn could pass on to his Pentecostal friends. He thanked me for the invitation, but he never came. He later left the Pentecostals and now lives quietly by himself. It seems that if you want to get a church started, you have to almost force people to take on responsibilities they personally do not feel mature enough to bear. Yet brilliant victories are reported. The flesh can live a long time on this hay, straw and stubble.

A few years ago, actresses could walk straight from the stage to the pulpit, and article after article was written about their achievements. It was as if they cast a delightful glow over God’s kingdom and had done Him a great favor by getting converted. The Pentecostal leaders felt that these actresses brought to the church an enormous contribution of worldly refinement and charm that otherwise had been lacking in God’s kingdom. According to these leaders, the God-fearing maidservants who had served Him for years had much to learn at the feet of these actresses. Even to this very day, Pentecostal leaders are blind to the fact that this is nothing but a show.

But what is the use of saying anything? They are all so “biblical,” and they all have “the true doctrine.” The one thing they are lacking is eye salve so they can see that this is humbug. But bring on the feasts, and admire the fine apparel! Make sure that worldly refinement and high positions are not disregarded in favor of godly fear, poverty and humility, for everything must be “biblical” and presumably have its roots in James 2:2. If anyone disagrees, beat him down with the catch phrase, “false doctrine.” Just continue on the same track, hating those who stand at the gate and rebuke you. Surely you will overcome in the end, even if your life goes in the opposite direction of “the true doctrine.”

We are not going to hide the fact that God has trained our hands for war from the time of our youth, and it isn’t difficult for us to sail right into one of the Pentecostal leaders’ blind spots, of which there are many. As a matter of fact, we like speaking about war, just as we also think it is right to obey the authorities appointed by God, who do not bear the sword in vain. Rom. 13. The spirit of the times that glorifies conscientious objectors within free assemblies will not cause us to throw down our weapons, and it appears to me to be more effective to fight with shining swords than to sling mud like The Missionary does. Nonetheless, we will wash ourselves with water and not declare war on The Missionary over such trivialities. However, if they want war, they will have to completely change their method of waging war, because it seems to me that The Missionary doesn’t have a clue about even the basic principles of warfare. How then will they be able to fight lawfully, as the Scriptures say? Honesty and virtue are required even during wartime, but you can’t learn these things without first learning to fight.

As long as these “Smithites,” as The Missionary refers to them, sing and play for Saul, it is as if the evil spirit departs from him. But when Saul goes out to war, these Smithites “sneak” up on him, first from one side and then from the other, and then Saul’s wrath is kindled. They take his water jug, cut big pieces off his robe and wave triumphantly at him. They are said to be dangerous in battle, and they show up everywhere. 1 Sam. 23:13, 22. They are allegedly very crafty when it comes to ensnaring free friends and Pentecostals. Indeed even the leaders have a problem steering clear of them, for recently something unheard-of happened: Seehus, the editor himself, invited one of them into his own flock in Skien, which must be the equivalent of inviting the wolf into the sheepfold. Watch out for them, and keep an eye on the caves where they hide. They are very crafty, and as you can see, they can trick even the best of Christians.

I understand that it is bothersome when someone actually starts teaching in these assemblies, because this “Russian” gloom and darkness has enabled the leader to gain a foothold and roots in the assembly. So, when light begins to dawn for people, it is as if the leaders are shaken to their foundations. It becomes evident that their put-on airs as apostle, prophet, teacher, shepherd and evangelist are of no practical value in the assembly. All they can do is invite people to repentance. Once people are converted, they have nothing more to offer them—that’s all they have.

To save themselves and the whole assembly from foundering on dangerous reefs and rocks, these leaders give some naive sheep, whom they can rely on, the title of elder, pastor and teacher. Then everything is “biblical” and in perfect harmony with “true doctrine.” Woe to him who disturbs this good relationship—the viper will bite him. If we had lived in the reign of Louis XIV, we would probably have ended up in the Bastille long ago. At that time, there was only one pope. Now, in this century of religious freedom, there are masses of “mini-popes,” and for the most part their attitude is similar to their kinsman in Rome. Anyone who dares to tell them the truth is a heretic. All they lack is the authority to actually burn and kill.

The Missionary will just have to forgive us for permitting ourselves to believe and teach “Christ manifest in the flesh.” We believe that Christ was more than a statue with no feelings. We believe that He suffered, being tempted, and that He overcame, so that He never committed sin. This is why we believe Rom. 8:3—that God sent His Son on account of sin, and condemned sin in His Son’s flesh, because Jesus always said “No” to His self-will. We believe that He was put to death in the flesh, but made alive in the spirit. The Missionary publicly accuses us of teaching that Jesus had a “sinful nature.” We utterly reject this lie. If you commit sin, you have a “sinful nature”; but to have sin in the flesh and not allow it to rule is a different matter entirely.

I am well aware that Pentecostal leaders believe that Jesus only had the likeness of man, and that He came to earth in a form that only outwardly resembled sinful flesh. However, the Scriptures say that sin was condemned in this flesh, whether it looked like sinful flesh or it actually was sinful flesh. This point is of little interest for the natural man, but if you want to change your nature and obtain God’s nature, obedience to the Spirit is required. This causes sufferings in the flesh, because sin in the flesh has to be condemned. In these situations, the knowledge of the sufferings of Christ comforts and helps us. But those who are “free” have no use for any of this. To them, obeying God is bondage. The flesh will not obey and suffer, so an easier doctrine is more comfortable and more “biblical.” The remarkable thing is that these people who have come to us from the free assemblies had been so starved and enslaved that every single one of them acknowledged that they did not even have victory over the most commonplace sins despite their boast of liberty.

It is easy to “bluff” with the catch phrase “biblical doctrine.” In the power of this phrase, you can brand as “false teachers” with a “false doctrine” your brothers who are endeavoring—to the best of their ability—to live for God with a pure conscience. I can understand it is not always easy to get enough material for such a large paper that comes out so often. Recently The Missionary had a nice article about the editor’s grandfather. While he is at it, he could write about his aunt and uncle as well; then we could get to know them in the same way as we have been told about “our dear son” whose noble deeds and battles with the priesthood in Bergen have apparently been absolutely magnificent. Then there is the correspondent in Copenhagen, who is basking in the radiance of erstwhile actresses and enjoying the hallowed company of countesses. If this does not suffice, then how about a lovely trip over valleys and mountains, enjoying the view and listening to the sound of the lark, etc., etc.? Excerpts from this hodgepodge, mixed with a lively imagination, will undoubtedly be outstanding nourishment for new converts—who, however, are supposed to be living on the pure milk of the Word. Anyone in need of solid food can probably digest it without further ado. Perhaps this drivel is a direct result of the “biblical, true doctrine”!

It is such a shame that these Smith brothers can’t keep quiet. And now they also have the means to write and publish their views so that folly, which is enthroned on great heights, is exposed in such a blunt and brutal fashion.

Gone Astray from the Faith [a tract written by Aksel Smith] has recently been reprinted, and I highly recommend it to all readers of The Missionary, and all Pentecostals and free friends. Those among them who have not jumped back to Romans 7 can receive instruction about how it is possible to actually live the doctrine in the everyday life.

Dear Missionary, “If you have anything to say, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you. If not, listen to me; hold your peace, and I will teach you wisdom.” Job 33:32-33.

I understand that as far as The Missionary goes, we are “another’s servant.” But “who are you to judge another’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand.” Rom. 14:4.

Evidently The Missionary and its allies hate war and weapons. But now that the socialists are beginning to understand that they will get nowhere with their “broken rifles,” it looks like The Missionary is changing its mind as well. The fact is that no enemy makes peace willingly; everything must be taken by battle. Josh. 11:19. That is probably why the paper has now begun to lean in that direction.

As things currently stand, to become a registered member of the Pentecostal church, you have to apply, and to do this, you must acknowledge and approve of a whole lot of rules that the Pentecostal leaders have contrived. In Hebrews 12:23 we read that we have come to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven. If we have come there and have been registered, how then can the Pentecostal leaders permit the printing of registration forms? By applying to register, a person acknowledges that he has not previously been registered; therefore, the Pentecostal church must consist solely of members who have been registered merely by people. I would like to ask: Who has given the Pentecostal leaders authority to rule over their brethren, so that people need to apply to them to be registered? Where in the Bible is this written? It takes a considerable amount of arrogance and high-mindedness to appropriate that kind of papal authority. Then in the strength of this madness, they have the gall to look down from their high pedestal at God’s people and say to some: “You have ‘true doctrine,’” but say to others, “You have ‘false doctrine.’” Pack up your theories. Clothe yourselves in sackcloth and cover your heads with ashes. Go and hide in a corner, every one of you, until the Spirit of judgment and burning has consumed this “true doctrine” of yours.

Besides many other “great” things, Pentecostal leaders have also had a “magnificent building” in the depths of their hearts. Consequently, the founder of the Pentecostal church himself traveled to America some years ago to express the desire of his heart and to beg for money for this “magnificent building.” But Americans are used to that kind of begging and did not give him much, so the whole thing was a fiasco. In his need over this, he humbled himself, and God blessed him with the baptism of the Spirit. However, the roots of the “magnificent building” were never entirely torn out, so now the same man is out there begging again. It is as if the kingdom of God consisted of money (lots of it) and magnificent buildings (the bigger the better). In my opinion, the cause of the kingdom of God would have been better served by another fiasco like the one in America. Or have you never read, “Behold, God works all these things, twice, in fact, three times with a man.” Job 33:29.

Since we are not permitted to teach about God’s way in this country’s free assemblies, you will have to get used to us saying a few things from the outside now and then. Isaiah 54:17 tells us, “‘No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me,’ says the Lord.”

If The Missionary and the leaders of the “Pentecostals” and the “free assemblies” truly are servants of the Lord, then prove to us where our doctrine is wrong. If, however, you are unable to do this, as far as we are concerned, you are not servants of the Lord. We do not go beyond the measure God has given us. However, in the power of God and by His wisdom, we dare to say that if you try to kick against the goads, you will have an uphill struggle with what you call “false doctrine.” As a result, you will discover that your “ministry for God” against us is worse than nothing.

If, despite all this, you still want to declare war on us, do not—as The Missionary has just done—attack in the power of the flesh. Wait until you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, because you are only heading to death and destruction if you poke your nose out before then. 2 Sam. 5:24.

Rest can certainly be sweet in the assembly of the dead (Prov. 21:16), and you can sleep securely having your “true doctrine.” But though your dreams and fantasies are magnificent, on the day you wake up, the battle will be lost.

In conclusion, warm greetings with Job 12:2.