"Memorial Service For Dr. Walter Martin"

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Copyright 1993 by the Christian Research Institute.

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"Memorial Service For Dr. Walter Martin" (articles from the

Christian Research Newsletter, Volume 2: Number 4, 1989).

    The editor of the Christian Research Newsletter is Ron

Rhodes.

-------------



    *Walter R. Martin -- September 10, 1928 - June 26, 1989*

             A Personal Message from Darlene Martin



         _On the morning of June 26, 1989, Dr. Walter R.

     Martin -- founder and president of the Christian

     Research Institute -- died peacefully at his home in San

     Juan Capistrano, California._


         _A memorial service was held for Dr. Martin at

     Capistrano Valley Church on Thursday evening, June 29.

     The service featured tributary comments from family,

     friends, and CRI personnel. It was a service that

     honored Walter, yet also brought great glory to his

     beloved Savior._


         _A highlight of the service was when Darlene Martin,

     Walter's wife, shared her thoughts with the

     congregation. Her comforting words are recorded below._



    On behalf of my family and myself, I want to thank you all so

much for being here at the home going celebration of Walter

Martin. I awakened early Monday morning to find he was not in

bed. I went to the next room to see if all was okay, and found

Walt on his knees there. My first thoughts were, "Can you say

'Amen' now and come back to bed?" But after gently touching him

on his shoulder and calling his name, I realized he was no longer

here, but in the presence of the Lord.


    Walt was often up in the middle of the night. And I was many

times awakened to the sounds of his praying quietly or reading

the scriptures in the next room, or jotting down notes for a

sermon or a new book he would like to write. His love of the Lord

was everything to him. It was his life. There were no gray areas

when it came to the truths of the gospel, a stance which cost him

much by earthly standards. But he did not live by earthly

standards. His role model was Jesus Christ, and his constant

desire was to be more like Him and to do his Father's will.


    God put him where He wanted him to be, and took him home in

His time. Walt had been in the battle for almost 40 years. He had

fought the good fight. He had run the course. And now is laid up

for him the crown of glory.


    We shall all miss him greatly. But his rest is well earned.

He is praising the Lord now in His presence, and I am sure the

Lord has taken him by the hand and said, "Well done, thou good

and faithful servant."


    We who are left will continue to struggle, to win the fight,

to run the course. God has set before us to endure until He comes

again, or calls us home. We must continue to build on the

foundation Walt has laid, never wavering from the truth of the

gospel, and never compromising for the sake of popularity or

position.


    Walt was constantly aware and grateful for what the Lord had

done for him and the avenues of service the Lord had made

available to him. My prayer is that we would all be inspired by

this man's life and ministry, to earnestly contend for the faith

as he had so vigorously done all the years the Lord had given to

him.


    God's richest blessings on each of you! May He give us

strength to fight the good fight. And -- as Walt had said so

often -- "I've got good news for you. I've read the end of the

book, and we win."


    Thank you again for all your love and prayers that have made

it physically possible for me to endure. Thanks also to the many

people who have prepared food and sent cards and flowers. I

deeply appreciate it all.


    Walt and I talked often about who would take over for him at

CRI if the Lord were to ever take him home. Since last October,

Walter asked Hank Hanegraaff to work with him and to be that man.

Little did we know that it would come this soon. But Hank is the

man that Walter wanted to lead CRI, and I am eternally grateful

for this man, for the uplifting that he has done for me in these

past few days. He is a godsend, and I am grateful for him and his

family.


    I know that the Lord is going to bless CRI and that the

ministry is going to flourish under Hank's direction. I thank the

Lord for him and for CRI and for all the staff who are going to

carry on, even in the midst of Walt's absence. And I just praise

the Lord for it. Thank you again.



                          =============



              *Remembering a Soldier of the Cross*

       Excerpts From Dr. Walter Martin's Memorial Service



    _Dr. Martin's memorial service opened with the following

words from the Reverend John Ankerberg._


    Tonight is going to be a time where we can cry and we can

laugh, because that's the way Walter Martin would want it to be.

And I think we're going to do a little bit of each.


    You're going to meet the family. You're going to hear from

some of his closest board-member friends, as well as other

friends that are here. We're so glad that you came.


    I'm going to ask that we stand to our feet and begin by

giving this service to the Lord. Let's pray. "Our great God, it's

a privilege to think about the man that you allowed us to know as

a friend and as a minister. What joy he brought into our lives.

Many people are here tonight because he preached. He dared to

tell the truth about Jesus Christ and as a result, people came to

know Christ as personal Lord and Savior. We thank you for that.

And tonight, as we celebrate his home going -- as well as console

each other with the pain of his leaving us -- we ask that your

Holy Spirit would deal with each one of us tenderly. We look to

you for this service, our dear God. And we thank you in Jesus'

name. Amen."

                                                 _John Ankerberg_


    Monday morning, about 8:30, my precious friend Darlene called

me and said, "Lowell, I guess you were the last to speak to

Walter." I'd talked to him the night before. And I thought, 'what

in the world could she possibly mean?' And then she said Walter's

gone to be with his Lord....


    Walter had so much love for his fellow man that it's hard to

explain.... I often accompanied Walter to autograph parties for

some of the books he wrote. And he sometimes had cultists

verbally attack him when they were in close range. And I used to

stand there in amazement at his total patience. He never got the

least little bit aroused, but would stand there and listen

patiently....


    This happened in Long Beach once. Walter put his arm around

this Mormon who was furious at what he'd been saying. He put his

arm around him and said, "Brother, let's talk about what the

Scriptures say." And after a little while, the man quieted down

and fifteen minutes later dear precious Walter said, "Sir, would

you like to pray and accept Christ?" The man said "yes," as quick

as that. And in front of 100 people there in the middle of a

bookstore -- Walter didn't care where it was -- he prayed, and

the man accepted Jesus as his Lord. I saw that happen so many

times, I can't even begin to enumerate it. Walter truly lived

what he preached.

                                                   _Lowell Jones_


    Let everyone here tonight understand that what we have here

tonight is a military ceremony. And Walter, we're here tonight to

offer you our twenty-one gun salute. For truly, you've been a

great warrior for the faith. And I'd like to reminisce for a

little bit, Walt, and talk about things that happened long ago

when we first met back in the fall of 1944 when we were cast

together at the Stony Brook School in New York.


    You came from a Roman Catholic school; I came from a

Christian Science background. And neither one of us knew what it

meant to be a Christian. We were a couple of young boys cast

together. What we didn't reckon with was that we were to be put

under the teaching of Dr. Frank Gaebelein, the headmaster of the

school, a giant of a man.


    Well, Walt, it didn't take too long under Dr. Gaebelein's

teaching before the Holy Spirit zapped both of us. Within a week

of one another, we both came to commit our lives to Jesus

Christ....


    I also remember how we talked into the night about our

different religious backgrounds. You talked about Roman Catholic

beliefs, and I told you a little about Christian Science. I

didn't buy any of it, but I told you what they believed. You were

very much interested in the beliefs of Christian Science at that

time, and I believe you began your research right there, by

taking these questions to Dr. Gaebelein. I think those early

discussions that we had got you interested in the cults, and you

went on from there to write your first book, _The Christian

Science Myth._ And from there, you've taken the attack right to 

Satan's stronghold. And we all here tonight, Walt, want to thank

you. We praise God for your ministry.


    Walter, my personal tribute to you tonight is best expressed

by what the Psalmist had to say about that man of God, that

_tree_ that could not be moved. The Psalmist said, "Blessed is

the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor

standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the

scornful. But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in His

law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree

planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in

his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he

doeth shall prosper. The ungodly are not so: but are like the

chaff which the wind driveth away. Therefore the ungodly shall

not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the

righteous. For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the

way of the ungodly shall perish." (Psalm 1)

                                                    _Bill Seaver_


    Walter Martin was special: his gift of recall, his dedication

to the cause of Christ, and his love for the people engulfed in

the cults and occult. All this was evident during the twenty-five

years I have had the privilege to serve behind the scenes on the

CRI Board of Directors.


    What a joy it has been to see the growth of CRI from the

early days in Oakland, New Jersey, to seeing Walter's dream of

the new International Headquarters building come to fruition this

past year. Most thrilling are the thousands of people now living

for Christ as a result of Walter's honest and bold defense of

scriptural truths.


    The CRI staff is committed to continue the fervor and the

excitement that Walter had. Walter's vision for the ministry was

clear. He believed the most loving thing he could do for people

was to defend the faith, conveying the truth from God's Word

whether they liked it or not. His open arms and his teddy bear

loving hugs will always be remembered.


    Even though Walter was constantly attacked by Satan in many

areas of his life, Christ protected him and gave him victory. And

that victory sign is now portrayed by two tree trunks in a

V-shape reaching up to heaven right beside his grave site.


    Yes, Walter Martin will always have a place in our hearts and

minds. He remains very special as we continue to serve the Lord,

seeking to accomplish His will like Walter endeavored to do

through the years.


     His challenge tonight to us -- to each one of us -- would be

that we would continue to study to show ourselves approved unto

God, workmen who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word

of truth.

                                               _Stanley Tonnesen_

                                           CRI Board of Directors


    I count it a privilege to have known Walter for 39 years. As

a matter of fact, just three of our directors -- Stan Tonnesen,

Bill Seaver, and myself -- have spent a cummulative total of 104

years with Walter. We knew his heart and the direction he wanted

this ministry to go. We are grateful for Walter's choice of Hank

Hanegraaff to lead the ministry through the decade of the 1990's

and beyond.


    Walter and I have been at numerous CRI board meetings

together and we've shared heartaches, we've shared victories,

we've shared joy, we've shared sorrow. And we had a closeness

that I'll never forget.


    The most important thing in my life right now is to be a

witness for the Lord Jesus Christ and carry on Walter's work.

Thank you all for coming.

                                               _Everett Jacobsen_

                                           CRI Board of Directors


     Good evening everyone. For those of you who don't know me,

I'm the eldest son, Bryan. On behalf of my family, I want to

thank each and every one of you for coming tonight. I know that

my dad's life and ministry touched many of you. He was given a

commission by God to go and preach the gospel and often said his

role was to give every man an answer, a reason for the hope that

lies within us with reverence and humility (1 Peter 3:15).


    We viewed our dad as a spiritual warrior who was sent by God

to fulfill the calling of the scripture. Dad loved all of us very

much, and each of the members of my family felt that love. But he

also had a love and a burden for those who needed to know Christ

as their Lord and Savior. His life was dedicated to this task.

Each of us here will remember dad and the example he set for us.


    I know many of you are here tonight as a direct result of his

ministry; from helping you in how to witness to the cults, to how

to defend the gospel, to maybe even coming to know Christ through

his ministry. That was dad's greatest joy, to know that there

would be souls saved and be in heaven as a result of his sharing

the gospel.


    He would often tell us stories of people who would come up to

him at meetings or in his Bible class and share something with

him about his tapes and books, and how his teaching had a

tremendous impact on their lives. He was so excited about sharing

these stories with us. What I remember most was how he told me

that all the praise and glory would go to Jesus. He did not want

to take the credit. It is the Holy Spirit who brings people into

salvation, and he always emphasized this to me.


    I want to personally thank all of you for your prayers and

support, for all of our family. We all deeply appreciate it.

Please continue to uplift in prayer the family and CRI and the

continuing work that needs to be done. Dad fought the good fight,

and we know he is at peace where he longed to be. As Paul, "I

long to be with Christ which is far better." All of us will miss

him and all the love and encouragement he brought to us. But I

know dad would want all of us to press on for the cause of the

gospel.

                                                   _Bryan Martin_


    Danny Martin, Dr. Martin's youngest son, read the following

poem at the memorial service. It is entitled, "Safely Home."


               I am home in heaven, dear ones.

               All so happy and all so bright.

               There's perfect joy and beauty

               in this everlasting light.


               All the pain and grief are over,

               every restless tossing past.

               I am now at peace forever,

               safely home in heaven at last.


               Did you wonder, I so calmly

               trod the valley of the shade?

               Oh but Jesus' love illumined

               every dark and fearful glade.


               And He came Himself to meet me

               on the way so hard to tread.

               And with Jesus' arm to lean on,

               could I have one doubt or dread?


               Then you must not grieve so early,

               for I love you dearly still.

               Try to look beyond earth's shadows.

               Pray to trust our Father's will.


               There is work still waiting for you,

               so you must not idle stand.

               Do your work while life remaineth.

               You shall rest in Jesus' hand.


               When that work is all completed,

               He will gently call you home.

               Oh the rapture of the meeting.

               Oh the joy to see you come.



                         =============



      *A Brief Chronology of Walter R. Martin's Ministry*



*September 10, 1928*


Walter R. Martin was born in Brooklyn, New York.


*1949*


Was already speaking about (and self-publishing some small

pamphlets on) the cults as a freshman at Shelton College.


*1951*


Was ordained as a Baptist minister.


*1952*


Obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree from Shelton College in New

York.


*1953*


Published _Jehovah of the Watchtower,_ a concise analysis of the

Jehovah's Witnesses.


*1953-1954*


Taught at Shelton College in New York.


*1954-1956*


Public Relations and Alumni Director at Stony Brook School.


1955


Founded the Division of Cult Apologetics at the Zondervan

Publishing House.


Published _The Christian Science Myth._


Published _The Rise of the Cults,_ a summary guide to the major

cults.


*1956*


Obtained a Master's degree from New York University and Biblical

Seminary.


*1956-1957*


Dr. Martin and Donald Grey Barnhouse engaged in a formal

conference with several major representatives of the General

Conference of Seventh-day Adventism. The purpose of the meeting

was to gather doctrinal information on this controversial group.


*1957*


_Questions on Doctrine_ was published by the Adventist

denomination largely in response to questions raised by Dr.

Martin.


*1957-1960*


Walter Martin and Donald Grey Barnhouse wrote a number of

important articles on Seventh-day Adventism for _Eternity_

magazine.


*1958*


Part of the Pastor's Conference Team of World Vision Inc.

Traveled some 25,000 miles and spoke to over 5,000 Christians

about the problem of non-Christian cults on the mission field.

Tour stops included Formosa, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand,

Burma, India, and Ghana.


*1960 (October 1)*


Founded Christian Research Institute. Served as its President for

almost thirty years.


*1960*


Published _The Truth about Seventh-day Adventism._


*1960-1965*


Taught at King's College in New York.


*1961*


Returned to Europe to lecture on the cults, and interviewed

missionaries whose work ranged from Scandinavia through Germany,

Switzerland, Italy, Belgium, Holland, and France.


*1961-1962*


The _Religious Research Digest_ was published by the Christian

Research Institute. This quarterly publication featured such

writers as Wilbur M. Smith and Donald Grey Barnhouse.


*1962*


Published _Essential Christianity,_ a handbook of basic Christian

doctrines.


Published _The Maze of Mormonism,_ a concise guide to the

confusing maze of Mormon doctrine and practice.


*1964*


First began appearing on the "Long John Nebel Show." Appeared

over 80 times on this popular NBC radio broadcast.


*1965*


Recipient of the "_Professor of the Year_" Award from King's

College.


Published the classic _The Kingdom of the Cults._ This book was

selected by both _Christianity Today_ and _Eternity_ magazines

as "one of the best" of the year in 1965. It has since been

revised and expanded. The July 1985 edition of _Newsweek_

magazine listed the book as "one of the 10 best selling spiritual

books in America." Approximately 500,000 copies have been

published to date.


Radio ministry expanded with the addition of "The Bible Answer

Man" program, a live telephone talk show in which Walter Martin

answered questions about the Bible and related subjects. The

program was recognized by the National Religious Broadcasters as

"one of the most controversially stimulating programs in

Christian radio!"


*1966-1973*


Took over the Bible Class of Donald Grey Barnhouse, held every

Monday evening in New York City.


*1967*


Debated Dr. Hugh J. Schonfield, controversial author of _The

Passover Plot._


*1968-1979*


Founding board member at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.


*1974*


Walter Martin moved from New Jersey to California where he

eventually set up CRI's International Headquarters.


Began teaching "Cults and the Occult" at Melodyland School of

Theology. His class at Melodyland evolved into a regular Sunday

school class in Southern California.


*1975*


Published _Screwtape Writes Again,_ a book on some effective

strategies demons use with Christians.


Began broadcasting "The Bible Answer Man" in Southern California.


*1976*


Obtained a Ph.D. degree from California Western University.


Led a tour to the Holy Land.


*1978*


Interviewed on national television (NBC) following the Jonestown

tragedy.


Founded FORWARD magazine. This magazine evolved to the present

CHRISTIAN RESEARCH JOURNAL.


*1980*


Defended the orthodox Christian position on "The Phil Donahue

Show" against two witches.


Published _The New Cults,_ a book which examines and evaluates

the newer cults infiltrating society.


Became the Director of the MA program at Simon Greenleaf School

of Law.


An Honor Citation was given to CRI by the National Religious

Broadcasters for "The Bible Answer Man" program.


An Award of Excellence was presented to CRI for "The Bible Answer

Man" by RIM (Religion In Media).


Traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, and delivered lectures to African

clergymen on the dangers of cultic and occultic movements

threatening Africa.


Published _Walter Martin's Cults Reference Bible._


*1981*


Returned to Africa to speak at the National Christian Council of

Kenya, a gathering of several hundred leading pastors and

educators in Nairobi.


*1983*


Spoke in Brazil, the spiritist capital of the world, and

established a CRI office there.


*1984*


Visited and spoke on the cults in Australia and New Zealand.


Visited and spoke on the cults in Canada.


*1985*


CRI opened an office in Canada.


*1987 (October 30)*


Discussed Satanism on the 700 Club with Pat Robertson.


*1987*


_Secret Power,_ written by D. L. Moody and first published in

1881, was edited by Walter Martin and republished. Dr. Martin

wanted to republish the book because it showed that Moody

subscribed to the Charismatic emphasis on the need for the power

of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts.


*1988*


CRI moved into its new International Headquarters building in

Irvine, California.


*1989*


Published his last book, _The New Age Cult,_ which examines and

evaluates some of the major tenets of the New Age movement.


*1989 (June 17)*


Delivered his last seminar at Arrowhead Springs Christian

Conference Center for a small Pastor's Conference where Dr.

Martin preached on holiness.


*1989 (June 24)*


Debate with Bishop Spong on "The John Ankerberg Show," the

weekend prior to his death.


*1989 (June 26)*


Walter R. Martin died peacefully at his home in San Juan

Capistrano, California. He was 60 years old.



                         =============



                      *Personal Tributes*

                     of Christian Leaders



    Walter Martin's insightful mind, his forceful logic, and his

dedication to orthodox Christianity were seldom, if ever, equaled

in the field of contemporary cults....Inspired by his example,

we renew our dedication to carry on the mission God so uniquely

equipped him to do....I trust that God will richly bless and

effectively use the excellent CRI staff to carry forward this

ministry for Christ in the memory of their mentor.

                                             _Dr. Norman Geisler_

                                                 Quest Ministries


    I've known Walter Martin for probably twenty-five years or

so, and had a deep appreciation for his tremendous grasp of the

Word of God and the contribution he's made to the whole

evangelical community. Dr. Martin is going to be greatly missed

by friends and those who just knew him by reputation. Heaven, of

course, is much richer because Walter is there now. But all of

us who are left behind are going to miss him greatly. We mourn

his passing, but rejoice that he is now in the presence of the

Lord whom he served and loved so very, very much.

                                                   _Ted Engstrom_

                               President Emeritus of World Vision


    Walter Martin awakened the sleeping giant of the church to

the deadly dangers of deceptive doctrines. He understood the

cultic mentality, highlighted reason for the cults' magnetic

appeals, and challenged the church to consider neglected

doctrine. As a result of his motivating ministry, the evangelical

church is immeasurably more alert, discerning, and courageous

than it otherwise would have been.

                                                   _Gordon Lewis_

                            Professor of Theology and Apologetics

                                                  Denver Seminary


    Dr. Walter Martin was a man of surpassing love for Christ,

His Word, and His people. He ever manifested unswerving fidelity

to the essentials of the Christian faith. He showed a unique

courage and ability in witnessing to that faith, not only on "The

Bible Answer Man" program, but in the printed page and in

personal presentations all around the world.


    We served together, laughed together, and prayed together.

I long for the day when the friendship here will be continued in

our Father's house where there are many mansions. Meanwhile,

though we who knew and loved him sorrow deeply, we sorrow not as

those who have no hope, for Christians never say good-bye for the

last time.

                                               _Dr. Desmond Ford_

                                              Good News Unlimited


    Walter Martin was a strong soldier of the cross, a clear

thinking defender of Christianity, and an able expositor of

scripture. We shall miss his unswerving, steadfast pursuit of the

truth. He was to many of us, however, more than a courageous

conqueror -- he was a loyal friend "in season and out of season."

                                                 _Chuck Swindoll_

                                                  Senior Pastor

                       First Evangelical Free Church of Fullerton


    Walter Martin was an intrepid warrior for the cause of

Christ. He was not afraid to take on any heretic or cultist of

any sort. I think it is significant that the night before his

death he was engaged in a debate for the cause of Jesus

Christ....His books and tapes will for many years be a resource

in battling the many cultists and heretics in the world.

                                           _Dr. D. James Kennedy_

                                                  Senior Pastor

                                  Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church


    Walter Martin was a friend of every true believer in Jesus

Christ. He was a defender of the faith, a man of unswerving

integrity, and a man who was completely loyal to the gospel of

Christ. My prayer is that scores of individuals will pick up his

torch and run with it.

                                                    _Harold Sala_

                                                     Guidelines


    Walter was always motivated by a deep love for people. When

my son, who is thirteen years old, heard that Walter had died,

he said: "You know what I remember about Walter is that he would

always give me a big hug and tell me how special I was in Jesus

Christ."


    Walter was also a true encourager. He took me under his wings

-- almost like a Timothy-Paul relationship -- and helped me in

my own ministry. I cannot thank him enough for his inspiration,

love, and encouragement.


    How great it must be for Walter in heaven right now. He's

probably in the presence, not only of Jesus Christ, but I can see

him sitting around right now discussing apologetics with C.S.

Lewis, Francis Shaeffer, Augustine, Luther, John Calvin, and all

the other great defenders of the Christian faith. Walter Martin

will certainly be remembered throughout Church history in that

category of great saints who lead the fight and who stood firm

in the faith.

                                                    _Ron Carlson_

                                                      President

                               Christian Ministries International


    A true champion of the orthodox faith, Dr. Martin was

thorough in battling the occult and the growing number of cults

in our generation. He dealt with people of various faiths in a

truthful manner, pointing out their logical and spiritual errors

with a pastor's heart.


    In an era of diluted faith and obscured thinking, Dr. Martin

was a voice constantly calling us back to the bedrock of Christ

and the holiness of the scriptures. He will be sorely missed, but

we know we will see him again. May God give each of us the grace

to follow in his footsteps.

                                            _Dr. James C. Dobson_

                                                      President

                                              Focus on the Family


    Whereas most people remember Walter Martin, I suppose, as a

result of his dynamic speaking and his books, I came to know him

as a fellow cult watchman, and I remember him best as one who

encouraged and supported his fellow cult watchers. He was always

very sensitive to the needs of other ministries. And he was

always ready and willing to assist the lesser-known ones.


    He represented for all of us an exemplary model of

scholarship, fairness, and biblically-based analysis, and it was

a great privilege to have known him.

                                                     _Ron Enroth_

                                           Professor of Sociology

                                                 Westmont College


    Dr. Walter Martin served the body of Christ in a most unique

and exemplary way as one of the world's foremost authorities on

apologetics and cults. Though we shall miss him, his vital

contribution to the Christian cause will continue to influence

generations yet unborn.

                                                _Dr. Bill Bright_

                                                      President

                          Campus Crusade for Christ International



                         =============



I SAW THE HOLY CITY, THE NEW JERUSALEM, COMING DOWN OUT OF HEAVEN

FROM GOD, PREPARED AS A BRIDE BEAUTIFULLY DRESSED FOR HER

HUSBAND. AND I HEARD A LOUD VOICE FROM THE THRONE SAYING, "NOW

THE DWELLING OF GOD IS WITH MEN, AND HE WILL LIVE WITH THEM. THEY

WILL BE HIS PEOPLE, AND GOD HIMSELF WILL BE WITH THEM AND BE

THEIR GOD. HE WILL WIPE EVERY TEAR FROM THEIR EYES. THERE WILL

BE NO MORE DEATH OR MOURNING OR CRYING OR PAIN, FOR THE OLD ORDER

OF THINGS HAS PASSED AWAY."

                                                REVELATION 21:1-4


    What was the central truth of the early apostles' preaching?

What was the stimulus to the miraculous growth of the early

church? What was the energizing force which spread the gospel

across the face of the earth? The answer to all these questions

is the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. "He is risen!" was the

victorious cry of the early Christians, and they spread it to the

ends of the earth.


    Unless we accept what the Scriptures teach about the

Resurrection, the entire Christian message virtually

disintegrates. The whole preaching thrust of the apostolic age

was based upon the fact that one quiet morning in an obscure

garden man had vanquished his most feared enemy, the vaunted dark

angel of death. Satan had defeated the first Adam in a garden

ages before, and with his victory there commenced the reign of

sin and death over mankind. But now in God's appointed time and

plan Satan met the last Adam in still another garden, and death

was "swallowed up in victory" (1 Corinthians 15:54).

                                                Walter R. Martin

                               _Essential Christianity,_ page 63


    Our Lord's Resurrection is far more than just a doctrinal

proposition. It is the basic pillar upon which rests the hope of

all Christians. Paul wrote, "And if Christ be not raised, your

faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins" (1 Corinthians 15:17).

                                                Walter R. Martin

                               _Essential Christianity,_ page 68


    The resurrection of Christ is not just an Easter-time

phenomena to be celebrated in song and service, but the

resurrection is literally the dawn of every new day of our lives

and of our witness. Because Christ lives, the Scripture says, we

will live also.

                                                Walter R. Martin

                 From his tape, "The Gospel of the Resurrection"



-------------

End of document, CRN0010A.TXT (original CRI file name),

"Memorial Service For Dr. Walter Martin"

release A, August 25, 1993

R. Poll, CRI


(A special note of thanks to Bob and Pat Hunter for their help

in the preparation of this ASCII file for BBS circulation.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------


YOURS FOR THE ASKING


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late Dr. Walter R. Martin -- is a clearing house for current, in-

depth information on new religious movements and aberrant

Christian teachings.  We provide well-reasoned, carefully-

researched answers to concepts and ideas that challenge orthodox

Christianity.


Did you know that CRI has a wealth of information on various

topics that is yours for the asking?  We offer a wide variety of

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newsletter is freely available upon request as well.  Write or

call us today for information on topics of interest to you.  Our

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Christian Research Institute

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(714) 855-9926


---------------

End of file.


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